Interim Executive Director
The Learning Zone @ Real Life School — Littleton, CO (Denver Metro)
Job Type: Contract / Temporary (6–9 months) | W-2 preferred; 1099 available upon request Pay: $7,500 – $10,500 per month, depending on expertise and experience Schedule: Full-time; in-person preferred (hybrid up to 50% considered) Anticipated Start: August 2026
About Us
Real Life Colorado is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers, supports, and connects individuals who are non-speaking or limitedly verbal with the resources they need to actualize a full and healthy "real life" through total immersion in an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) environment.
Our core programs include:
- The Learning Zone: A fully immersive AAC K-8 CDE Facility School providing research-based academic instruction to students with complex communication needs (CCN) and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We teach students the skills they need to engage with the world through student-centered instruction in academics, social communication, self-determination, and independent living.
- Summer Enrichment Program: A summer "camp" for new students and an Extended School Year (ESY) program for current students.
Our team includes 2 administrators, 5 full-time staff, 3 part-time staff, and consultants, supported by a six-member volunteer Board of Directors. Our annual operating budget is approximately $1 million, funded through school district fee-for-service, state/federal funding, foundation grants, and individual donors.
About the Role
Following the departure of our Executive Director of four years, the Board of Directors is seeking an experienced Interim Executive Director to steward the organization through this leadership transition. This is more than a caretaker role: the Interim ED will stabilize, strengthen, and prepare the organization for its next permanent leader by maintaining operational excellence, advancing Board priorities, protecting organizational culture, and ensuring continuity with staff, funders, and partners.
The Interim Executive Director reports to a designated Board Liaison on behalf of the Board of Directors and supervises 1 full-time and 1 part-time direct report. The role is empowered to make routine operational and personnel decisions consistent with the approved budget and organizational policies; significant strategic, financial, or organizational decisions remain with the Board.
Key Responsibilities
Board Partnership & Governance
- Serve as the organization's primary staff leader and public representative during the transition, alongside the Board Chair
- Advance the Board's Strategic Plan and annual priorities
- Partner with the Board Executive Committee to prepare agendas, materials, and updates for monthly board meetings and committee work
- Implement policies across all facets of organizational operations
- Partner with the Executive Committee to design and implement the search, selection, hiring, onboarding, and successful transition of the permanent Executive Director
Team Management & Culture
- Adopt equitable hiring practices and annual development and review plans with the Board Vice Chair
- Supervise, coach, and support the existing team; conduct regular 1:1 check-ins with direct reports
- Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration, and trust while providing stability during the transition
- Assess current staffing/contractor roles and conduct a salary and benefits review
Finance & Operations
- Oversee day-to-day financial management in partnership with the Finance and Administrative Consultant and Board Treasurer: cash flow and forecasting, budget monitoring, financial risk assessment, grant compliance, internal controls, payroll, AP/AR, and monthly financial reporting to the Board
- Partner with the Finance and Administrative Consultant and Board Treasurer to develop an updated annual budget for 2027
- Ensure the organization remains in good standing on all compliance matters (state registration, annual filings, insurance, lease, contracts)
Revenue Development & External Relations
- Maintain relationships with current major funders, donors, and institutional partners; represent the organization in funder meetings
- Execute the existing revenue development strategy and plan
- Support year-end and campaign activities with designated committee leads and contractors
Programs
- Ensure appropriate coverage for effective program delivery in partnership with the Executive team
- Support program leads as a thought partner; escalate risks or decisions requiring the Board's attention
Deliverables
- Monthly reporting of deliverables
- Maintain an updated decision log and open-issues list throughout the engagement
- Work with the Board and subject-matter experts across HR, finance, development, and programs to identify and close gaps in organizational processes
- Maintain and revise the "Vital Information" document with recommendations for the Board and successor covering organizational status, key relationships, active commitments, risks, and near-term priorities
Qualifications
We are looking for a seasoned nonprofit leader who can step in quickly and provide calm, confident, and transparent leadership.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Education Administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's or Doctorate preferred.
Experience: Five years as an Executive Director, CEO, or school principal at a similarly sized or larger organization. Ideally well-connected to the Colorado/Denver Metro community, local and state partners, and funders, with an understanding of facility/specialty schools. Experience leading a permanent ED search and onboarding a successor is preferred.
Knowledge: All management aspects of a nonprofit, team leadership, and working relationships with a Board of Directors. Knowledge of the cultural behaviors, norms, and needs of students with complex communication needs (CCN) and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as their families and communities, is preferred.
Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and consistently with all stakeholders in oral, written, and presentation formats.
Financial Fluency: Working fluency in nonprofit finance and accounting principles, including reading and interpreting a monthly P&L statement, balance sheet, and cash flow forecast.
Relationships: Existing relationships with educational institutions, facilities, and Colorado philanthropic or nonprofit communities preferred.
Working Environment
This role requires working extended days and weeks, including on-site presence during school/summer programming as needed, on-call availability, and attendance at meetings and conferences in support of strategic plan and revenue development goals. May require extended periods of sitting and standing while presenting materials. Full or substantial capability to see, hear, and be mobile.
A State of Colorado background check is required; Real Life Colorado will reimburse any fees incurred upon hiring.
How to Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter as a single PDF to Josh Kohler, Board Vice President, at [email protected] with the subject line:
Interim Executive Director – [Your Name]
Your cover letter should confirm Colorado residency and Denver-area availability, as well as your availability for a 6–9-month engagement beginning August 2026.
Applications received by July 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. will receive priority consideration. The position is open until filled.
Candidates advancing past initial screening will be asked to submit a brief proposal, including a 30/60/90-day approach, proposed pricing, and references. Finalists will be invited to a 45–60 minute conversation (virtual or in person) with a selection committee of board members and staff.
Pay: $7,500.00 - $10,500.00 per month
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Littleton, CO 80123
