Summary:

About Giraffe Laugh

Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers provides high-quality early education and nurturing care to more than 250 children across the Treasure Valley each day. Our mission is to ensure school readiness, empower families, and build strong futures for children in our community. The long term current Executive Director is retiring after 35 years and is available during a transition period to onboard and train to set the incoming ED for success.

Position Summary
Giraffe Laugh is seeking a visionary and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive leader of the organization, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, and community partners to advance Giraffe Laugh’s mission. This role is responsible for strategic leadership, financial stewardship, fundraising, organizational operations, team development, and community engagement.

The Executive Director serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization and plays a critical role in shaping long-term sustainability and organizational success.
 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan in alignment with mission, vision, and long-term goals
• Partner with the Board of Directors and leadership team to establish priorities and drive implementation
• Evaluate progress and outcomes against strategic objectives
• Facilitate strategic planning processes, including board and committee engagement

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
• Provide regular organizational updates, insights, and strategic recommendations
• Support board development, recruitment, education, retreats, and elections
• Collaborate closely with the Board Chair to achieve organizational goals
• Ensure strong governance practices and board engagement

Financial Leadership

• Oversee the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the organization
• Lead annual budgeting and financial planning processes
• Partner with finance committee, accounting/bookkeeping support, and financial advisors
• Support annual audit preparation and regulatory compliance
• Monitor organizational performance and financial reporting

Fundraising, Marketing & External Relations

• Lead fundraising strategy and revenue development efforts
• Cultivate and steward donor relationships
• Serve as the public face and spokesperson for the organization
• Partner with philanthropy and marketing teams to ensure strong messaging, visibility, and donor engagement
• Oversee donor recognition, stewardship, and relationship management
• Represent Giraffe Laugh at community events, partnerships, and fundraising opportunities

Operations & Team Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day organizational operations across all sites
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and support to senior staff and site directors
• Partner with leadership to establish and maintain operational policies and procedures
• Support HR functions including hiring, team development, performance management, and employee relations
• Oversee legal, contractual, and compliance matters in partnership with advisors as needed

Community Partnerships & Advocacy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, partners, and stakeholders
• Develop collaborative partnerships that advance the organization’s mission
• Representing the organization in advocacy efforts related to children, families, early learning, and nonprofit initiatives
• Support visibility and awareness efforts throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond  

Core Leadership Competencies

We are seeking a leader who demonstrates:

• Mission-driven leadership
• Visionary and strategic thinking
• Inclusive and collaborative leadership
• Results orientation and accountability
• Exceptional communication and influence
• Strong board and stakeholder engagement
• Change leadership and organizational adaptability

Desired Experience & Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in:

• Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, Early Childhood Education, or Related fields

Experience

• 3+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, business, fundraising, advancement, or mission-driven organizations
• Senior leadership experience with direct staff supervision and operational oversight
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and revenue development
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and community stakeholders
• Background in fundraising, donor engagement, grants, communications, or business development preferred
• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and organizational performance metrics

Skills & Attributes

• Strong written, verbal, and public communication skills
• Financial acumen and operational leadership
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams
• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• Relationship-builder with donor, partner, and stakeholder engagement experience
• Proactive problem-solver with sound judgment
• Passion for Giraffe Laugh’s mission and community impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with donor CRM or fundraising systems
• Familiarity with grants administration and reporting
• Experience building systems, processes, and accountability frameworks
• Knowledge of Idaho nonprofit and/or early childhood education landscape

Additional Requirements

• Ability to represent the organization professionally in public settings
• CPR / First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Meet applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements as needed

TIMELINE:

• Reviewing candidates in June of 2026
• Inviting candidates to a phone or in person interview July of 2026
• Second interview in late July or early August 2026
• Making a final decision early to mid August 2026
• Overlap with current director August/mid-Sept 2026