Executive Director

Job Description

 The Position

HopeCo is a non-profit with the vision of “Transformed Lives, Flourishing Communities.”

We are seeking a new Executive Director to join our team. Their role will be to provide strategic leadership for HopeCo's US-based operations, focusing on fundraising, communications, team development, and organizational growth. They will work in close partnership with the Regional Director for Africa to advance HopeCo's mission and ensure the US team effectively supports program excellence in East Africa. The US Director reports to the Board of Directors.

About Us

Check out the website site to learn about our team, impact, vision, mission and values.

This video will also take you on a tour to learn about where we’ve come from and where we’re heading.

Job Description

  • 1. Cultivate a Christ-Centered Organizational Culture

    • Model HopeCo's values: Christ-centered, pursuing excellence, building one another up, and learning together

    • Champion spiritual leadership through devotions, prayer, and encouraging staff spiritual growth

    • Foster a high-performance culture that attracts, retains, and motivates talented team members

    2. Lead Fundraising and Donor Relations

    • Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to support organizational growth

    • Maintain and grow a portfolio of major donors ($5,000+ per annum), building relationships through personal meetings and strategic communication

    • Establish and expand partnerships with churches, businesses, and organizations

    • Prepare compelling funding proposals and grant applications

    • Oversee donor care and ensure excellent donor communication

    3. Direct Marketing and Communications

    • Oversee all marketing, branding, and public awareness strategies

    • Ensure high-quality communications through newsletters, impact reports, social media, website, and digital channels

    • Serve as primary spokesperson for HopeCo with supporters, media, and the public

    • Lead speaking engagements at churches and other venues

    • Coordinate and lead donor vision trips to East Africa

    4. Manage US Operations and Team Development

    • Build, mentor, and develop the US staff team

    • Establish sound operational policies, procedures, and human resource practices

    • Conduct performance evaluations and ensure staff have clear goals and professional development opportunities

    • Oversee day-to-day US office operations

    5. Partner in Strategic Planning and Financial Management

    • Co-lead strategic planning with the Regional Director and Board

    • Develop and manage the annual US operations and fundraising budget

    • Monitor financial health and ensure operations remain within budget

    • Work with the Finance Director on audit processes and financial reporting

    • Provide monthly financial and operational reports to the Board

    6. Support and Collaborate with Africa Leadership

    • Partner closely with the Regional Director to ensure alignment between US and Africa operations

    • Provide support for Africa-led programs through fundraising and communications

    • Facilitate information flow and collaboration across the organization

    • Coordinate mission team visits to Africa programs

    7. Ensure Strong Board Relations

    • Keep the Board fully informed through monthly reports and board meeting presentations

    • Ensure Board Chair and Executive Committee are updated on critical developments

    • Implement board-authorized plans and policies

    • Work with Board to identify fundraising opportunities and prospective donors

    8. Maintain Industry Knowledge

    • Stay current on trends in Christian nonprofit leadership and international development

    • Network with peer organizations serving vulnerable children and communities

    • Bring innovative ideas and best practices to HopeCo

  • Essential:

    • Committed Christian with personal faith in Jesus Christ, capable of providing spiritual leadership

    • Full agreement with HopeCo's mission, vision, values, and Statement of Faith

    • Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)

    • 7-10+ years in nonprofit leadership, with significant fundraising experience

    • Proven track record building and leading high-performing teams

    • Excellence in donor relations and major gift fundraising

    • Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

    • Strategic thinker with ability to develop and implement plans

    • Strong organizational and financial management capabilities

    • Experience managing annual budgets of $700,000+

    • Ability to work effectively across cultures and with remote teams

    • Strong time-management skills and ability to thrive under pressure

    Highly Desirable:

    • Experience in international development or missions organizations

    • Prior board experience

    • Cross-cultural service experience

    • Pastoral or ministry leadership background

    • Ability to create compelling written content (articles, reports, appeals)

    • Proficiency with digital marketing tools and platforms

  • Character Requirements:

    • Person of integrity with strong character references

    • Compassionate heart for serving vulnerable children and families

    • Humble team leader who listens well and resolves conflict constructively

    • Creative problem-solver who embraces change

    • Lifelong learner committed to personal and professional growth

    Location & Travel:

    • Remote position (US-based)

    • Regular travel for donor meetings, speaking engagements, and church partnerships

    • Travel to East Africa 2-3 times per year (up to 90 days annually)

    • Must pass criminal background check

    • Full-time salary based on experience

    • Healthcare stipend

    • PTO days (To Come)

    • Paid holidays (To Come)

    • Flexible work schedule

    • 403b + up to 6% match (Confirm)

    • Professional development opportunities

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in joining the HopeCo team. Before applying, please take time to thoroughly review our mission, programs, and the position requirements. Understanding our work and this role will help you determine if this opportunity aligns with your skills and calling.

How to Apply

We value thoughtfulness in our application process. While this requires focused preparation time, we've designed it to be efficient and help us get to know you better. Please note that incomplete or generic applications will not be considered.

  1. Resume

Submit a current resume (PDF format) including:

  • Complete contact information

  • Professional references (minimum of 3)

  • Relevant work experience with specific accomplishments

  • Educational background

  • Any applicable certifications or specialized training

2. Cover Letter & Written Response

Your Cover letter should include:

  • Introduce yourself and your interest in HopeCo specifically

  • Explain why you believe this role is a strong mutual fit

  • Address your alignment with HopeCo's mission and values

Additionally, please provide a written response to the following:

"Describe a specific situation where you served as a primary spokesperson for an organization. Detail the context, your preparation process, the approach you took, and the measurable outcomes. What did you learn from this experience?"

3. Video Interview Responses

Please record brief video responses to the following questions. Videos may be recorded on your phone or webcam and submitted as separate files: