Executive Director - Little Wings Early Learning Academy

Salary Range: $84,000 - $136,730

About Little Wings

Little Wings is an innovative early learning campus operated by Little Wings Early Learning Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The campus includes two distinct but aligned programs that serve children and families through different models of care and learning:

• Little Wings Early Learning Academy — a licensed early learning program providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education; and
• Little Wings Nature Care — a license-exempt, nature-based early learning program grounded in outdoor, experiential learning.

Together, these programs reflect a shared commitment to children, families, community, and innovation, while operating under different regulatory and programmatic structures. Little Wings is a project of the Machinists Institute and is designed to serve as a model for integrated, forward-thinking early learning.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides campus-wide leadership for Little Wings and is responsible for stewarding the vision, culture, and long-term sustainability of the organization. This role oversees both the licensed and license-exempt programs through direct supervision of the Center Director and the Nature Care Program Director.

The Executive Director works closely with the board, community partners, and the Machinists Institute to ensure alignment between mission, strategy, and operations. This position focuses on leadership of leaders, organizational development, community engagement, and innovation. The Executive Director is not responsible for daily on-site program operations or direct licensing compliance, which are managed by program directors.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Vision

• Articulate, steward, and operationalize the mission, values, and long-term vision of the Little Wings campus.
• Foster a cohesive culture across programs while honoring the distinct identity and purpose of each.
• Lead with a commitment to equity, care, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to program directors as they design, implement, and evolve high-quality programming.

Organizational & Strategic Oversight

• Partner with the board and the Machinists Institute to support governance, strategic planning, and organizational growth.
• Ensure alignment across programs, systems, and staffing structures.
• Support the development of sustainable operational systems without assuming day-to-day management responsibility.
• Monitor campus-wide goals and outcomes, using data and reflection to guide improvement.

Supervision & Leadership Development

• Directly supervise the Center Director and Nature Care Program Director.
• Support leadership development, accountability, and reflective practice among program leaders.
• Ensure program directors are resourced and supported to meet regulatory, quality, and programmatic expectations within their respective domains.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, community partners, funders, and stakeholders.
• Represent Little Wings in early learning, workforce development, and community spaces.
• Support fundraising, grant development, and partnership cultivation efforts.
• Strengthen Little Wings’ role as a community-centered, innovative early learning campus.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated executive or senior leadership experience in nonprofit, education, early learning, or community-based organizations.
• Strong ability to lead and support other leaders, rather than managing daily operations directly.
• Experience working with or supporting boards of directors.
• Commitment to early learning, children, families, and community impact.
• Understanding of early learning systems; experience with licensing or quality rating systems is valued but not required.
• Ability to lead across multiple program models and regulatory contexts.
• Experience with organizational development, partnerships, or fundraising is a plus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, nonprofit leadership, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking skills.
• Capacity to lead in a dynamic, start-up–oriented environment.
• Commitment to reflective leadership and continuous learning.

Reporting Structure

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors (or designated governing body) and provides direct supervision to:

• Center Director, Little Wings Early Learning Academy
• Nature Care Program Director
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments

Compensation and Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Retirement planning options
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Generous paid time off

Employment Status

This is an at-will employment position in the state of Washington. Either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Little Wings Early Learning Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports professional growth.