The DWWF Is Seeking A New Executive Director

Location: Walla Walla, WA | Type: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $75,000 – $99,000 (DOE) + Benefits
Reports to: Board of Directors (working closely with the Executive Committee)

About the Role

The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation (DWWF) is seeking a community-minded, relational, and vision-driven Executive Director to serve as our chief executive, advocate, and administrative leader. Above all, this role requires an outstanding communicator, empathetic people leader, and conscientious manager. As the primary face and voice of Downtown Walla Walla, you will cultivate authentic relationships across small business owners, property developers, city leadership, and community volunteers. Working in partnership with the Board on fiscal oversight, you will ensure our programs operate within budget while leading a dedicated staff team and guiding our organization through the Washington State Main Street Program framework.

Core Focus Areas

● Community Advocacy & Relationship Building: Serve as an accessible, highly visible leader in the district. Build trusted partnerships with merchants, city officials, and regional stakeholders to align downtown growth with community goals.
● Budget Oversight & Fiscal Stewardship: In partnership with the Board of Directors, ensure sound financial management by monitoring operating budgets, maintaining clear fiscal reporting, and stewarding community resources responsibly.
● Executive Leadership & Staff Mentorship: Manage, mentor, and evaluate professional staff, including the Operations Manager and Event & Marketing Manager, fostering a supportive, growth-oriented team culture.
● Public Communications & Media Relations: Serve as chief spokesperson for DWWF. Articulate the Foundation’s vision through public speaking engagements, media interviews, and active representation at City Council meetings and civic forums.
● Board Governance & Strategic Alignment: Partner closely with the Board of Directorsand Executive Committee on long-range strategy, organizational policy, and program evaluation.
● Funding & Volunteer Mobilization: Maximize public and private funding streams (including the Washington Main Street B&O Tax Credit, LTAC grants, and sponsorships) while guiding active volunteer committees across Design, Economic Vitality, Outreach, and Promotions.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Qualifications:
● Superior People & Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to listen, speak in public, write persuasively, and navigate complex conversations to find common ground.
● Sound Financial Awareness: Experience managing program budgets, monitoring expenses, and ensuring funds are used effectively and responsibly.
● Inspiring Leadership & Supervisory Experience: Proven track record of managing, mentoring, and developing professional staff, as well as energizing volunteer networks with warmth and vision.
● 3–5+ Years Relevant Experience: Leadership in non-profit management, community development, public administration, public relations, or related fields.
● Eagerness to Learn: Prior Main Street experience is not required, but you must bring an eagerness to learn, champion, and implement Washington Main Street principles and preservation-based economic strategies.
● Schedule Flexibility: Ability to attend evening Board/Committee meetings, weekend community events, state program conferences, city meetings, and social events.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field.
● Experience working directly with non-profit Boards of Directors or municipal bodies.
● Familiarity with non-profit budgeting, grant management, public sector funding (LTAC, Tax Credits), or corporate sponsorships.

Application & Hiring Process

We are actively reviewing applications and interviewing on a rolling basis. For priority consideration, please submit your application by October 9, 2026.

Please email your resume and a cover letter to Secretary@downtownwallawalla.org with the subject line "Executive Director Application - [Your Name]". In your cover letter, tell us what excites you about championing Downtown Walla Walla, and share an example of how your leadership style brings people with different perspectives together around a shared vision.

The Downtown Walla Walla Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.