Comprehensive Position Profile Pending

About Wellspring Family Services

Wellspring Family Services (WFS) believes every family deserves a stable home, a place to feel safe, and the confidence and sense of security that comes with it. WFS is a leader in preventing and addressing family homelessness and championing family stability.  Through early intervention, WFS identifies families on the brink of housing crisis and connects them with the services they need to avoid or overcome homelessness. WFS works tirelessly to secure housing and connect families with skills and resources to rebuild their lives.

Since 1892, WFS has been a lifeline for individuals and families in crisis, constantly evolving to meet WFS's community's changing needs, and adapting its programs and focus to provide timely, respectful, and effective support.  While WFS's name and services have changed, WFS's mission remains constant: to lift people out of crisis and guide them toward lasting stability.

Wellspring Family Services Values

• We are in this together.
• We are infinitely curious.
• We relentlessly pursue "better."
• We care for ourselves so we can care for others.
• We never give up.

Commitment to DEI and Trauma-Informed Care WFS combines Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access (DEIA) with Trauma-Informed Care to break cycles of trauma, inequity, and poverty – prioritizing healing and hope. By meeting each person where they are, WFS honors their dignity, respects their unique strengths, and supports their resilience.

About the Early Learning Center (ELC) The ELC is the cornerstone of Wellspring’s mission and the only program in Washington State that specializes in serving children facing housing instability.   WFS provides a nurturing environment for children ages one to five who are housing insecure and/or experiencing homelessness. With small class sizes and a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:5, WFS's compassionate educators tailor activities to meet each child’s developmental and emotional needs.  Serving 45 children annually, WFS provides specialized care and family support to build a strong foundation for a brighter future.  

ELC ensures children receive nutritious meals and onsite health services through a partnership with Seatle Children's Odessa Brown Children's Clinic.  This holistic approach addresses their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Grounded in transparency, collaboration, and humility, Wellspring continuously adapts to meet the complex needs of the families Wellspring serves.

Learn more about Wellspring Family Services here.

Learn more about the Early Learning Center here.

Director of Early Learning Center Position:

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Director of ELC leads a vibrant, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive early learning program. This role combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, and relationship management to ensure the ELC’s financial health, contract compliance, and program excellence. The Director plays a pivotal role in informing ELC strategy, growth, and impact.   They will oversee a $1.5 million budget and lead a multidisciplinary team of 15, including four direct reports: a Program Supervisor, two Family Support Specialists, and a Behavioral Health Specialist.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership and Management: Oversee program administration, budget, communication, risk management, and staff supervision. Set service delivery targets and monitor results.
• Staffing: Recruit, mentor, and retain talented staff. Cultivate a culture of teamwork and continuous learning.
• Program Development: Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. Evaluate program effectiveness, identify improvements, and explore new service areas.
•  Contract Management and Compliance: Manage, negotiate, monitor, and report on all ELC contracts to achieve goals and ensure relationships are stewarded. Meet with funder representatives, including ECEAP, Early ECEAP, HCHN, CCAP, Early Achievers Coach, and ELC Licensor to adhere to contract and licensing guidelines.
• Financial, Budget, and Invoicing Management: Manage the annual budget and, with the finance team, ensure timely invoicing and reimbursement processes.
• Community Engagement: Represent the ELC at community meetings and maintain positive stakeholder relationships.
• DEIA: Embed DEIA principles into operations, staffing, and program development.  Maintain cultural humility and honor the dignity of all individuals.
• Donor Engagement: Collaborate with the Development team to support fundraising efforts.

This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary, experienced, and hands-on ECE leader with a demonstrated track record of success in nonprofit program management and the strategic insight to balance immediate needs with long-term growth and sustainability.

The ideal candidate has a passion for early learning and trauma-informed care, serving multicultural and economically diverse communities.  They advocate for staff and children and are skilled at bridging policy and practice to deliver exceptional education and support.  With a proven ability to navigate complex systems, they drive meaningful change while fostering trust and clarity through open, honest communication with stakeholders.  

Resilient and adaptable, they maintain positivity in the face of challenges and change.  They are also deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment that values respect, collaboration, and growth.

What you will bring:

Candidates will be evaluated on the full range of their lived and learned experience, professional background, volunteer experience, and direct and transferable skills.  Wellspring ELC is seeking candidates with a compelling combination of demonstrated experience and skills in some, or all, of the following areas:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with at least 45 credits in Early Childhood Education.
• Demonstrated success managing a licensed early learning center and operating a publicly funded ELC. Including hiring, staff development, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and quality programming.
• Excellent communication skills and organizational skills.
• Commitment to DEIA and Trauma-Informed Care practices.
• Highly organized with proven prioritization skills and excellent follow-up and follow-through.
• An outlook centered on valuing differences and embracing opportunities to learn about and respect different generational, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Experience fostering an open, innovative, evolving, committed culture that values honesty, integrity, and reliability.
• High emotional and social intelligence with the ability to build and cultivate internal and external relationships to increase organizational capacity, capabilities, reach, and positive impact.
• Proficiency in staff supervision and financial management.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.
• Must live in Washington State upon start date.

Compensation & Benefits:

This is a full-time exempt, on-site position with an annual salary of $101,000. Wellspring offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, life, and long-term disability coverage, a flexible spending account (FSA), a 403b retirement plan, 30 days of PTO, and 10 paid holidays.  Eligible for public service loan forgiveness program.

 To Be Considered:

This position is open until filled and initial interviews will begin by early February, although we highly encourage applying as soon as possible.  Please submit a resume and cover letter as a single WORD or PDF document addressed to Chief Program Officer, Bevette Irvis.   You may direct questions to Amy Burton at Amy@valtasgroup.com or Liz Swanson at Liz@valtasgroup.com.

Wellspring Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and accessible workplace.  WFS encourages applications from BIPOC individuals, all gender identities, immigrants, veterans, persons with disabilities, and former clients.  For disability accommodation, contact us directly.