Executive Director

YouthCare is seeking a strategic, operationally strong Executive Director to lead the organization through a critical period of restructuring, stabilization, and renewed focus in service of young people experiencing homelessness.

For over five decades, YouthCare has worked to end youth homelessness and support young people ages 12–24 with shelter, housing, education, employment, and wraparound services. The next Executive Director will join a mission-driven team, committed Board, and dedicated partners who believe that all young people deserve safety, dignity, opportunity, and the chance to thrive.

This role is designed for an experienced leader who excels at executing strategic objectives, and who will deliver on the agency’s mission with discipline, empathy, and transparency.

Role Responsibilities

THE OPPORTUNITY: YouthCare is in the midst of significant organizational realignment. The Executive Director will be charged with:

• Executing the Board-approved turnaround and stabilization plan.
• Strengthening core operations, systems, and financial discipline.
• Building trust by engaging and aligning staff through consistent, transparent communication and visible, values-based leadership.
• Rebuilding donor and partner confidence, broadening YouthCare’s network of support, and helping secure sustainable revenue.
• Advancing YouthCare’s commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and justice in everyday decision-making and culture.

This is a role for a leader who is energized by “righting the ship,” stewarding a complex organization through change, and leaving it stronger, more focused, and more effective.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director (ED) reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for overall organizational performance, culture, and impact.

The Executive Director:

• Leads and supports the senior leadership team and staff to deliver high-quality programs and services aligned with YouthCare’s mission.
• Communicates effectively by providing timely and transparent information to youth, staff, donors, and the community.
• Ensures strong finance, HR, operations, compliance, and risk management practices.
• Serves as a primary representative of YouthCare with donors, community partners, public officials, and other stakeholders.
• Works in close partnership with the Board to implement strategy, monitor progress, and ensure accountability.

Qualifications

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:

We are seeking an Executive Director who brings many of the following:

• Proven Turnaround & Change Leadership Demonstrated experience with successfully leading an organization through stabilization, restructuring, or significant change.
• Operational & Financial Acumen At least 7–10 years of senior leadership in nonprofit, public sector, or closely aligned organizations; strong track record in managing complex operations, budgets, and risk.
• Mission Alignment & Sector Insight Deep commitment to ending youth homelessness and supporting young people facing housing instability, and other systemic barriers. Experience in youth services, homelessness, housing, behavioral health, or adjacent fields is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional Communication & Trust-Building A clear, candid communicator who can earn the trust of staff, youth, funders, partners, and Board; able to engage others in difficult realities while inspiring shared purpose.
• Equity-Driven Leadership Demonstrated commitment to equity, anti-racism, and inclusion; experience leading diverse teams and addressing organizational culture and barriers.
• Fundraising & External Relations Experience partnering with development staff and Board to cultivate relationships and secure philanthropic and public funding; comfort representing the organization publicly.
• People-Centered Management Style A relational leader who listens, sets clear expectations, holds themselves and others accountable, and celebrates the work of staff.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; an advanced degree is a plus but not required.

How to Apply

Application Instructions: If you have questions, please email CEO@youthcare.org. Nominations, referrals, and confidential inquiries are welcome through email. You may also apply directly through LinkedIn or by emailing your resume and brief statement of interest.

Application Deadline: February 5, 2026

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: In-person (Seattle)

Salary range: $160,000 - $200,000