Director of Administration
| Organization | Wild Salmon Center |
| Date Posted | October 9, 2025 |
| City | Portland |
| State | Oregon |
| Location | Hybrid |
| Type of Position | Full-Time |
| Primary Job Function | Program |
| Educational Requirement | Bachelor's Degree |
| Experience Requirement | 5-10 years |
| Salary Range | $110,000 – $118,000 annually |
Description & Details
Title
Director of Administration
Portland, Oregon
Reports to
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Status
Exempt, full-time
The Organization
Wild Salmon Center works to protect some of the most beautiful and productive rivers left on the planet. These “salmon strongholds” are home not only to the king of fish but grizzly bears, bald eagles, orcas, and more than 130 other species that depend on wild salmon. These rivers also support thriving coastal communities and Indigenous cultures. If you are called home to these kinds of wild places and live to protect them, then WSC is the organization for you. The organization also features excellent benefits competitive with major international conservation organizations and offers room for professional growth.
The Position
The Director of Administration is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing and optimizing the organization's operational functions to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic goals. This role provides strategic direction and operational oversight for Human Resources, Administration, Information Technology, and Contracts Management. Day to day activities will include driving continuous improvement, fostering a collaborative work environment, and ensuring the organization's operational infrastructure supports its mission and objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources:
- Provide strategic oversight of HR functions: talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, and training and development
- Ensure HR policies and practices conform to all applicable laws and regulations
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates top talent
- Oversee the development and implementation of HR strategies that align with the organization's goals
- Manage the organization's insurance programs: policy development, renewal, and claims handling
Performance Management & Continuous Improvement:
- Oversee key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure operational performance and track progress toward strategic goals across all areas of the organization
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, innovation and efficiency across all operational areas
- Analyze data, identify trends, and develop recommendations for process improvements and operational enhancements
Policy Development & Implementation
- Work with the EMT to formulate and revise operational policies, aligning them with organizational objectives and best practices
- Review policies for consistency, effectiveness, and alignment with legal and regulatory requirements
- Develop clear procedures for implementing and communicating new policies
Information Technology:
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for the organization's IT infrastructure, systems, and services
- Ensure the security, reliability, and scalability of IT systems to support the organization's operations and strategic objectives
- Oversee the development and implementation of IT policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and technology investments
Board of Directors Administration:
- Coordinate Board of Directors meetings: scheduling, agenda preparation, materials distribution, and meeting logistics
- Prepare and distribute board meeting minutes, ensuring accuracy and timely dissemination
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Directly supervises department managers and support staff within HR, Operations and Administration. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Operations Management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
- Active SHRM Certification
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources management
- Leadership experience in organizations of 40+ employees
- Proven track record of success in strategic planning, operational execution, and organizational development
- Strong understanding of HR principles and practices, IT management, contract negotiation, and board governance
- Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to think strategically, analyze complex issues, and develop effective solutions
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Proficiency in relevant financial and project management software and technology
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in Project Management and Service Sector
- Certification in PMP
- Solid experience with change management methodologies
Compensation
The pay range for this full-time position starts at $110k, commensurate with experience.
Additionally, a comprehensive benefits package, designed to help our employees stay healthy and plan for their financial future, includes:
- 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (includes employee/spouse, employee/dependent(s), as well as a partial premium for full family coverage)
- Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) plan that matches at 125% for the first 6% of salary contributed
- Three weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick and twelve paid holidays
- Flexible Spending Account (health & dependent care)
- Support for continuing education
- Cell phone allowance & monthly stipend
- Flexible hybrid work schedule
- Outstanding work culture, including regular opportunities to visit and connect with salmon rivers
Application Instructions
To Apply
Submit cover letter and CV to careers@wildsalmoncenter.org and include “Director of Administration” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Wild Salmon Center is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We will gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please reach out to our Senior People & Culture Manager at eellis@wildsalmoncenter.org in advance to request assistance.