Executive Director; RF

Position: Executive Director (RF)
With professional roots in business and the tech industry and family roots in community and civic engagement, Tricia and Jeff Raikes’ values and commitment to improving community run deep. As they embarked on their own personal philanthropic journey, they were inspired by their three children and the belief that real change for the future rests with young people. Founded in 2002 and based in Seattle, the Raikes Foundation has been a leader in catalyzing systems-level change and influencing issues related to young people and impact-driven philanthropy.

As living donors and trustees of the foundation, Tricia and Jeff Raikes are deeply committed to their philanthropic initiatives and actively engaged in the strategic direction of the foundation.

The Raikes Foundation has invested nearly $115 million in grants since its founding in 2002 and the Raikes have used their name and influence to leverage impact far beyond their dollars. This first phase of giving has evolved an innovative approach to philanthropy that is committed to equity, collaboration, systems transformation, learning, and advocacy. The Raikes’ approach, combined with the discipline to invest in programming with catalytic potential, has already led to significant contributions in areas related to youth homelessness and education, and has inspired the development of tools and technologies that will transform the work of philanthropy into the future.

The Raikes’ commitment to a fresh approach to philanthropy has also attracted a team of exceptional leaders, each a significant contributor to the development of the foundation’s strategy and programming. Now at a pivotal moment, the foundation seeks a new Executive Director who will lead the next phase of impact and increased investment for the Raikes Foundation. The Executive Director will be a trusted advisor to the trustees in the further articulation, refinement, and execution of their philanthropic vision and will bring organizational leadership to the foundation that advances that vision.

The successful candidate will be a seasoned strategist with proven and progressive leadership combined with a track record of innovation, systems change, and a learning orientation that fosters impact and effectiveness in the art of grantmaking and philanthropic investment. The new Executive Director will possess an inclusive leadership style, outstanding management skills, and experience building and supporting high-functioning teams. The new Executive Director will be an adaptive, collaborative leader who engenders trust and respect with the aim of developing philanthropic strategies grounded in social justice and equity that are nimble, responsive, and reflective of the communities the foundation serves and the change the trustees seek through their giving.

Organizational Overview

The Raikes Foundation is grounded and disciplined by its commitment to impactful philanthropy. Tricia and Jeff Raikes were inspired early on by the catalytic potential of investing in youth and youth-serving systems and at the same time were excited about leveraging their resources and business acumen to support field alignment and innovation in philanthropy. In the first years of the foundation’s work, the Raikes articulated the foundation’s belief in the unlimited potential of young people and its commitment to work toward a just and inclusive society where all young people have the support they need to reach their full potential.

This focus led to careful attention to the systemic barriers often impeding the potential of far too many, particularly low-income children and young people of color. The foundation’s work in education, youth homelessness, and expanded learning opportunities focuses on eliminating these barriers and works to change systems that have traditionally been, and continue to be, inequitable.

The foundation’s holistic, collaborative, and innovative approach to systems change is central in all its programs. The foundation works to strengthen the philanthropic and non-profit sectors by engaging in research to better understand the barriers that donors face in giving with impact, developing and…