Executive Director

The Opportunity: Vashon Wilderness Program (VWP) is hiring a new Executive Director for the first time in 20 years.  This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, heart-centered leader to steward this organization through the next phase of development. The Executive Director is the key management leader of VWP and is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, financial stability, and strategic planning and development of the organization.  

Who We Are: Founded in 2007, Vashon Wilderness Program (VWP) provides transformative nature immersion experiences that cultivate a deep relationship between, self, community and the natural world. Our all-outdoor, experiential programs engender a powerful set of nature, wilderness, and community-building skills that help students live, learn, and lead with joy, vitality, peace, passion, and care. We offer year-round programming for youth ages 4-17 with additional opportunities for adults and families. At the heart of our work, we support a deep connection with the wonder and awe of nature for healthy individuals, communities and the planet. VWP believes that nature connection is a birthright and that all humans deserve access to the healing and wholing benefits of a nature-rooted childhood. Everything we do flows from values of Gratitude, Peace, Play, Balance, Community.  

We honor and acknowledge the sx̌ʷəbabs - known today as part of the Puyallup Tribe - and their traditional, unceded lands upon which we gather, work, and learn. Vashon and Maury Island are within the tribe's accustomed area for fishing and shellfish, and still today remain a vital part of the tribe's cultural sovereignty. 

Application Procedure: To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to apply@vashonwildernessprogram.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  In your cover letter please include leadership experience relevant to managing people, programs, budgets, and/or organizations and especially relevant to nature connection work and programs for children and youth.  Describe some of your own experience of nature connection and passion or vision you might bring to the work of VWP.  Please also include 3 references with your cover letter or resume.