Executive Director

Executive Director

Relief International (RI)

July 29, 2026September 12, 2026Washington DcUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. Established to save lives and promote long-term health and well-being, RI operates in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Education, and Livelihoods programming, which are crucial for building community resilience. The organization is committed to fostering a representative and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, and ensuring fair and transparent hiring practices.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director position is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the Relief International US entity. This role involves reporting directly to the Board of Relief International USA and requires a strategic approach to grow and diversify the US donor base while overseeing US grants. The Executive Director will prioritize building a robust pipeline of US income from various sources, including philanthropy, institutional donors, and the private sector, transforming it into reliable and flexible funding. Additionally, the role encompasses legal and fiduciary responsibilities for the US entity, representing Relief International to US policymakers and partners, and leading advocacy and policy engagement with US government stakeholders. The position demands an experienced fundraising leader with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, capable of opening new avenues with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and institutional funders, while ensuring alignment across the Relief International Network.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Executive Director will be responsible for the day-to-day and strategic management of the US entity, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and RI Network policies. Key responsibilities include leading all fundraising efforts in the US, managing a personal portfolio of major donor relationships, and closing significant gifts. The Executive Director will also build Relief International's reputation with US institutional funders, oversee the development of a competitive bid pipeline, and report to the Board on income targets and donor retention. Furthermore, the role involves developing and leading advocacy efforts with US government stakeholders, collaborating with the global Communications Team to enhance RI’s brand identity, and overseeing all US grants to ensure donor compliance. The Executive Director will also be responsible for leading and developing the US team, fostering a positive work environment that upholds RI’s safeguarding commitments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 12 to 15 years of substantial experience in a senior leadership role within an international non-profit, humanitarian, or development organization. This experience should include at least five years at the director level or above, with a proven track record of securing significant income from US major gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and institutional donors. Candidates should have experience in revenue diversification, knowledge of US non-profit governance and compliance, and demonstrated advocacy and policy engagement with US government stakeholders. Strong communication and representation skills are essential, along with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and RI’s values.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with a preference for candidates holding advanced degrees in areas such as international relations, public administration, or non-profit management. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of humanitarian work and organizational management.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in senior leadership roles, specifically within the non-profit sector. Candidates should have a minimum of 12 to 15 years of experience, with a focus on entity management, budget oversight, and revenue growth. Experience should include a strong personal track record in fundraising and engagement with major donors and institutional funders, as well as experience in leading teams and managing compliance with regulatory requirements.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with additional language skills considered a plus. Proficiency in languages relevant to the regions where Relief International operates may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, office-based position located in Washington, DC, with approximately 50% travel required. The role is classified as permanent and full-time, with a salary range of US$170,000 to US$180,000 per annum, plus performance bonuses and benefits. Candidates must have the existing right to work in the United States. Relief International is an equal opportunity employer, committed to safeguarding and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. The recruitment process includes criminal records checks and references.
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