Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Location: South Puget Sound (Pierce, King, or Thurston County)

Reports To: Executive Team

Salary: 150-180k (annual)

About 1DROP

1DROP exists to increase the number, capacity, and success of developers of color by providing mentorship, training, apprenticeships, shared services, co-development opportunities, and policy advocacy. We believe that increasing representation among developers creates pathways to community ownership, wealth creation, culturally responsive development, and more equitable housing outcomes.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, sustainability, and impact of 1DROP. The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive officer and primary external representative, responsible for fundraising, partnerships, policy leadership, organizational growth, board engagement, and long-term strategic direction.

The Executive Director ensures that 1DROP fulfills its mission while building a financially sustainable organization capable of supporting aspiring, emerging, and established developers of color.

Key Responsibility

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

Develop and execute 1DROP's strategic vision and long-term growth plan.
Lead annual organizational planning, budgeting, and goal-setting.
Identify opportunities to expand programs, partnerships, and impact.
Ensure alignment between programs, operations, policy initiatives, and organizational priorities.
Build systems and infrastructure that support sustainable growth.

Fundraising & Resource Development

Serve as lead fundraiser for the organization.
Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and major donors.
Develop and execute annual fundraising strategies.
Secure grants, sponsorships, and earned revenue opportunities.
Partner with the board to support fundraising and donor stewardship.

External Affairs & Partnerships

Serve as the public face and spokesperson for 1DROP.
Build strategic relationships with developers, lenders, public agencies, housing authorities, community organizations, and industry leaders.
Represent 1DROP at conferences, public meetings, industry events, and policy discussions.
Establish partnerships that create opportunities for program participants.

Policy & Advocacy

Advance policies that increase access to development opportunities for underrepresented developers.
Coordinate advocacy efforts with industry and community partners.
Educate policymakers, funders, and stakeholders on barriers facing developers of color.
Support research and thought leadership initiatives.

Board Governance

Partner closely with the Board of Directors.
Support board development, recruitment, and engagement.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance requirements.
Provide regular reporting on organizational performance, finances, and impact.

Financial Stewardship

Oversee organizational budgeting and financial management.
Ensure responsible stewardship of grants and donor funds.
Monitor organizational financial health and sustainability.
Work with accounting and finance partners to ensure compliance and transparency.

Team Leadership & Culture

Recruit, supervise, and develop staff and contractors.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Build organizational systems that support high performance.
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the organization.

Impact Measurement

Establish organizational performance metrics.
Monitor program outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
Communicate impact to funders, stakeholders, and community members.
Use data to drive strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

Required

7+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit, real estate, community development, economic development, workforce development, or related fields.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership development.
Demonstrated success managing teams, budgets, and organizational strategy.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong understanding of systems change, equity, and community-centered leadership.
Ability to operate effectively in startup and growth-stage environments.

Preferred

Experience in real estate development, housing, finance, or construction.
Experience working with developers, entrepreneurs, or small business owners.
Knowledge of affordable housing and housing policy.
Experience leading organizations through periods of rapid growth.
Graduate degree in business, public administration, nonprofit leadership, urban planning, or related field.