Pacific Education Institute-Executive Director

Hybrid based in Olympia, WA

Reports to:

Board of Directors

Annual budget: ~$1M

Total staff: 8

Salary: $120,000 – $140,000 annually, DOE

The Pacific Education Institute (PEI) was founded in 2003 by a consortium of leaders from the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC), Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), and the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA).

Today, PEI works statewide to connect K‑12 educators and community partners with training and resources to engage students in outdoor‑based learning to develop scientifically literate citizens poised to make balanced decisions for sustainable communities. Centered on equity and sustainability, the Field

STEM model has grown to include:
Clime Time, Project Learning Tree, Project WET, Project WILD, Outdoor School for All, Green Jobs, and dual language and multicultural programming.

To learn more about PEI’s programs visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Following the success of a longstanding leader, PEI is now searching for their next Executive Director to help steer the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and senior leader for PEI, and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, business plan, fundraising efforts, daily operations, sustainability, and statewide impact. The ED provides visionary leadership across organizational strategies: including finances, programs, policy advocacy, partnerships, and organizational culture. The ED will lead a high‑performing senior team, steward PEI’s financial health, provide statewide programming, and strengthen PEI’s role as a trusted leader in education policy, systems change, and cross‑sector collaboration.

• Engage and energize PEI’s board members, staff, partner organizations and funders to further PEI’s mission
• Develop and support the board of directors and collaborate with them on policy decisions
• Serve as ex‑officio member of each committee
• Implement the business plan to address changing market forces and achieve sustainable funding by fully integrating the work of staff and consultants
• Develop and ensure implementation of strategies for the effective delivery of PEI’s work
• Lead, coach, develop and retain PEI’s staff

• Collaborate with the Finance & HR Director to ensure a strong financial management system is in place through long‑term financial planning and regular budget analysis
• Ensure financial best practices are followed, develop and manage the annual budget
• Seek new opportunities for fundraising and program expansion, including accessing foundation funding
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Development & Communications, actively engage donors, write grants, and diversify revenue streams to ensure financial stability and expand successful fundraising activities and events
• Pursue state and federal funding opportunities that are aligned with PEI’s mission
• Expand PEI’s network of contacts and build relationships with donors and legislative supporters
• Support the board in increasing their involvement in strategic fundraising

• Continue to build partnerships in new markets, establishing relationships with school district administrators/educators, funders, partner organizations, and political community leaders in each expansion site
• Communicate program results with an emphasis on Field
  
  STEM® Plus as a model for replication
• Set annual goals and measurements of success for the organization’s business plan

• Advocate for education policy aligned with PEI’s mission
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and ability to engage different points of view
• Communicate a consistent, clear message about who PEI is, the work…