Founded in 1998, the Economic Opportunity Institute (EOI) is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit public policy center that seeks to build an economy that works for everyone. Using high-quality research, education, and advocacy, EOI works in concert with grassroots organizations, community coalitions, unions, and elected officials to publish research, encourage public debate, and catalyze major progressive policy changes that make Washington state a better place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.

EOI’s mission and values center on building an economy that works for everyone by promoting systemic progress for:

• Educational opportunity,

• Jobs with fair compensation and benefits,

• Healthy families and workplaces,

• Racial and gender equity, and

• A dignified retirement for all.

EOI operates with a commitment to racial equity: “We recognize that we cannot be successful in building a just economy for all without directly addressing institutional and structural racism, which create devastating economic, educational, and health disparities. We seek to apply a racial equity lens to our public policy research, communications, and advocacy work. We strive to include the voices of communities most impacted by racism.”

There are currently ten (10) budgeted staff positions at EOI, and the 2020 budget was approximately $1.3 million. On average over the past five years, 46 percent of EOI’s funding has come from foundations, 14 percent from organizations, and 36 percent from individuals. The organization has benefitted from a history of strong fundraising work and financial management, and currently has cash reserves equivalent to 1 year of operating expenses, a $6.5 million restricted endowment, and no significant debt.

John Burbank founded the Economic Opportunity Institute and, as Executive Director, has been instrumental in guiding and shaping nearly every aspect of the organization. Approximately three years ago (after two decades of work for EOI) John signaled his intention to retire and the organization began preparing for this transition.

EOI’s financial development team, together with John, proactively reached out to major funders and donors to make them aware of the upcoming transition and the steps the organization is taking to manage it. John has also spoken privately with key allies and other individuals with whom he has a close working relationship. At the organization’s annual dinner, John made a public announcement of his intention, and EOI has published a blog on its website to that effect.

As a result of the hard work done by EOI and its allies and partners, Washington has become a national model for progressive policies that support working people. For more information on EOI’s most recent accomplishments, click here.

Full Position Post: http://www.opportunityinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EOI-Executive-Director-Profile-Final.pdf (PDF)

This role will remain open until filled. Candidate materials are reviewed on an on-going basis and initial interviews will begin by mid-February.

To be considered please submit a resume and cover letter (in a single Word or PDF document) as soon as possible addressed to the Search Committee at valtasgroup.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0qh2z

You may direct questions or make referrals to Mr. Ed Rogan or Mrs. Mikkell Jackson Roeland at Valtas Group. Ed can be reached at ed@valtasgroup.com or 206.697.8428 and Mikkell can be reached at mikkell@valtasgroup.com or 425.919.2855.