Job Description
Bridge Leadership Opportunity in Human Services Community
Are you an experienced nonprofit leader who excels at operational stabilization and relationship repair? CME seeks an Interim Executive Leader for a unique 9-15-month bridge leadership role during a pivotal organizational transition.
About Us
CME serves vulnerable populations across Eastern Washington through integrated programs:
- Behavioral Health and Recovery Support Services
- Early Childhood Education Programs
- Family Support Programs
We're implementing an innovative Charter-based collaborative governance model while stabilizing operations and rebuilding stakeholder trust.
Learn more about CME and our work here.
What Makes This Role Unique
This isn't a traditional executive leadership position. You'll work through collaborative structures, not hierarchical control.
Your dual focus (50/50):
Internal: Stabilize operations, strengthen financial sustainability, develop Leader Team, made up of director-level leadership and key operational staff such as HR, Communications, and Quality Assurance, capacity in collaborative governance, and build sustainable systems
External: CME is positioned to strengthen its relationships with funders, government partners, and community stakeholders. Building strong, trust-based partnerships will drive mission-driven collaboration opportunities and position CME as a leader in integrated human services delivery.
What We're Looking For
Must Have:
- 5 + years as CEO/ED/COO in nonprofit or public sector
- Proven operational stabilization experience during transitions
- Exceptional relationship-building and partnership development skills
- Success with government contracts and diverse funder relationships
- Experience with collaborative leadership models
- Strong financial acumen and CFO partnership skills
Strongly Preferred:
- Human services sector experience
- Previous interim/transition executive roles
- Understanding of trauma-informed care practices
- Familiarity with the Spokane/Eastern Washington community
Essential Attributes:
- Operational excellence and systems thinking
- Authentic, trust-based approach to building partnerships
- Facilitative leadership style
- Comfort with collaborative governance
- Ability to balance internal stabilization with external relationship building
- Humility and willingness to share authority
What Success Looks Like
By 6 months:
- Operations measurably stabilized
- Financial sustainability planning implemented
- Leader Team functioning with Charter processes
- Stakeholder relationships strengthened
- New partnership opportunities identified
By the end of tenure:
- Sustainable operational systems are in place
- Strong, trusted partnerships with key stakeholders, Leader Team demonstrating increased agility and independence
- Positive community reputation and engagement
- Organization positioned for permanent leadership
Why This Matters
Your leadership directly impacts vulnerable individuals in recovery, young children, and struggling families who depend on CME's programs. You'll help pioneer a collaborative governance model while building organizational capacity that outlasts your tenure.
Ready To Lead A Critical Transformation? Apply Today!
Application Deadline: [Tuesday, October 28th - 14 days from posting]
Please submit:
- An executive resume (highlighting interim leadership and operational stabilization)
- A cover letter (2 pages max) addressing your approach to bridge leadership
- Three professional references
Questions? Contact Austin Taylor at 509-505-3302 or
[email protected] CME is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and encourages women, persons of color, and those with disabilities to apply. We actively celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
CME is an E-Verify employer.
Job Tags
Permanent employment,