Executive Director

About the Organization

Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA), established in 2013, has developed from a community-based music initiative into a youth-focused organization with a strong record of impact. Through music instruction, mentorship, leadership development, and scholarships for students after graduation, it has supported well over one thousand young people. The organization is financially stable, has experienced staff, and is guided by an active, committed Board as it enters a new stage of growth.

Each year, more than 100 students consider YAMA a second family and take part in daily after-school music programming at Garfield Elementary School in the Yakima Valley. The program emphasizes consistent mentorship, trust-building, and ensemble-based learning across four string orchestras, giving young musicians the chance to take creative risks, lead rehearsals, and see themselves as artists and leaders. The staff team includes full-time and part-time administrators, Teaching Artists, high-school-aged Assistant Teachers, and a Board aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

The organization is seeking an Executive Director who can bring strategic direction and fresh energy while working alongside the Program Director. The Program Director leads daily programming, special events, and teacher training, while the Executive Director concentrates on financial stability, staffing continuity, and long-term sustainability to help maximize YAMA’s impact.

Role Summary

This leadership position is responsible for guiding organizational vision, supporting a healthy internal culture, strengthening governance, overseeing staff systems, advancing fundraising, monitoring finances, and ensuring compliance. The role requires a balance of detail orientation and big-picture thinking, along with a relationship-centered leadership style that reflects YAMA’s youth-centered values.

Key Duties

• Co-develop YAMA’s vision, strategic direction, and growth plans with the Program Director, while pursuing funding, partnerships, and opportunities that align with the organization’s commitment to youth power, staff wellbeing, and community relationships.
• Champion a culture rooted in humility, welcome, and continuous learning, keeping student outcomes at the center of decision-making and supporting a workplace that develops talent from within.
• Build and sustain a mission-aligned Board by recruiting engaged members, strengthening governance, and preparing Board members to advocate for YAMA and support its artists effectively.
• Create a collaborative and accountable staff environment through clear role structure, strong communication, supervision, coaching, and mentorship for four direct reports.
• Work with the Development Manager to nurture donor relationships, secure resources, coordinate outreach and marketing efforts, and pursue grant opportunities that further the mission and strengthen long-term sustainability.
• Direct hiring, onboarding, retention, and offboarding processes, while maintaining transparent staffing systems and equitable pay practices, including compensation reviews, raises, role transitions, performance management, and disciplinary or termination processes when required.
• Partner with the Administrative Manager, accountant, and Treasurer to prepare and review budgets, monitor financial performance, maintain accurate reporting, and share financial updates with staff and the Board.
• Oversee contracts, leases, and licenses, and help ensure organizational compliance, responsible risk management, and ethical and legal integrity.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience that includes direct supervision, coaching, or mentorship.
• Strong ability in organization, project management, and communication.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: human resources, fundraising, or finance.
• A leadership style aligned with YAMA’s values, including belief in youth potential and a relational, growth-oriented approach.
• Ability to manage both operational detail and larger strategic priorities.

Preferred Background

• Experience facilitating conversations, building consensus, and guiding groups toward action.
• Background working in collaborative environments with shared leadership and accountability.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are an advantage, or a willingness to learn and grow in this area.

Training and Support

The organization will provide a structured transition with the outgoing Executive Director, close collaboration with the Program Director, regular meetings with the Treasurer, relationship-building opportunities with parents, former staff, and alumni, and support from experienced alumni on the program and administrative teams.

Work Environment and Schedule

YAMA offers flexibility in where work is done, but the role requires consistent in-person engagement with staff, students, families, donors, and community partners. Occasional evening and weekend availability is needed for Board meetings and events.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a 1.0 FTE position with an annual salary of $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience. Benefits include a $6,000 yearly health stipend, four weeks of PTO, two weeks of paid office closures as determined by the Executive Director, 11 paid federal holidays, and sick leave earned at twice the state minimum, which is approximately two weeks per year. The role also includes a $900 annual professional development allowance and a paid three-month sabbatical after six years of full-time employment. The organization also welcomes the Executive Director’s input in shaping policy and employee care benefits.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the reflection and application form along with a résumé and references. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and the role will remain open until filled.

Additional Information

Applicants are invited to ask questions by email. The organization emphasizes finding the right fit and welcomes curiosity and connection.