Tavon Learning Center Executive Director

Executive Director Opportunity at Tavon Learning Center

Tavon Learning Center seeks an Executive Director who is passionate about person-centered programming and the impact it makes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. If you're ready to lead an organization where quality is paramount, relationships are central, and your leadership can create lasting impact, this is your opportunity!

At Tavon, we've built something exceptional: a nature-based learning program that combines outdoor exploration, real-world community experiences, and individualized support in ways no other local program replicates. Our members don't just attend a day program, they grow vegetables in our gardens, take the light rail to Chinatown for lunch, hike forest trails, and build skills for independent living. We fill a critical need by providing both an impactful program and critical respite for families and caregivers.

As Executive Director, you'll steward the organization through an important transition and significant moment in its history. You’ll build upon a strong foundation from our founding Executive Director, who thoughtfully grew the organization over the past 18 years, while you guide Tavon into our next chapter. You'll work alongside a dedicated team of 20+ staff members, an engaged Board, and a loyal community who are passionate about preserving what makes Tavon unique, while building the systems and structures that will enable Tavon to thrive and grow into this next chapter of impact.

This role puts you at the center of meaningful work: leading a talented and committed team growing into their own leadership, ensuring Tavon's continued financial sustainability, and collaboratively making strategic decisions that will shape Tavon's future. You'll become the public face of an organization that members thrive in, families depend on, staff are proud of, and peers admire.

Tavon Learning Center empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to experience personal growth in nature, the community, and the classroom. For nearly two decades, we've provided active learning programs distinguished by our commitment to quality, individualized support, and nature-based approach. We envision a future in which all adults with disabilities experience learning and thrive in inclusive communities.

Tavon fills a critical post-high school gap in services for adults with I/DD by providing opportunities for learning, growth, social connection, and meaningful outdoor experiences. Our low staff-to-member ratios, nature-based environment, and commitment to dignity and person-centered philosophy have earned us a strong reputation in the greater Seattle area disability services community.

We serve approximately 100 members with an annual operating budget of $2.5 million, supported by state contracts, fee-for-service programming, and individual philanthropy. Our team of 20+ mission-driven staff members are committed to our values and the people we serve.

We achieve our mission through programs at both of our Issaquah sites, our Downtown location and Black Nugget campus, focused in three core areas:

We create opportunities for members to build friendships, develop healthy relationships, and strengthen interpersonal skills. Through group activities, recreation programs, and collaborative projects in our gardens and community spaces, members practice communication, learn social cues, and build the confidence that comes from genuine connection and belonging.

We support members in developing practical skills for daily life through hands-on, real-world practice. From household management and food preparation to functional academics, personal safety, and time management, our learn-by-doing approach takes place in both classroom and authentic settings—helping members build the skills and confidence they need to live as independently as possible.

We believe real-world practice matters. Our members engage in enriching community experiences including visiting local…