Job Description

The position

ABOUT THE AGA KHAN FOUNDATION (AKF) USA
The Aga Khan Foundation USA is a global development agency, and a member of the global Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), with a focus on mobilizing external resources from institutions and individuals, developing strategic partnerships, and strengthening public awareness of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) across the US. AKDN comprises private, non-denominational agencies collectively seeking to improve quality of life in Central and South Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East. AKF’s community-based efforts address root causes of poverty by building and scaling innovative solutions in civil society, education, health, and rural and urban development.

BACKGROUND
Based in Washington, DC, the CEO is charged with the overall leadership and management of AKF USA, developing and executing an ambitious strategic vision that responds to the specific opportunities and needs in the US while being aligned with the direction of AKF globally. The CEO ensures that AKF USA functions with a sense of clear direction, a healthy organizational culture, and rigorous management of its various functions.

The CEO will position AKF USA as a preeminent partner of choice for American institutions of relevance to AKDN priorities, and will bring specific and sustained focus to substantially increasing fundraising from a more diverse and growing number of individual and corporate donors in support of the AKDN’s global quality of life mission. The CEO will lead AKF USA’s external relations across the country, shaping its image and identity among target audiences, and work closely with other partners in the broader AKDN to contribute to the development and execution of umbrella outreach efforts.

PRIORITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational leadership: Develop, articulate, and implement AKF USA’s strategic direction in the context of broader AKF and AKDN global priorities. Build and manage a strong team of professional staff and volunteers, and an organization committed to constant improvement by ensuring appropriate governance, rigorous HR management, and cultivating a vibrant and productive organizational culture.

External relations and communications. Oversee the communication and marketing to US audiences, including developing a strategy to position AKF USA with current and potential partners and audiences relevant to policy and fundraising objectives, including building awareness and relationships and representing AKF in relevant fora. Work with AKF’s global editorial team to establish a content strategy for American audiences that draw from American-funded and other initiatives to inspire, inform, and activate current and potential supporters. Build innovative and strategic platforms to engage current and potential donors, supporters, and influencers across the US in light of AKF USA’s broader objectives.

The requirements

Individual & corporate fundraising: Drive growth of the individual and corporate fundraising portfolio for the AKDN’s global development work. Working closely with senior volunteers and overseeing a team of staff – including the Director of Resource Development and Communications and the Regional Director of Planned and Legacy Giving for North America – lead in the development and execution of an overall strategy to sustain the generosity of current donors, while establishing and scale new discretionary funding channels that broaden the donor base beyond the current core constituency to position AKF for long-term growth and resilience across funding and economic cycles. Build out the initial series of new fundraising initiatives under development, including a robust point of sale (POS) program engaging retail and other customer-facing businesses; a tribute giving program; gala dinners; giving circles; and corporate matching as early priorities. Chart a path for the next horizon of initiatives to continue to grow funds raised and broaden the base of donors.

Institutional fundraising: In close collaboration with the Global Director of Partnerships and the Regional Director of Programs and Partnerships for North America, support a broader and deeper set of relationships with relevant multilateral and bilateral agencies as well as professionalized foundations and family offices based in the US. This will include contributing to regional pipeline review and development, engaging senior level officials at key external institutions, and participating in certain policy and partnership discussions to build and maintain strong relationships.

Financial management and corporate services: Provide managerial oversight and strong stakeholder relations to effectively discharge AKF USA’s responsibilities in managing its property and investment assets in close collaboration with affected partner agencies. The CEO will work closely with the Regional CFO for North America to ensure high standards of performance and regulatory compliance, budget oversight, financial planning, and executive relations with key stakeholders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
A seasoned executive, with strong experience and interest in external relations, fundraising, and communications; at least 5-7 years of senior management experience; and familiarity with the AKDN context and/or development issues. Specifically,
Experience in executive management, preferably in roles with significant outreach and/or fundraising responsibilities, including financial oversight, budget management, people leadership, and board relations.
Track record in leading medium-sized teams to develop business plans and drive results, including identifying priorities, establishing, and communicating strategic direction, and working with management teams to drive results. Experience working with volunteers in a wide range of roles a strong asset.
Collaboration and interpersonal skills to operate with a multi-level governance framework, regionalized management structure, and expansive network of volunteer leaders. Successful experience in a matrix structure an asset.
Ability to represent AKF and AKDN entities effectively across a wide variety of contexts and audiences.
Knowledge of AKDN and some familiarity and enthusiasm for global development issues, policy engagement, and advocacy a strong asset
APPLICATION
Interested applicants are requested to apply by submitting a resume and cover letter by November 17th, 2023.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the USA and Canada.

Sector

Social Development

About the Agency

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), alongside its sister AKDN agencies, has implemented innovative, community-driven solutions to development challenges for over 50 years. It brings together human, financial and technical resources to address some of the challenges faced by the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world. Special emphasis is placed on investing in human potential, expanding opportunity and improving the overall quality of life, especially for women and girls. It works primarily in six areas: Agriculture and Food Security; Economic Inclusion; Education; Early Childhood Development; Health and Nutrition; and Civil Society.

Region : North America

Location : United States

Salary : Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Job Expires : 17-Nov-2023

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