Executive Director

Executive Director

Oregon Walks 

 

About Oregon Walks:

 

Oregon Walks promotes walking and advocates for safe, convenient, and attractive walking conditions as an essential part of thriving, sustainable, and connected communities. Founded in 1991, we have a long history of successful advocacy and committed partners and stakeholders. We are positioned to play a pivotal role in Oregon’s transportation future by addressing the needs of pedestrians across the region and state and by promoting walking and rolling as a critical element of transportation, climate, racial, and health justice. Current initiatives include the 82nd Avenue Coalition, implementing walking school buses in the Portland Metro region, the Black to Nature, electeds, and other walking series, and advocating at the legislature for our transportation priorities.

 

The Opportunity:

 

Oregon Walks is seeking a dynamic leader with a passion for walking advocacy to serve as our next Executive Director.

Salary: $95-105K, depending on experience

Benefits: Health insurance (vision and dental), paid vacation, paid sick leave, retirement

Hours/Location: Full-time work-from-home with regular in-person meetings based in Portland, Oregon. Hours can be flexible but occasional evening/weekend availability is required.

 

Key Areas of Responsibility:

 

Organizational leadership

 

• Work closely with staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure successful programs and achieve advocacy goals

• Develop and implement new initiatives to further Oregon Walks’ mission

• Plan for the organization’s long-term success by leading a strategic planning effort

• Demonstrate passion for pedestrian issues and inspire support for our programs and advocacy priorities

• Encourage a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive organizational culture

 

Advocacy, strategic partnerships, and communications

 

• Collaborate with partners, coalitions, elected officials, funders, and transportation and planning experts

• Participate in local, regional, and state committees, councils, advisory boards, and community groups

• Proactively lead advocacy campaigns and policy discussions, including testifying before government bodies, speaking to the media, and participating in policy planning processes

• Ensure clarity and consistency in messaging and positions on external advocacy work

• Imbue our work with social justice principles and the understanding of the intersectional nature of transportation policy and investments (e.g., housing, racial equity, and income inequality)

• Serve as the primary contact for internal and external communication

 

Finances and fundraising

 

• Oversee an annual budget of $400-450K, including developing annual and long-term budgets

• Serve as the organization’s lead fundraiser, including writing grants, hosting one annual large-scale fundraising event, and other fundraising as needed to sustain and grow the organization

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors and funders

 

Operations, management, and administration

 

• Supervise, manage, and support staff to develop and implement work plans to meet organizational goals

• Monitor compliance with rules and regulations governing the operation of nonprofits and the use of government funding. Handle grant compliance and reporting

• Support and collaborate with the board, including attending monthly and committee meetings as required

 

Ideal Experience and Qualifications:

 

Qualified candidates will be able to smoothly manage the day-to-day operations of a small nonprofit. They will have the community-building and fundraising skills to deepen and expand Oregon Walks’ work, and a policy eye for advancing the organization’s advocacy goals and priorities.

 

We are looking for candidates with a mix of the following qualifications. If you think you are a good fit for the job, please apply even if you do not meet all of them.

 

• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in a leadership position

• Understanding of nonprofit management and organizational development

• Experience with fundraising, grant-writing, event planning, and donor development

• Love for walking and dedication to pedestrian safety

• Keen relationship- and partnership-building skills and ability to work in a collaborative and diverse environment

• Fiscal management experience, including developing and managing budgets

• Ability to manage staff

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects while responding quickly to emerging opportunities

• Strong listening and oral and written communication skills

• Comfort with technology, including word processing, database, website management, and spreadsheets

 

Additional desirable knowledge, experience, and qualities:

 

• Bachelor’s or graduate level degree in Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, Urban Planning, Communications, or related field, or equivalent experience

• Racial and social justice work experience

• Advocacy experience at the local and state levels

• Experience working effectively with a board of directors

• Knowledge of local politics and current events as they relate to transportation and social justice

• Proficiency in a language other than English and/or experience in more than one cultural context

 

How to Apply:

 

Submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document to info@oregonwalks.org with the subject line “Executive Director Application,” and fill out the application questionnaire.

 

Process:

 

The first round of applications will be reviewed on November 12th, 2025. Following this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a candidate is hired. First-round interviews will be held online and second-round interviews will be held in person.

 

Women, people of color, members of LGBTQ communities, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you need any accommodations to participate in the application process please let us know.

 

For further information visit our website at: oregonwalks.org