This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people in this category. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties and skills required of people in these positions.
For over 50 years, Holden Village has operated as a remote Lutheran retreat center and community in the
wilderness of the Cascade Mountains of Washington state. A former copper mining village gifted to the
Lutheran church in the 1960s, Holden has offered year-round hospitality to all who join the bustling summer
community (300+ people) and/or the smaller winter community (70-150). Holden Village is rooted in the
Lutheran expression of the Christian faith and strives to be a place of ecumenical and interfaith
collaboration. By offering year-round hospitality to all who come to Holden, the Village seeks to serve the
wider church and God’s beloved world.
Holden is emerging from a period of heavy construction in connection with a mine remediation project
(2013-2016), a forest fire (2015), and the COVID pandemic (2020-2022) to grow back to full capacity for
education, worship, and recreation for people of all ages. Looking forward, the Board and the Executive
Directors will soon complete negotiations regarding another, less disruptive remediation project in the
valley, finalize construction of and programming for an exciting new Village Museum project, and engage in
a comprehensive Capital Campaign to support Holden into the future.
The Board of Directors of Holden Village hires, oversees, and supports the Executive Director(s), who is/are
expected to maintain a consistent presence in the Village and lead the community during this time of
complex ecological, ecumenical, and societal change. Leadership of the Village has consisted of 1-3
Executive Director(s) who, in turn, manage and lead a staff consisting primarily of long-term volunteers and
a core of employees. Staff size ranges from roughly 70 people in the winter months to 130 in the summer.
The position requires relationships with staff, guests, donors, the Church, synods, and partner organizations,
including the United States Forest Service (USFS), state and federal regulatory agencies, local Indigenous
tribes, Rio Tinto (the mining company responsible for the remediation), IMCO (the company contracted by
Rio Tinto to operate the remediation-related water treatment plant in Railroad Creek Valley), and other
companies subcontracted by Rio Tinto.
The Board seeks an Executive Director (or team of Directors) who, first and foremost, is/are deeply
committed to articulating and embodying the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the Village. Leadership in
this setting requires great personal resilience; passion and connection to Holden and commitment to
Christian/Lutheran beliefs; an ability to strategically envision Holden’s place in the complex, changing world;
ongoing focus on ecological regeneration and sustainability; solid business acumen; commitment to
diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to foster meaningful relationships with Rio Tinto, IMCO, the USFS, local
Indigenous tribes and other partner organizations; oversight of renewal and/or construction of buildings
and physical infrastructure; understanding the role of the Board and changes in the volunteer and
employment landscape of our constituency. The Board is open to receiving proposals for executive
leadership that mirror historic models and/or innovative approaches and team compositions to lead
Holden Village.
(principal duties and responsibilities; such as categories supported, staff size, volume managed, etc)
Overview:
The Executive Director(s) is/are responsible to the Board of Directors for nurturing and keeping the Mission,
Vision, and Values as the vital center of the life and work of Holden Village. The position includes:
Leadership of a collaborative, welcoming community
Staffing and Human Resource Management
Operations Management
Financial Oversight
Public Relations
Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
Physical and Mental
Compensation:
Depending on the team composition, the estimated annual salary range for each full-time individual in this
role is $60,000 – $72,000 with bonus-earning potential and is based on the desired experience range at the
time of this posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon various factors, including, but not limited
to, the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.
Holden Village also offers the following benefits, per individual team member:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance in accordance with the Village’s general program for employees.
Life insurance benefits in accordance with the Village’s general program for employees.
The Village matches employee contributions to a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan up to 3%.
Forty-two (42) “out days” (ie. paid vacation days taken outside of the Village) per year.
Because of the unique nature of both living and working at Holden, the observation of traditional paid
holidays is not possible. Rather, the Village observes a monthly off-season (September through May)
tradition called “Stop Days” wherein all staff enjoy a shared day off from Village work obligations. These
days are scheduled by Village leadership.
Holden Village is a community where your questions are valued and encouraged. Most programs led by visiting teaching faculty occur during the summer months. However, Holden also invites faculty to teach sessions for special events and retreats throughout the rest of the year.
Check out a list of the 2024 Summer Faculty.