Executive Director

Company: Shifting Gears

Location: Bellingham

Closing Date: 23/10/2024

Salary: £150 - £200 Per Annum

Hours: Full Time

Type: Permanent

Apply Now

Job Requirements / Description

About Shifting Gears

Founded in 2017, Shifting Gears empowers all women through outdoor recreation and education to remove barriers and foster belonging. Our programs focus on breaking down barriers that stand between women and their outdoor aspirations. We envision a world where women lead, fostering transformative change and nurturing inclusive communities.

About the Position

Shifting Gears is hiring an Executive Director who will be responsible for program development, financial management, organizational administration, and staff and volunteer oversight. The Executive Director will ensure that the mission and the values of the organization are integrated into each aspect of Shifting Gears’ work. Responsibilities include leading and managing operations at a non-profit agency with a nearly $100,000 annual budget. Our goal is to see this role grow to be full-time by January 1, 2026.

Job Objectives

Programming

In collaboration with the Programs Committee of the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for the development and oversight of Shifting Gears’ Summer and Winter programs and workshops. Programs currently include mountain biking, road riding, bike packing, backpacking, and day hiking.
Develops safety protocols for programs and ensures they are properly implemented by staff, volunteers, and participants. Ensures that safety and well-being are an integral piece of every program.
Develops and implements a marketing strategy for Shifting Gears programs.
Manages Shifting Gears’ program registration and enrollment.
Participates in programs as needed to provide support to staff and volunteers.
Plays a key role in observing and addressing program challenges and successes in order to sustain healthy growth for future programs.
Promotes, identifies, and cultivates beneficial community partnerships.
Maintains necessary training certifications for self and applicable program leaders.
Responsible for two annual program-related events (Wild Women Week and Bike Swap).

Organizational Administration

Develops an annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors.
Oversees Shifting Gears’ insurance policies to ensure reduction in organizational liability.
In collaboration with the Board Treasurer, provides monthly financial reports for the Board of Directors.
Manages all accounts payable and receivable.
Plans for future revenue needs and resources to sustain programs and operations.
Ensures that the mission and the values of the organization are integrated into each aspect of our work and culture.
Establishes relationships and communication within organizational teams that foster feedback, honesty, transparency and integrity.
Manages all administrative timelines, projects, deliverables and tasks.
In collaboration with the Board of Directors, is responsible for the implementation of Shifting Gears’ 2023 - 2025 Strategic Plan. This role will also be responsible for the development of Shifting Gears’ subsequent strategic plan.
Manage payroll, bookkeeping, and other financial administration.
Ensures that Shifting Gears operates as a non-profit business in accordance with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Responsible for completing and submitting quarterly financial reports and filings.

Personnel Oversight

Supervise Development Lead, volunteer Program Leads, and program and event volunteers.
Responsible for hiring, safety, training, supervision, and performance evaluations of staff and volunteers.
Ensures that staff and programs operate in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
As applicable, supervises interns and quarterly student projects administered through Western Washington University.
Leads from a place of mentorship and support for all staff and interns.
Creates an inspiring and safe space that supports positive morale, professional boundaries, and growth within each team.
Create and update personnel policies or other documents as needed.

Community Engagement

In collaboration with the Events Committee and the Development Lead, support annual fundraisers (2) and bi-monthly “micro-fundraisers”.
Support the Development Lead with general Shifting Gears website and social media content.
Support the Development Lead in cultivating relationships with individual donors and corporate sponsors.
Crafts an Annual Report sharing Shifting Gears’ annual accomplishments.
Participate in community outreach with groups like Chamber of Commerce and Bellingham Downtown Partnership.

Job Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Experience:

At least three years of experience developing and delivering outdoor recreational programming. Shifting Gears’ programs include mountain biking, road riding, bike packing, backpacking, and day hikes.
Experience in a leadership role, preferably at a non-profit organization.
Experience with social media channels and marketing.
Experience with non-profit fundraising, including grant writing, individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and events.
Up to date Wilderness First Responder and BICP Level 1 certification.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with program participants, community partners, staff, board of directors, and volunteers.
Excellent computer skills in: Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides), Quickbooks Online, and CRM software. Experience with Zeffy is a plus!
Excellent interpersonal skills: in-person, email, phone, and virtual.
Ability to work as a team member and promote a collaborative work environment.
Ability to work independently and autonomously make decisions.
Demonstrate skills that promote equity and inclusion in a culturally diverse environment.
Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle.

This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position that pays $28.00 to $30.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. Benefits include a flexible work schedule and 10 days of PTO per year. Our goal is to see this role grow to be full-time by January 1, 2026. The position is open until filled.

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to In your cover letter, please address how your experience aligns with the job description above and why you believe you would be a good fit for the role. We will review applications submitted through LinkedIn.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement. Shifting Gears is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every single qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Please note, we are also hiring for a Development Lead. If both roles are of interest to you, please feel free to apply to both! You are welcome to submit one cover letter that addresses both positions or two separate cover letters. We are most interested in hearing which aspects of each job interest you and how your skills align with the required elements of each role. You can find out more about this role on our website .

Shifting Gears is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered. As an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits: