Executive Director

Position description

Established in 1996, Partners for Development (PfD) is an international non-governmental organization headquartered in the Washington DC area whose mission is to work with local and international partners to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people in underserved communities. PfD’s main interventions are in public health, agricultural development and economic empowerment. PfD builds partnerships that empower local communities and organizations to create lasting development impact. PfD has historically operated in Africa and Asia—including in Benin, Cambodia, and Nigeria.

PfD is embarking on a strategic turnaround and growth phase in response to the changed US government donor landscape and guided by its 2024–2026 Strategic Plan. PfD is poised to make an impact through human and financial assets in the US and across several countries. PfD seeks an entrepreneurial and mission-driven Executive Director to revitalize the organization’s visibility, funding base, and global partnerships while maintaining its operational and governance systems.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as PfD’s chief executive and public ambassador, responsible for driving organizational renewal, strategic growth, and sustainability. The ED will provide visionary leadership to a small, geographically distributed team; explore and secure new funding from institutional and individual donors; and position PfD to continue supporting people globally.

This role requires a leader who thrives in start-up or turnaround environments— someone with strong fundraising instincts, deep Washington, DC-area networks, and the ability to mobilize people and resources toward measurable results. International travel will be required at approximately 15% level of effort.

Key Responsibilities

1. Resource Development & External Relations

• Complete at least 4 proposals for institutional and foundation funding in 2026.
• Serve as PfD’s lead fundraiser and relationship-builder with US government, local governments in countries of operation, and private donors, partners, and peer organizations.
• Expand PfD’s individual giving base through targeted outreach and board-led campaigns.
• Represent PfD in Washington, DC’s international development community, cultivating high-level partnerships across government, foundations, and the private sector.

2. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Renewal

• Implement PfD’s 2024–2026 Strategic Plan and 2025 Operating Plan. Lead development of an organizational strategy beyond 2026.
• Strengthen PfD’s visibility, refreshed communications (social media, newsletters, annual report), strategic messaging, and active engagement in conferences and partnerships.
• Lead a possible organizational repositioning process, including exploration of mergers, alliances, or new partnership models.
• Inspire and unify staff and Board around a shared vision of growth and impact in 2026 and beyond.

3. Program Continuity

• Provide guidance and executive thought leadership for PfD’s remaining and future portfolio and assets in Africa and Asia, pursuing continuity, partnerships and local relevance for pressing development and entrepreneurship needs in each context.
• Support innovation and pilot projects such as social enterprises in Benin and Cambodia.
• Champion quality reporting and storytelling to demonstrate PfD’s impact.

4. Operations, Finance & Governance

• Ensure strong financial management and fiscal accountability in collaboration with accounting firm and the Board Treasurer
• Manage 4-6 part time consultants and advisors to the organization, including determining their terms of reference, compensation, quality of deliverables, and access to secure communication tools and platforms
• Lead development of a 2026 Operational Plan
• Ensure timely submission of organizational audit and 990 tax forms
• Ensure safety of staff, organizational assets and adherence to applicable laws
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to maintain effective governance, reporting, and strategic direction.
• Support recruitment of new trustees to diversify and strengthen the Board.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in international development, nonprofit management, or social enterprise.
• Demonstrated success in resource mobilization, including securing grants from US government, foundations, multilaterals, or corporations.
• Deep familiarity with the Washington, DC international development ecosystem—including donor agencies, think tanks, and NGO networks.
• Proven track record leading small teams through organizational growth, restructuring, or turnaround.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to oversee complex budgets.
• Excellent communication, networking, and partnership-building skills.
• Cross-cultural fluency and experience managing global programs.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, flexibility, and ability to thrive in a dynamic, resource constrained environment

Preferred

• Experience with cross-sectoral development program management, especially microfinance, agriculture, education or health sector programs.
• Prior work with international affiliates or partnerships in Africa or Asia.
• Advanced degree in International Development, Business Administration, or a related field.

Compensation

The salary range for this part-time position (24–30 hours per week) is $92,000–$114,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application instructions

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