Executive Director

Rain for the Sahel and Sahara (RAIN) seeks a dynamic leader who wants to make a difference in the lives of marginalized peoples and communities at a critical time in the world. Since 2001, RAIN has been partnering with underserved rural and nomadic peoples of Niger to increase educational opportunities and improve livelihoods to build more resilient communities. Currently, RAIN implements access to education, women’s entrepreneurship, and sustainable food and water programs in 28 communities in the Agadez region of Niger. RAIN also operates a residential learning center in the city of Agadez and has offices in Agadez, Niamey and Portsmouth NH. RAIN currently employs 18 staff in Niger and two in the US and works with several consultants. RAIN is registered as a 501(c)3 organization in the U.S. and as an international non-governmental organization in Niger.

Job Description – Executive Director

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Basic Functions: Ensure overall organizational effectiveness, accountability and impact, lead fundraising efforts, in partnership with the Board, and guide and support an international team to implement programs consistent with RAIN’s mission.

Location: Portsmouth, NH, with travel in the northeast USA and to Niger (as possible), opportunity for hybrid work.

Starting Salary: $84,500-91,000/year; full-time position

Starting Date: September 1, 2025

Position Description: Reporting to and working with RAIN’s Board of Directors, the Executive Director realizes RAIN’s mission and strategic goals by guiding and supporting an international team to deliver high-quality programs and impact and by mobilizing and effectively managing financial and staff resources in partnership with the Board and other stakeholders.

The Executive Director leads RAIN’s work, including management of operations and finances. S/he directly supervises senior Niger-based staff and ensures adherence to national and organizational policies and requirements. S/he drives results in programs, fundraising, and staff performance and works to ensure programs, operations, and staff are appropriately supported.

The Executive Director represents RAIN at national and local levels, establishing strong relationships with partners, funders, donors, and peers in the United States and Niger. The Executive Director models and promotes RAIN’s core values of mutual respect among staff, partner communities, and stakeholders and building local ownership through genuine partnership and collaboration. Accountability is paramount at all levels of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Program Oversight (10%)

• Partner with board, staff, and stakeholders to develop and implement RAIN’s vision and strategy and achieve programmatic, fundraising, and organizational goals
• Analyze trends, risks, and opportunities to further RAIN’ programmatic impact and organizational well-being
• Guide staff to design and implement impactful programs in line with RAIN’s strategic priorities
• Develop and oversee an appropriate monitoring and evaluation system

Fundraising (25%)

• Work with the Fundraising Committee and external grant writing entity to develop and implement RAIN’s Development Plan and ensure adequate resources
• Build and maintain professional relationships with relevant organizations, foundations, and funders
• Expand revenue generating and fundraising activities, including grant writing
• Ensure the preparation and timely submission of reports to program funders

Organizational and Financial Management (15%)

• Lead development, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and periodic review of RAIN’s programs and operations
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff on program, finance, and operational plans
• Establish and implement processes, practices, and policies consistent with U.S. and Nigerien laws and regulations
• Foster program learning and knowledge-sharing among staff, partners, and partner communities
• Collaborate with Treasurer and finance staff to maintain sound financial practices and compile annual financial statements

Human Resources and People Management (20%)

• Directly supervise and contribute to the success of senior Niger-based staff and the U.S.-based administration and communication coordinator
• Guide staff hiring, development and performance evaluation
• Hold staff accountable for programmatic/operational goals and respecting organizational values, standards, and controls.

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement (15%)

• Serve as RAIN’s primary representative and advocate in the US and abroad
• Develop strategic relationships to represent RAIN’s interests to government agencies, local/international organizations, funders/donors, media, and the general public
• Deepen and refine communications – from web presence/social media to external relations – to promote RAIN to current and potential supporters and stakeholders, and ensure RAIN remains relevant to stakeholder needs

Governance and Collaboration with RAIN’s Board of Directors (10%)

• Ensure transparent and thorough information-sharing to support the board’s fiduciary duty and duty of trust including regular financial and programmatic updates
• With the Governance Committee, ensure that RAIN has appropriate personnel, finance and program policies in Niger and the US

Other Duties as Required (5%)

Given the small size of RAIN’s US office, administrative and office management duties are shared.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to RAIN’s mission and vision
• Five or more years of experience in a management role, preferably with a non-profit organization, including proven experience managing diverse teams
• Proven experience fundraising from individuals and foundations and familiarity with ethical and effective non-profit messaging and communications
• Demonstrated ability to manage business processes including developing and implementing realistic budgets, maintaining financial controls and recruiting, managing and holding staff accountable for results
• Experience managing programs and program performance monitoring systems
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to present a compelling vision, manage conflict and synthesize complex technical and programmatic issues into concise communications
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written French
• Experience representing an organization and building productive working relationships with other organizations, networks and/or governments
• Strong emotional intelligence and people management skills
• Organized yet flexible – strong time management, planning skills, ability to reprioritize
• Ability to work independently and develop trusted and effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including the board, staff, and stakeholders
• Ability and willingness to travel to Niger, conditions permitting, and Northeast USA
• Minimum education requirement: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Proficiency with software including MS Office Suite & donor database management
• Experience with international development programs a plus
• Knowledge of the operational context in Francophone West Africa/the Sahel a plus

Other

Reference checks will be required prior to any job offer being extended. Finalists will be asked to provide names and contact information for at least three references, including at least one recent supervisor. Education and employment records may also be confirmed.

Work Hours and Conditions

This is a hybrid position based at RAIN’s headquarters in Portsmouth, NH. Office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. Remote work and flexibility regarding work hours is possible; at a minimum the ED should be able to travel to the Portsmouth area on a monthly basis. Some weekend and evening work will be required, with advance notice. All necessary office equipment, furnishings, and supplies will be provided.

Organization: RAIN, established in 2001, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any classification protected by law in all personnel actions. RAIN is committed to the safeguarding and protection of our staff and the people they serve. We have zero tolerance for behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation.

How to Apply: If this position sparks your interest, you are encouraged to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications. RAIN recognizes that people with a variety of backgrounds and skill sets can successfully advance its mission. Send your CV and cover letter to admin@rain4sahara.org with the subject line “Executive Director Opening.” Please ensure all attachments include your name in the file name. Please do not send hard copy materials – only materials sent to the admin@rain4sahara.org email address will be considered.

Timeline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The closing date for applications is June 23rd. If your application is advanced to the next round, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. The role is scheduled to begin September 1, 2025.