Join Our Team

Shifting Gears - Executive Director

Location: Bellingham, WA - Hybrid. Regular in-person meetings required.

Hours: 20 hours per week, flexible schedule. Frequent evening and occasional weekend hours required. 

Position Type: Part-time, non-exempt, hourly.

Direct Reports: Programs Coordinator

Reports To: Board of Directors

Hourly Wage: $28.00 to $30.00, depending on qualifications

Desired Start Date: May 1, 2025

Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2025

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive priority consideration, please apply before the deadline. The position will be removed from our website when filled.

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 fundraising (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

Fundraising

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, identify, cultivate, and receive funding from individual donors. 

• Craft and implement a “case for donating” or “fundraising rationale” to secure funds from individual donors.

• Manage Shifting Gears’ grants lifecycle, including grant research, grant writing, and reporting.

• Lead the execution of fundraising events throughout the year. This typically includes two major fundraising events (Sippin’ on Cider and the Holiday Auction) and bi-monthly “micro-fundraisers” like brewery pint nights.

• Solicit and secure monetary and in-kind donations from corporate sponsors. 

• Manage relationships with corporate sponsors, foundation funders, and individual donors.

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 Programs Coordinator with Shifting Gears program design and delivery.

• Crafts an Annual Report sharing Shifting Gears’ annual accomplishments.

• Participate in community outreach with groups like Chamber of Commerce and Bellingham Downtown Partnership.

• Promotes, identifies, and cultivates beneficial community program partnerships.

• Participates in programs as needed to provide support to staff and volunteers. 

• In collaboration with the Programs Lead, delivers two annual program-related events (Wild Women Week and Bike Swap).

Job Skills & Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle.

• Must be willing and able to work in adverse weather and conditions, frequently move weight and gear up to 50lbs, spend 4-8+ hours standing and moving on feet during the day.

• Preferred Experience:

• Experience with social media channels and marketing.

• Success winning grants of at least $10,000

• Three or more years of experience working in development, including individual donorship, events, grant writing, and sponsorships.

• Experience cultivating relationships and securing funding from individual donors.

• Understanding of unique barriers experienced by small grassroots organizations.

• 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.

• Up to date Wilderness First Responder and BICP Level 1 certification.

• Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with clients, staff and volunteers 

• Ability to manage deadlines and produce quality results with organization and attention to detail

• Ability to present information in front of large groups of people

• Excellent computer skills in: Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides), Adobe Suite, Square, Squarespace, and CRM software

• 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 make decisions autonomously

• Demonstrate skills that promote equity and inclusion in a culturally diverse environment

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. Shifting Gears does not have a dedicated workspace; aside from in-person meetings, work will be completed on a remote, “work from home” basis. Shifting Gears provides stipends for home internet/phone and mileage reimbursement for required travel during programs. Our goal is to see this role grow to be full-time by January 1, 2026. We have a priority application deadline of April 1; the position is open until filled. 

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to info@letsshiftgears.com. 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. 

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.
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.