Columbia Play Project launches search for executive director to lead next phase of growth

Columbia Play Project began with at-home play kits and quickly expanded to ‘Pop Up Children’s Museums in the Park,’ reaching more than 5,000 participants in its first year

Columbia Play Project, the innovative nonprofit bringing hands-on play and learning to children across Southwest Washington, has officially launched a search for its first paid Executive Director. This new leader will guide the organization through a pivotal moment in its evolution, as Columbia Play Project transitions from its grassroots beginnings into a fully realized children’s museum serving the region.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia Play Project began with at-home play kits and quickly expanded to “Pop Up Children’s Museums in the Park,” reaching more than 5,000 participants in its first year. In 2022, Columbia Play Project introduced the Mobile Children’s Museum (MCM), offering exploratory STREAM-based (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math) experiences to families throughout Clark County. Since then, Columbia Play Project has hosted hundreds of events, reaching over 60,000 children and caregivers through creative, engaging, child-led play.

“I am thrilled that Columbia Play Project is ready to hire its first paid Executive Director,” said Jeanne Bennett, current volunteer Executive Director. “From the beginning of this project, we knew that volunteers would need to get the Columbia Play Project going but someday we would want and need a professional with museum and nonprofit management experience. That day has come, and it couldn’t be more exciting.”

With a $500,000 planning grant, sponsored by Sen. Annette Cleveland, from the Washington State Department of Commerce, Columbia Play Project launched its Dream the Museum campaign to create a permanent children’s museum in Clark County. The planning process is nearly complete — including strategic planning, site identification, business planning, community engagement.  The future Executive Director will implement the strategic and business plans, oversee the feasibility process and guide Columbia Play Project’s overall growth and operations.

This is described as an opportunity for a visionary leader with a passion for play, child development, and community building. The ideal candidate will bring experience in museum and nonprofit leadership and management, fundraising, operations, and public engagement.

Applications, including a resume and cover letter, are due by 5 p.m. on June 6, 2025. Materials should be sent to [email protected] or mailed to PO Box 5797, Vancouver, WA 98668-5797. A full overview of the position and organizational background is available at: www.columbiaplayproject.org.

About Columbia Play Project:

Columbia Play Project inspires wonder, fosters curiosity, and strengthens communities by empowering explorers to discover and learn through STREAM play. Through its Mobile Children’s Museum and seasonal indoor play space, Columbia Play Project removes barriers to access and delivers joyful, hands-on experiences for children and families throughout Clark County.