Job Description for Executive Director
Application deadline is June 30th, but apply early as 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. Our mission is to develop young leaders committed to Africa's advancement. We place bright, hardworking, passionate recent college graduates with remarkable host organizations for yearlong fellowship opportunities across the continent. Fellows have found these experiences to be life-changing, both personally and professionally, and host organizations and the communities they serve have benefited greatly from the contributions of our Fellows over the past 16 years. Since 1999, we have placed nearly 400 Fellows in 35 African countries with more than 70 organizations.
During our 2014-15 fellowship year, we have 49 fellows from 35 different colleges and universities working with 30 organizations in 15 African countries. Our program is open to graduates from any accredited U.S. college or university, and is highly selective, with an approximately 10% placement rate. Our host organizations work in diverse sectors, including public & community health, international humanitarian aid & development, education & youth capacity building, agricultural development, and more. Fellows are placed with well-known organizations like the International Rescue Committee, the World Food Programme, African Leadership Academy, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, as well as smaller start-ups, social entrepreneurs and grassroots organizations, and even multinational companies.
Princeton in Africa’s annual operating budget is approximately $775,000 per year. We are affiliated with Princeton University, but fundraise our own revenue each year for our program. We have an active, engaged board of directors supporting our work. Find out more about us at www.princetoninafrica.org.
POSITION: The Executive Director reports to the Princeton in Africa Board of Directors, and is accountable for all aspects of Princeton in Africa. The most critical aspects of the Executive Director’s role are the health and safety of our Fellows, management of PiAf staff, financial oversight, donor relations and fundraising, Board reporting and relationships, and relationships with Princeton University.
PURPOSE: We are seeking a dynamic leader with strong initiative who can lead Princeton in Africa as we continue to strengthen our fellowship program and plan for strategic growth. The Executive Director will be the public face of PiAf in interacting with Fellows, parents, host organizations, donors, Princeton University, and others. The successful candidate will be a skillful manager and fundraiser, with a strong commitment to the health and safety of our Fellows, and an eloquent advocate for PiAf’s mission to develop young leaders dedicated to Africa’s advancement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include but not limited to):
GOVERNANCE
Build excitement on PiAf’s board for our life-changing fellowship program.
Liaise with Board President and Board Committees and coordinate board meetings.
Assist with new board member recruitment.
Liaise with Princeton University.
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
Build a strong teamwork atmosphere and support staff professional growth and development.
Manage a team of four full-time staff and one part-time staff member, as well as interns.
Work closely with Financial Administrator on organizational budgets and budget projections, tracking revenue and expenses, creating monthly and quarterly financial reports, independent audit, and filing all appropriate forms with IRS and state governments.
FELLOWSHIP & ALUMNI PROGRAMMING
Maintain a preeminent fellowship program and work closely with program staff to plan for strategic growth in the program’s size and scope.
Oversee and assist program staff throughout the fellowship placement cycle.
Oversee and assist program staff throughout the year in supporting Fellows in Africa, including regular communication with Fellows and supervisors, conducting site visits in Africa, and leading a mid-year retreat for Fellows in Africa.
Oversee health, safety and security policies and procedures, including monitoring advisories and directing institutional responses to crises, such as medical evacuations and political unrest.
Build strong relationships with existing host organizations and select new host organizations.
Build strong relationships with PiAf alumni and develop new avenues for alumni engagement.
Continue to improve PiAf’s efforts to measure and evaluate the impact of our work.
DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
As the key spokesperson for Princeton in Africa, share our mission with a wider audience and raise the funds we need to make our program possible.
Develop and lead annual fundraising strategy, and oversee donor database.
Identify, cultivate and manage foundation, corporate and individual donors.
Manage all fundraising events, including annual benefit dinner.
Oversee annual appeals, grant applications and grant reporting.
Oversee website maintenance and development of compelling communications materials.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated interest in young adults and Africa.
Effective team leadership and management.
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from diverse cultures.
Strong organization skills and critical thinking skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience fundraising, with strong preference for successful prior experience managing logistics and fundraising for annual benefit dinners or similar fundraising events.
Experience managing budgets.
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.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Full-time employment
Compensation based upon experience
Twenty days vacation leave per year plus holidays
Health and dental insurance offered
Position located in Princeton, NJ
Intended start date is mid-September 2015
TO APPLY: Please email a resume, cover letter, and salary history to piafjobs@gmail.com The deadline for applications is June 30, 2015, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so please consider applying early to ensure your application is reviewed.
