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Nonprofit
Executive Director
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Description
Volunteer Executive Director (VED)
The Opportunity
Women Empowered International (WEI) is seeking a Volunteer Executive Director (VED) to serve as the chief executive leader of our global non-profit. This is a high-impact, strategic volunteer role for a seasoned professional passionate about gender equity and economic independence worldwide. You will lead a dedicated remote team, manage international partnerships, and drive the fundraising necessary to break cycles of poverty.
Commitment Details
Organization
Women Empowered International (WEI)
Location
Remote (Flexible); Must be able to attend virtual meetings and, occasionally, U.S.-based Board or partner engagements.
Commitment
Volunteer (Estimated 15-20+ hours per week, variable)
Reports To
WEI Board of Directors
Mission
To improve lives and protect the rights of women and children worldwide by empowering women with the tools to overcome unemployment and social isolation, rebuild their lives, and realize their full potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Governance
- Strategic Vision: Lead the development, refinement, and vigorous execution of WEI’s strategic plan and long-term organizational goals, translating vision into measurable action.
- Board Partnership: Act as the main liaison between the Board and operations, providing timely, comprehensive reports on performance, risks, and strategic decisions to ensure strong governance and fiduciary accountability.
- Mission Advocacy: Serve as the primary public face and advocate for WEI, representing the organization in public forums, partnerships, and key donor engagements globally.
- Resource Development and Financial Oversight
- Fundraising Strategy: Design and implement a comprehensive, sustainable fundraising strategy focusing on major donors, foundation grants, corporate giving, and individual campaigns.
- Donor Stewardship: Actively cultivate, solicit, and steward high-level relationships with current and prospective funders to secure organizational growth.
- Fiscal Oversight: Oversee the development and management of the annual budget, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship and compliance with all U.S. nonprofit financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g., Form 990).
- Program Management and International Operations
- Program Effectiveness: Oversee the selection, monitoring, and rigorous evaluation of global partner organizations to ensure all funding supports high-impact programs aligned with WEI's standards for entrepreneurship and leadership development.
- Partnership Due Diligence: Manage the process for evaluating and onboarding new partnerships, ensuring due diligence regarding financial health, cultural relevance, and programmatic effectiveness.
- Operational Oversight: Oversee program implementation, international operations, and volunteer management to ensure all activities are carried out efficiently and effectively.
- Team Building and Compliance
- Volunteer Engagement: Inspire, recruit, motivate, and manage a high-performing, remote-based team of core volunteers and committee chairs.
- Organizational Systems: Oversee and strengthen internal organizational systems, protocols, and communication infrastructure (CRM, accounting systems, virtual office tools).
- Compliance & Culture: Ensure the organization operates in full compliance with all relevant laws and best practices. Foster a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration across all levels of the organization.
Personal Specifications
Experience & Leadership
Minimum 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Executive Director, Senior Manager, or Board-level position) within the non-profit or business sector. Proven success in securing significant non-profit funding (grant writing, major donor cultivation).
Experience working in or with communities in Africa or the Global South. Familiarity with nonprofit compliance, budgeting, and impact measurement.
Strategy & Management
Strong strategic planning, organizational, and team management skills. Ability to translate vision into actionable, measurable plans and lead a remote, volunteer-based team.
Cultural sensitivity and experience working in international or cross-cultural settings.
Skills & Communication
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for public speaking and donor appeals. Strong financial acumen and comfort with budget oversight. Proficiency in technology for remote teams.
Multilingual abilities (especially French, Swahili, or other regional languages) are a plus.
Commitment & Values
Deep personal passion and commitment to gender equity, social justice, and women's economic empowerment. High level of integrity, accountability, and transparency.
Benefits
- Lead a global movement for women’s empowerment and social change.
- Gain high-level, executive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector.
- Flexible, remote work environment with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Recognition on WEI’s platforms and professional references from the Board.
- Deep personal fulfillment from advancing a meaningful mission.
Location
Associated Location
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To ensure a smooth and efficient review process, please submit the following materials:
- Current Resume or CV: Detailing your professional experience, education, and relevant volunteer history.
- Availability for a Quick Introductory Call: Please provide three specific windows of time (e.g., Tuesday, 2:00-4:00 PM EST) next week that work for you.
- Required Work Sample (Strategic/Fundraising): Please submit a brief, 1-2 page document (maximum) that answers one of the following prompts:
- Strategic Vision: Outline the top three strategies (and the first measurable step for each) you would pursue in the first 90 days to increase WEI's global impact.
- Fundraising Plan: Describe a successful fundraising strategy you have personally designed or led to secure a major gift or grant for a non-profit organization. Include the target, the strategy, and the result.
