Executive Director (US-Based)

Position Title: Executive Director (US-Based)

Organization: Rooted Wisdom Africa

Location: Remote (US-Based) with periodic domestic and international travel. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Preference for candidates based in Colorado.

Rooted Wisdom Africa

Rooted Wisdom Africa (RWA) empowers children and families in rural Uganda to rise above poverty through community-driven education and entrepreneurship. RWA envisions a resilient generation of self-sufficient Ugandan leaders equipped to drive sustainable financial independence and local economic transformation. To carry out this vision, RWA delivers four core initiatives: the Life Skills Program (youth scholarships and leadership development), the Women’s Enterprise Training Program (business training and startup capital for female entrepreneurs), the Collegiate Education Training Program (vocational training and job placement), and Seeding Success (sustainable agriculture and farm management education).

Position Overview

The Executive Director serves as the strategic leader and primary catalyst for Rooted Wisdom Africa’s growth and long-term sustainability. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, this role dedicates approximately 65% of its time to US revenue generation—growing and diversifying the donor base, driving major donor cultivation, foundation grants, and strategic partnerships. While delegating day-to-day field operations, the Executive Director holds ultimate accountability for organizational programmatic impact and directly supervises the Uganda-Based Managing Director to align field execution with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Domestic Fundraising & Revenue Generation (~65%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive US fundraising strategy targeting individual donors, family foundations, and corporate partners.
• Build, manage, and scale the donor pipeline using creative outreach, compelling storytelling, and structured donor stewardship plans.
• Prospect, write, and manage high-value institutional grant opportunities to secure multi-year funding.
• Serve as RWA’s primary U.S.-based spokesperson, storyteller, and relationship-builder with donors, partners, and supporters to elevate the organization’s national profile
• Expand and diversify RWA’s donor base by identifying and cultivating new generations and segments of supporters to continue building a sustainable pipeline for future growth.
• Set annual fundraising targets, tracking pipeline/conversion/retention, and reporting fundraising performance to the Board.

Strategic Leadership & Programmatic Impact Oversight (20%)

• Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Uganda-Based Managing Director, providing executive support for in-country operations and staff leadership.
• Provide organizational-level accountability for program quality and impact, , establishing evaluation frameworks to ensure on-the-ground initiatives achieve measurable outcomes.
• Ensure the organization is implementing and achieving its five year strategy and tracking key performance indicators related to implementation
• Partner with the Board of Directors to define long-term strategic plans, organizational metrics, and expansion goals.
• Translate field data and impact outcomes into compelling stories and metrics to demonstrate value to donors.
• Provide strategic direction, supervision, and accountability rather than direct management of routine field operations.

Board Governance & Financial Sustainability (15%)

• Provide regular and timely updates to the U.S. and Uganda Boards of Directors on organizational performance, key developments, emerging risks, and challenges to support effective governance and decision-making.
• Work with the Board and Treasurer to develop annual operating budgets, monitor and record cash flow, and ensure fiscal transparency.
• Facilitate board development, committee engagement, and recruitment and onboarding of high-impact board talent.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all US federal, state, and international regulatory standards.
• Manage financial controls, ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to approved budgets and policies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Developing Country Experience: Direct professional or volunteer experience working in a developing country (East Africa/Uganda context strongly preferred) to authentically articulate the mission and understand field realities.
• Executive Leadership & Supervision: Proven experience managing senior leaders or country directors remotely, setting performance standards, and driving high-level programmatic impact.
• Fundraising Expertise: Demonstrated track record in individual major donor cultivation, grant solicitation, and revenue growth within the nonprofit sector. Salesforce experience preferred.
• Self-Starter Drive: Entrepreneurial spirit with high autonomy, capable of building donor networks and initiating new growth campaigns independently.
• Creative Problem-Solver: Innovative mindset with the ability to design engaging fundraising campaigns and fresh storytelling methods.
• Governance & Financial Acumen: Strong capability in budget management, financial oversight, and partnering effectively with a governing Board of Directors.
• Education/Experience: At least an BA/BS in a related field and at least 5-10 years of professional experience.

Compensation

Salary: $65,000-$75,000 per year + $6000 annual health insurance stipend.

How to Apply

Please submit your application (CV and cover letter with annual salary expectations in USD) to Rooted Wisdom Africa at HR@rootedwisdomafrica.org by September 28, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

$6000 annual health insurance stipend.

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