Executive Director

About ALDEA

ALDEA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to promoting sustainable and community-centered development programs. Our mission is to improve the lives of families with limited resources in Guatemala's rural Mayan communities. We achieve this by working collaboratively with local partners, fostering self-sufficiency, and implementing impactful initiatives.

The Opportunity

ALDEA is seeking a passionate and experienced Executive Director (ED) to lead our organization. The ED will be responsible for the overall management of ALDEA, encompassing administrative, financial, program, and legal aspects. This pivotal role works closely with the ALDEA Board of Directors and dedicated staff to drive our mission forward. The Executive Director serves as the legal representative of ALDEA, ensuring the organization's full compliance with all applicable regulations. This role requires a visionary leader who can strategically guide ALDEA's growth, cultivate key partnerships, and spearhead fundraising efforts to expand our impact in Guatemala.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the strategic planning process for the organization, in collaboration with the Board and local partners.
• Guide the overall program direction in close coordination with local partners to ensure alignment with ALDEA's mission and community needs.
• Oversee all organizational partnerships, including developing and maintaining strong relationships with grantee organizations.
• Approve grant agreements and fund disbursements to grantees, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.

Administration

• Legal Compliance:
  • Ensure ALDEA complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
  • Maintain the organization's legal standing with appropriate states and ensure annual compliance with state charity bureaus and all IRS filings (including 990).
  • Maintain foreign qualification in states as required for local employment.
  • Ensure ALDEA policies and procedures are in compliance with relevant employment law.
  • Ensure all legally required digital and physical financial and program files are maintained and stored securely.
• Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage ALDEA’s annual budget in consultation with the Board Finance Committee and grantee partners, seeking approval from the Executive Committee and full Board.
  • Oversee the execution of the annual budget, ensuring all expenses are paid and income is deposited and documented appropriately.
  • Prepare and present monthly financial reports to the Finance Committee and full Board.
  • Securely maintain all ALDEA financial accounts (operating, investments, credit cards).
  • Reconcile monthly bank statements and provide all statements to the ALDEA Board Treasurer for review.
  • Identify and engage audit firm(s) for the annual audit, finalizing audited financial statements and 990 filing with Board Audit Committee approval.
• Board Support:
  • Participate "ex officio" as a non-voting member in all ALDEA committees (except Audit), coordinating efforts and providing staff support.
  • Ensure proper documentation, sharing, and archiving of meeting minutes by the Secretary and Committee Chairs.
  • Assist the President in preparing agendas and plans for board meetings (virtual and in-person) and manage logistics. Travel to Guatemala for board meetings as requested.
  • Provide organizational reports to the board as requested.
  • Assist the Governance Committee with board recruitment, orientation, retention, and assessment, playing a significant role in new board member recruitment and nomination.
  • Maintain resources for board support and internal communication (e.g., Google Workspace access, calendars, email lists).
• Staff Support:
  • With board approval, create position descriptions, seek contractual support, and hire staff as necessary.
  • Oversee staff and contractual support, providing assessment, feedback, and leading annual review processes for internal hires.
  • Ensure all benefits and payroll processes are administered appropriately.

Fundraising & Communications

• General Fundraising:
  • Strategize with ALDEA staff and board to develop and execute the annual fundraising plan to meet budgeted revenue targets.
  • Lead regular fundraising activities and campaigns, including the annual appeal.
  • Oversee external communications, including newsletters, email, and social media.
• Institutional Funding:
  • Assume primary responsibility for institutional fundraising, maintaining and cultivating relationships with existing institutional funders.
  • Track deadlines for applications and reports, coordinating efforts among board members and local grantees.
  • Maintain and share updated records with local grantees on restricted funds.
  • Research and develop new institutional funding relationships.
  • Work closely with local grantees to secure commitments to carrying out restricted funding purposes, managing and ensuring compliance with restricted grant agreements.
• Major Gifts:
  • Assume primary responsibility for major gifts fundraising, cultivating relationships with existing major donors and developing new major donor relationships.
• Communications:
  • Provide final approval for content produced and published for newsletters, emails, social media, and the website.

Program Management

• Management of Agreements with Local Grantee(s):
  • Keep the board updated on program, financial, and other required updates from grantee partners. Alert the President and Treasurer to any areas of concern.
  • Review grantee requests for unrestricted funds for consistency with grant purposes, projections, reporting periods, and cash availability. Wire funds to grantees with board approval.
  • Draft unrestricted and restricted grant agreements with local grantee(s) for board approval.
• Program Support:
  • Participate in strategic planning processes.
  • Support the board in developing and carrying out annual ALDEA organizational goals.
  • Oversee administrative support for tours.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a non-profit organization, preferably with international development experience.
• Strong understanding of non-profit legal and financial compliance requirements (501(c)(3)).
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, particularly with major gifts and institutional donors.
• Excellent financial management skills, including budget development and oversight.
• Experience working with and supporting a Board of Directors.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, board members, donors, and international partners.
• Commitment to ALDEA’s mission and values.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to Guatemala as required.