Executive Director

Job Description: Full-time Executive Director

Reports to: NAMI Whatcom Board of Directors

Salary: $70,000-$75,000 yearly DOE, $500/month medical stipend, 15 days vacation, 12 sick days, 12 holidays, 2 floating holidays

About the Organization

NAMI Whatcom is a [501(c)(3)] nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope to and improving the quality of life for those affected by mental health conditions through support, education and advocacy. NAMI Whatcom is community-based and peer-led, meaning that the people leading or teaching our programs share important life experiences with participants and speak from the perspective of an equal. We work to fill the gaps in our local mental health system with our no-cost educational classes, resources and support groups. We envision a world where all people affected by mental illnesses know they are not alone and live fulfilling lives.

To meet increasing community demand, we anticipate measured and sustainable growth over the next two to five years. As a result, a full-time Executive Director is essential.

Current staff consists of:

• Executive Director (.5 FTE),
• Peer Coordinator/Social Media Specialist (1.0 FTE),
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) Program Coordinator (.5 FTE).
• This also includes contracted bookkeeping and accounting support and 50 dedicated volunteers.

Position Summary

Reporting to the NAMI Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational management and organizational vision. The Executive Director works in partnership with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization’s mission is fulfilled through effective programs, sound financial management, community engagement, and sustainable growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Oversee NAMI Whatcom strategic program planning, staff and volunteer management, board development, fundraising, communications and administrative and financial management.
• Identify and implement efficiencies that allow the organization to meet its strategic goals with limited resources.
• Support an effective, engaged Board of Directors, cultivating a strong and transparent working relationship.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and provide effective, inspirational leadership to employees and volunteers.
• Manage Human Resource functions, including creating position descriptions, performance standards/appraisals and competitive compensation system.
• Cultivate and sustain a culture of respect and belonging.
  • Staff and volunteers will have full access to the opportunities and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential.
• Develop regular volunteer appreciation events (approximately 3 per year) and create opportunities for staff and board members to acknowledge and honor volunteers’ important contributions.
• Ensure NAMI Whatcom’s programs and policies are appropriately aligned with those of NAMI National.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute both short- and long-term strategies to advance the organizational mission. This would include fundraising, marketing, public education, media communications, membership and government relations, among other issues.

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Secure diverse funding sources, cultivate relationships with foundations, individual donors, corporations, government agencies, and the community.
• Oversee grant writing, reporting, and stewardship efforts to ensure alignment with funder priorities.
• Engage board, staff ,volunteers in fundraising efforts to expand resources and visibility.
• Ensure the organization’s financial stability by developing and managing an annual budget in alignment with strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with the Board Treasurer and outside accountants and bookkeepers to prepare financial reports and maintain records.
• Ensure compliance with all financial and legal

Community Relations and Advocacy

• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, and government agencies.
• Advocate for policies and legislation that advance mental health access, equity, and awareness.
• Serve as a visible leader in the community, championing the organization’s mission and values.
• Oversee organization’s marketing, outreach and communications to foster greater community awareness of NAMI’s services.

Board Relations

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set organizational priorities and policies.
• Provide timely and accurate information to the Board to support decision-making.
• Support Board recruitment, development and engagement to strengthen governance and leadership capacity.
• Inform and advise the Board regarding current trends, problems and opportunities that are important to the future of the organization and its mission.

Program Development and Oversight

• Oversee the design, marketing, delivery and quality of programs.
• Oversee implementation of organizational events including educational programs, conferences, fundraising events and annual meeting.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and evidence-based programs and services.
• Evaluate and adapt program models to meet evolving community needs and priorities.
• Promote outcome measurement and data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in nonprofit management, public health, psychology, social work, business administration, or related field preferred.
• Leadership experience in nonprofit management, mental health, or human services.
• Proven experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships and leading mission-driven teams.
• Preferred experience: Experience in advocacy, community engagement or public policy related to mental health, healthcare or social services.
• Preferred experience: Lived experience with a mental health condition or as a family member or friend of someone who lives with a mental health condition.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong organizational leadership, interpersonal, and communication (written, oral and social media)
• Knowledge of mental health systems, behavioral health trends, and community-based care models.
• Ability to balance visionary thinking with practical implementation.
• Highly organized; ability to multi-task.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and a passion for advancing mental health and wellness.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to namiadmin@namiwhatcom.org  with the subject line “Executive Director Application – [Your Name].”

NAMI Whatcom will begin reviewing applications on January 5, 2026. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified and hired.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without a reasonable accommodation) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer and driving/traveling to meetings and events.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: NAMI Whatcom is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity, disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or  federal laws.