EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECRUITMENT

The Board of Directors at the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries (OARN) is recruiting for a new OARN Executive Director. We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual to serve as the primary spokesperson for OARN and Relief Nurseries across the state. The Executive Director will oversee all operations of OARN, ensuring their consistency with the mission and goals of the organization; oversee the execution of budget preparation, financial management and human resource policies; provide leadership in raising significant private revenue from individuals, businesses, and foundations; nurture existing partnerships with multiple public and private agencies; and inspire, engage and support the Board of Directors and staff.

The detailed position description is below.

TO APPLY:

This position is open until it is filled. Application materials will be reviewed on September 20, 2025. To have your application reviewed on this date, please submit your resume with a cover letter by 5:00 pm on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Your cover letter should explain:

  • Any history or experience you have with Oregon Relief Nurseries
  • Why you are interested in this position and Oregon’s Relief Nurseries
  • How your background and experiences make you an ideal candidate for this position.  

Please Email cover letter and resume to:

Lee McKenzie, Interim Director

lee@oregonreliefnurseries.org

HIRING SALARY RANGE:  $98,800 – $109,200

BENEFITS:

  • Paid time off
    • 12 holidays
    • Accrual of vacation time
    • Accrual of sick time
  • Retirement plan that includes up to 3% employer match
  • Employer paid Medical and Dental Insurance for employees.  (Dependent coverage available at employee expense)
  • Monthly Internet/Cell Phone Stipend

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors through the Board Chair

FTE/FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Work Location: 100% remote, Oregon Office Required – travel within Oregon

Effective Date: September 2025

ABOUT OARN:

The mission of the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries (OARN) is to lead and sustain a network of independent Relief Nurseries through advocacy, resource development, and quality assurance. Our vision is that all children in Oregon thrive in safe, nurturing, and stable families. OARN is a membership organization serving the network of Relief Nursery sites throughout the state.

Relief Nurseries serve families with children ages birth through five years old, who are at highest risk for instances of child abuse and neglect across Oregon because of the overwhelming life circumstances they are facing.

OARN is dedicated to empowering communities to prevent abuse and neglect of young children by supporting a network of independent Relief Nurseries through:

  • Quality Assurance: We help Relief Nurseries respond to community needs, operate effectively, and maintain fidelity to our unique model.
  • Advocacy: We work through state and local relationships to ensure OARN’s interests are advanced.
  • Resource Development: We help secure government funding, foundation grants, and facilitate public/private partnerships.

The OARN Board includes the Director of each of the 16 Relief Nurseries across the state. Relief Nursery, Inc. owns the Relief Nursery Model and has two seats on the OARN Board.

Learn more about OARN by visiting our website: https://oregonreliefnurseries.org/

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ROLE INCLUDES:

Board and Committee Management

  • Inspire, engage and support the Board of Directors, communicating OARN’s mission and creating a sense of common purpose, emphasizing cooperation, mutual respect, and shared accomplishments.
  • Plan and facilitate OARN Board meetings in coordination with the Board President and Executive Committee.
  • Ensure Board Committees are staffed to allow Committee members the opportunity to engage in OARN activities, and that the Committees provide needed support to the organization.
  • Support the ongoing development and operationalization of the Board’s Strategic Plan to further organizational goals and objectives.
  • Provide accurate and timely information to the Board of Directors to enable the Board to evaluate and set policies and priorities.
  • Provide support and coordinate training for new Relief Nursery EDs and Board Members.
  • Ensure accountability to the MOU and other Board approved directives.

Government and Early Childhood Stakeholder Relations

  • Coordinate and implement OARN’s work at the statewide level.
  • Represent OARN at Department of Early Learning and Care meetings as well as meetings involving other stakeholders, partners and entities working in the early learning system.
  • Facilitate collaboration with county, state and national organizations serving children and families and focused on reducing child maltreatment.
  • Nurture existing partnerships with multiple public and private agencies.
  • Facilitate relationships with communities interested in establishing new Relief Nurseries.
  • In collaboration with OARN lobbyists and Board members, represent OARN’s goals, objectives and activities to elected officials, the media and the public; monitor relevant legislative activities and represent OARN at the legislature.

Fiscal Management and Fundraising

  • Provide leadership in raising revenue from individuals, businesses and foundations for OARN and for member Relief Nurseries.
  • Oversee and implement private grant funding strategy, write grant applications and reports, monitor relevant outcomes, and manage grant contracts.
  • Oversee the execution of budget preparation, financial management, and human resources policies.
  • Manage contracts with vendors.

Association Infrastructure and Administration

  • Oversee all operations, ensuring their consistency with the mission and goals of the organization.
  • Lead and develop OARN staff.
  • Provide direct supervision to the .5FTE Operations Coordinator, 1 FTE Program Director, 1 FTE Quality Assurance & Data Director, and limited duration .5 FTE HRSA Grant Manager ensuring Relief Nursery sites are in compliance with the Relief Nursery Quality Assurance Standards, Oregon Administrative Rules, and OARN Memorandum of Understanding.
  • Explore and develop opportunities for Collective Network Benefits.

Public Relations and Marketing

  • Serve as a primary spokesperson in the community for OARN, passionately articulating its vision and mission.
  • Advocate for children and families who are at risk for abuse and neglect to further public awareness of early childhood development and unmet needs.
  • Execute the current marketing plan.

MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree with major course work in administration, education, management, political science, planning or a related field.
  • Five years of experience in senior management roles that include responsibilities for: staff supervision, program management, fundraising, financial management and budgeting, grants management, board development, and/or operations in a nonprofit organization.
  • Integrity, credibility, and passion for supporting and strengthening Relief Nurseries.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of populations, persuasively and collaboratively.
  • A Valid Driver License. An acceptable driving record and willingness to travel to Relief Nurseries throughout Oregon is required.
  • Committed to the Values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. You demonstrate that commitment by honoring and celebrating diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
  • Experience working with children and families using a trauma informed approach.
  • Preference may be given to applicants with Relief Nursery experience.

WORK LOCATION:

Fully Remote, but within driving distance of Salem, Oregon to be able to personally attend and participate in state-level meetings.

This position requires access to a home-based office located in the state of Oregon.

This position requires routine statewide travel for certification visits, Board and RN staff meetings and events, and legislative meetings.

OARN is an equal opportunity employer. We take proactive steps to ensure an affirmative action approach to employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, promotions, and other conditions of employment. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

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