About Friends of the Children

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through long-term professional mentoring relationships. Through its innovative model, the organization pairs children facing significant obstacles with salaried professional mentors, known as Friends, from kindergarten through graduation and beyond for 12+ years, regardless of circumstances. Friends of the Children focuses on creating lasting impact by helping young people build meaningful relationships, achieve educational success, and transition into healthy, productive adulthood.

The Role

Friends of the Children is seeking a visionary and data-informed Director of Postsecondary, Career & Life Coaching to lead a new national program innovation focused on helping young people ages 16–22 successfully transition into adulthood, postsecondary education, career pathways, and independent living.

Reporting to the Chief Officer of Strategy and Innovation, the role will oversee a team of Life Coaches and the National Alumni Coordinator while shaping and evolving the organization’s postsecondary and career readiness strategy. This position combines strategic leadership, project management, staff supervision, partnership building, and data-driven program development to improve long-term outcomes for youth.

The role is based in Portland or Seattle, with flexibility for remote work arrangements for highly qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy and Innovation

• Help design, refine, and implement the postsecondary, career, and life coaching program model
• Coordinate program implementation timelines, milestones, and stakeholder engagement
• Work with researchers and leadership to define performance metrics and outcomes
• Support continuous improvement and innovation through data and feedback

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate Life Coaches and the National Alumni Coordinator
• Foster a strong team culture rooted in accountability and youth-centered success
• Provide professional development, ongoing training, and performance support
• Assist staff in managing complex youth situations and escalations

Postsecondary and Career Pathway Support

• Ensure high-quality coaching aligned with organizational standards
• Strengthen access to postsecondary education, career training, and workforce opportunities
• Support culturally responsive coaching practices for underserved youth
• Address systemic barriers affecting historically marginalized young people

Data, Outcomes, and Program Quality

• Support collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative program data
• Track youth progress, milestones, and persistence outcomes
• Use analytics and research findings to identify trends and improve program effectiveness
• Maintain accountability for measurable program outcomes and KPIs

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with local chapters and national leadership to strengthen collaboration
• Build relationships with funders, researchers, employers, higher education institutions, and community partners
• Represent the organization at meetings, events, and stakeholder gatherings
• Support alumni engagement and partnership development opportunities

Operations and Organizational Leadership

• Manage communications, events, reporting timelines, and program logistics
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements
• Collaborate on budgeting, staffing, and program growth initiatives
• Contribute to the National Center of Excellence for Professional Youth Mentoring

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in youth development, workforce development, college access, or related fields
• Minimum 2 years of staff supervision or team leadership experience
• Strong understanding of postsecondary pathways including college, career training, and workforce systems
• Experience supporting underserved, first-generation, or historically marginalized youth
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to use data and analytics to drive program improvement
• Strong cultural responsiveness and commitment to equity-focused practices

What They Offer

• Salary range of $125,000 to $150,000 depending on experience and location
• Flexible remote and hybrid work arrangements
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer-paid premiums
• 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match
• Paid vacation, sick leave, floating holidays, and summer hours
• Career development and wellness reimbursement programs
• Cell phone, internet, and home office reimbursements
• Employee assistance program and wellness support
• Opportunity to help build a transformational national program for youth success

How to Apply

Applications must include both a resume and cover letter. Candidates should use the cover letter to explain their interest in the Director of Postsecondary, Career & Life Coaching role and how their experience aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.

The position is intended to be based in Portland or Seattle, though remote arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates.