Executive Director, Four Winds * Westward Ho

About the role

The incoming Executive Director will transition into the role following the summer 2027 season, allowing time for a thoughtful handoff.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and manage the year-round team with clear expectations, regular feedback, and investment in each person's professional growth.
• Maintain the healthy internal culture of accountability rooted in camp's mission and values.
• Support the Camp Director in building out a strong summer leadership structure and managing camp programming.
• Lead the organization's fundraising strategy in partnership with the Development Director, with a goal of raising at least $500K annually.
• Led capital campaign planning and execution in partnership with the Board.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal health with the Finance Committee.
• Develop and maintain a proactive risk management plan covering physical, operational, and geographic risks.
• Build strong relationships with local emergency services and the Orcas Island community to support emergency preparedness.
• Plan capital needs of the property and facility; work with the Board to design and budget for new, improved, or enhanced buildings and grounds.
• Support the Director of Family Experience and Camp Director in maintaining a robust enrollment pipeline and achieving maximum camper capacity.
• Partner with the Camp Director and program team to evaluate and evolve camp programs to provide differentiated experiences that meet today's camper expectations and honor Four Winds traditions.
• Take ownership of building a sustainable off-season revenue strategy that is consistent with the camp's values and mission.
• Identify new opportunities to generate revenue and enable summer tuition to be more accessible.
• Identify, pilot, and grow revenue programs such as educational partnerships, sailing excursions aboard the Carlyn, and artist residencies aligned with Four Winds' creative traditions.
• Establish pricing, policies, and operational protocols that protect the property and align with the camp's values and insurance requirements.
• Partner with the Board to execute long-range planning and governance, leveraging their expertise as strategic partners.
• Provide proactive, regular, and transparent updates on the organization's health, including financials, enrollment, staffing, safety, and challenges that require Board guidance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in a leadership position at a camp or educational setting.
• Demonstrated track record managing teams, budgets, and organizational priorities.
• Experience in a nonprofit setting working with a volunteer Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with experience identifying and developing new revenue opportunities preferred.
• Experience with event programming and property rentals is a plus.
• Ability to live onsite at camp on Orcas Island or in Western Washington year-round.
• Ability to travel periodically throughout the West Coast for community events and to attend camp conferences.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours.
• Familiarity with camp management systems preferred.
• Comfort navigating camp's varied terrain, including walking trails, docks, and waterfront areas, as well as occasional lifting and physical tasks.

Benefits

Compensation is $150,000 to $175,000 with benefits, paid time off, and flexible off-season hours. Onsite housing is available year-round, and meals are provided during camp months. Full benefits include:

• Silver health insurance plan with 100% of employee premiums and 80% of dependent premiums covered by the employer
• Dental and vision insurance with 80% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums covered by the employer
• Tax-advantaged Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with an employer contribution of $500 to $1,500, based on the employee’s elected contribution
• SIMPLE IRA with a 4% employer match