Executive Director

Description of the Position 

FEA seeks a visionary Executive Director (Director) with nonprofit leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to lead an engaged Board of Trustees, dedicated program manager, and contracted development professional in furtherance of FEA’s mission.

Experienced in nonprofit governance and management, the Director will grow the Fund through philanthropic activities and effective use of the Board. The Director will be an action-oriented leader who will manage a small team and guided by the organization’s strategic plan to implement policies and procedures that fully realize FEA’s mission and vision. They will oversee the integrity of the scholarship program while developing new programs for alumni engagement. The Director will be accountable for the organizational budget, finances, and tax filings, working collaboratively with the Board to ensure compliance with the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of the organization. The Director will be the face of the organization and should be comfortable stating the case for support to funders and the public. This exempt, salaried position operationally reports to the FEA Board Officer & Finance Director, and President of Academic Travel Abroad, with a dotted line to the Chair of the Board of Trustees (a two-year position). 

Responsibilities 

Development & Fundraising (35%)

Determine fundraising goals aligned to strategic plan and campaign case for support Serve as principal front-line fundraiser, strategically engaging the Board and alumni in meetings and outreach to prospective and current donors Develop and oversee donor cultivation and recognition plans, and ensure strong donor stewardship

Plan and implement one major annual fundraising event, the Scholar Gala, in Washington, DC and oversee the execution of regional events Write proposals for prospective donors and ensure systematic follow-through on requests Research and pursue strategic partnerships with government, foundations, and corporations Regularly review campaign initiatives to help project outcomes and improve each year Investigate new funding sources Recruit, train, and direct volunteers throughout the year, including the host committee of the Scholar Gala, regional event planners, and work with Program Manager to engage application reviewers

Board & Leadership Committee(s) Management (25%)

Serve as liaison to the FEA Board of Trustees and direct Board engagement Manage five standing committees of the Board including goals, agendas & minutes Lead and organize quarterly Board meetings in concert with the Board Chair and Committee Chairs, arranging all meeting details including agenda, reports, and attachments  Support Steering Committee and Access Advisory Board, working with volunteer and staff leaders to generate support for the organization  Oversee recruitment and orientation of new Trustees and leadership volunteers Engage Board in review of FEA strategic plan every other year Develop annual plans to implement strategic initiatives and report quarterly on progress

Finance & Administration (15%)

Work with accountants and Board’s Finance Committee to publish Annual Report and 990 tax filing in a timely manner Provide oversight of endowment management firm and communicate updates to Finance Committee and Board Lead the setting and adhering to annual budget Monitor and control expenses to maximize value for scholarships Process invoices and monitor scholarship disbursements by Program Manager, with final approval from Finance Director Implement charitable registration in relevant states and oversee successful completion by vendor on this annual process

Scholarship Management & Alumni Programming (10%)

Engage with Program Manager in the scholarship application and matching of available funding to selected finalists Review and revise scholarship parameters, priorities, and requirements as necessary in conjunction with the Board’s Scholarship Committee and Program Manager Oversee robust engagement program for FEA scholars including orientations and blogging while abroad; connect with alumni upon their return and involve them in FEA activities such as the Scholar Gala or Alumni Conference Oversee metrics and outcomes measurement, to quantify impact for the Board and funders

Staff Management (10%)

Oversee Program Manager who serves as liaison to the Access Advisory Board, and directs the scholarship application and review, donor administration, and communications Oversee newly hired grant-funded development professional to further donor engagement, proposals, and annual and campaign giving

Brand Engagement (5%)

Work with Program Manager to ensure website and collateral pieces are up to date and effective Work with Development & Marketing Committee to implement a communication plan that maximizes FEA’s visibility in print and electronic media, and to create supporting promotional materials Develop relationships with strategic partners in the international education field to further awareness of FEA

Required Skills

Bachelor’s Degree Minimum of five years of work experience in a nonprofit leadership role Experience managing a team Demonstrated fundraising experience and a passion for stating the organization’s case for support Excellent written and oral communication skills Strategic and analytical capabilities Demonstrated experience managing a budget of $1million or more

Desired Skills

Masters degree or higher Connections to potential donors Experience working for or with DEI and/or social justice organizations 

Salary

$105,000, negotiable based on experience.

Application Process

Please send a resume and cover letter via email  to jobs@fundforeducationabroad.org with “Last name, first name: FEA Executive Director” in the subject line, indicating the best way and time to contact you during business as soon as possible, and no later than April 9, 2021.

Description of the Organization 

Based in Washington DC, the Fund for Education Abroad is a private 501(c)(3) founded in 2010. The FEA mission is to increase the opportunities for dedicated U.S. students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by providing study abroad scholarships. Our goals are to cultivate US students’ world awareness and appreciation of cultural differences through academic and experiential opportunities, to support institutions and organizations active in socially responsible education abroad programs, and to recognize outstanding education abroad leaders.  Scholarships are awarded with a preference to underrepresented students in study abroad, including students of color, first generation college students, and community college students.  Please visit www.fundforeducationabroad.org for more information.

FEA is an independent non-profit, housed within the Washington, DC offices of Academic Travel Abroad in Washington, DC.  FEA shares ATA’s commitment to diversity, and works to maintain a welcoming, non-discriminatory office culture. We welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds to apply. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. FEA values a talented, diverse workforce and seeks to attract, hire, and support employees who consistently and actively embrace our mission.  We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and groups to apply.