Executive Director

Position description

Apply for this position here. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Princeton in Africa (PiAf) is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in Princeton, NJ. We offer highly selective yearlong fellowships to recent college graduates with organizations across the African continent; we enable our Fellows, through their work, to make significant contributions to Africa’s well-being; and we encourage our Fellows to cultivate meaningful relationships with communities in Africa and with one another. In an average year, we have 50 Fellows supporting 30+ organizations across 15-18 countries, including the n  ew Nexus Program, which pairs US-educated fellows with Africa-educated fellows at the same host organization for an exchange of knowledge, leadership, and technical expertise.

Our main program is open to graduates from any accredited U.S. college or university, and our Fellows come from countries around the world. Nexus Fellows must be educated and resident on the African continent.  Our host organizations work in diverse sectors, including public & community health, international humanitarian aid & development, education & youth capacity building, agricultural development, and more. Princeton in Africa’s annual operating budget is approximately $650,000 per year. We are affiliated with Princeton University, but fundraise all of our own revenue. Learn more at www.princetoninafrica.org.

POSITION: The Executive Director reports to the Princeton in Africa Board of Directors and is accountable for all aspects of the organization. The most critical aspects of the Executive Director’s role are overseeing the health and safety of our Fellows, overseeing the financial position of Princeton in Africa, managing the overall organization and team, leading robust fundraising and communications to advance organizational objectives, and reporting to and engaging with the Board of Directors. 

TEAM: Reports to the Board of Directors; supervises the Deputy Director and fundraising and communications team members.

PURPOSE: We are seeking a dynamic leader with strong initiative who can lead Princeton in Africa as we continue to strengthen our fellowship program, creating new opportunities for meaningful work across the African continent that are responsive to current trends in international development and philanthropy. The Executive Director will be the public face of the organization, a skillful manager and fundraiser, with a strong commitment to developing young leaders through ethical and responsible engagement with the African continent.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include but not limited to):

MANAGEMENT

• Set goals and determine strategies for the sustainability and growth of Princeton in Africa, including programs and fundraising

• Organize resources and motivate and guide the team in achieving organizational goals and objectives

• Lead in responding to opportunities and challenges as they arise

• Oversee health and safety of Fellows and financial position of Princeton in Africa

FELLOWSHIP & ALUMNI PROGRAMMING

• Lead a preeminent fellowship program and work closely with program staff to plan for strategic growth in programming for Fellows and alumni, including the Nexus Program

• Manage program staff in ensuring that all aspects of the organization align with our core value of responsible engagement on the African continent

• Respond to current trends and adjust fellowship programming strategically as needed to ensure that Princeton in Africa is as effective and sustainable as possible

• Build and grow strong relationships with existing host organizations and assist in recruiting and selecting new host organizations, including conducting site visits

• Provide strategic support to program staff in organizing key fellowship events, including the Fellows orientation and midyear Retreat (based on the African continent)

• Guide and encourage the elected Alumni Board to support robust alumni engagement and programming

DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

• Set annual fundraising strategy and raise funds from foundation, corporate, and individual donors to achieve income goals that are essential to the annual operating budget

• Lead the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of foundation, corporate, and individual donors, including database management, appeals, and reporting

• Manage all fundraising events, including benefit dinners and galas

• As the key spokesperson for Princeton in Africa, be a thought leader and share our mission with the widest audiences possible

• Oversee robust communications strategy and calendar, including website and development of compelling communications materials and fundraising collateral

BOARD ENGAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE

• Manage engagement with Board of Directors, leveraging their experience and connections to provide strategic guidance and fundraising connections to advance the mission of Princeton in Africa

• Coordinate board meetings and support board activities at the committee level

• Support efforts to recruit board members who represent the diversity of PiAf’s needs, programs & Fellows

• Organize board retreats, trainings and other governance strengthening activities as needed; Prepare materials and data for board and committee meetings.

• Liaise with Princeton University

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• 401K Retirement Plan

• Full-time employment

• Salary range of $90-110k, depending on experience

• Flexible with respect to location (Princeton, elsewhere in the US, or even possibly in Africa)

• Twenty days of vacation leave per year plus holidays

• Health, dental, and vision insurance offered

Qualifications

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs or Education, Nonprofit Management/Administration, or a related field

• 5-10 years of progressively more responsible work experience with international fellowship, volunteer, or education program, or experience working with organizations similar to PiAf’s host organizations, preferably including 3-5 years of experience managing teams

• Strong board management experience

• Effective team leadership and management

• Strong fundraising expertise, with preference for demonstrated past success in foundation, corporate, and individual fundraising, including benefit dinners or similar fundraising events

• Excellent oral and written communications skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

• Strong organization skills and critical thinking skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Experience managing budgets and understanding of nonprofit accounting standards

• Willing and available to work occasional nights and weekends throughout the year, as required by fellowship program cycle and crises that arise

• Willing and available to travel to Africa for several weeks each year

• Knowledge of Quickbooks and CRM software a plus

• Ability to juggle multiple tasks, work in a lean non-profit environment, adjust to sudden shifts in priorities, and maintain a good sense of humor

Application instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.