Comprehensive Position Profile Coming Soon

About Pacific Education Institute

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 FieldSTEM model has grown to include: ClimeTime, 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 their website, HERE.

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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

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.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

PEI’s next ED will have experience serving in senior management in a transferable field and will bring a compelling combination of all or some of the following skills and experience to their work:

  • Proven track record in working effectively with staff and board of directors
  • Content knowledge in education, and science, natural resources, agriculture, the environment or related field
  • Systems perspective with the ability to work collaboratively to carry out the goals and objectives set out in a strategic plan
  • Experience building relationships and soliciting funds with the ability to engage a wide range of donors
  • Experience in fiscal management and budgeting
  • Ability to multi-task and work independently while staying organized
  • Commitment to quality programs and data-driven evaluations
  • Effective advocate and spokesperson for organizational mission/vision in a variety of settings
  • Nonprofit management experience
  • Capable of leading complex initiatives in a dynamic and remote work environment
  • Experience and exposure to state education standards, preferably in Washington
  • Proven ability to navigate political nuance and the policy landscape in the state legislature and school systems
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, science, nonprofit management or related field; advanced degree preferred

Competencies:

  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment with a diverse group of individuals
  • Persuasive and passionate written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to lead within a culture of equity and inclusion
  • Solution oriented problem solving
  • Passion, integrity and a positive attitude
  • Mission-driven, flexible, sound decision-maker
  • Proven ability to build trust in a team environment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The annual salary range for this position is $120,000 - $140,000 DOE

PEI is committed to supporting all employees through competitive salary and benefits, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and training and professional development.

Benefits include:

• Health, vision, dental, and life insurance
• SIMPLE IRA retirement program with up to 3% employer match
• 12 personal days in lieu of holidays plus generous vacation allowance
• 12 days of sick leave annually
• Up to 52 hours of professional learning annually

TO BE CONSIDERED

The position is open until filled, with a priority deadline of June 12, 2026. Candidate materials are reviewed on an on-going basis, and initial interviews will begin by late-May. Cover letters (two pages or less) addressed to Board President, Leslie Druffel, and a resume can be submitted to Valtas.

You may direct questions to Ed Rogan at ed@valtasgroup.com or 206.697.8428, or Chris Cannon at chris@valtasgroup.com or 971.666.2621.

Pacific Education Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of color, LGBTQ+ candidates, women, candidates with disabilities, and candidates of all religions and national origins are strongly encouraged to apply.