About us:

Okoa Refuge is a non-profit, 501(c)3 formed in 2008 that exists to glorify Christ in Africa by partnering with the local church to stabilize the family unit and transform entire communities. In its more than 15 years of ministry, Okoa has grown to include care for vulnerable children and the disabled, rescuing women and children who are victims of the sex trade and domestic violence, spreading the gospel in multiple African nations through local indigenous missionaries, pastor schools, church plantings and discipleship programs.

Job Summary:

Please submit a cover letter with a summary of your interest in this position along with your resume. Thank you.

Okoa Refuge is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Director, Development and Communications who loves Jesus. This highly visible position will grow the Okoa brand by leading the design and execution of all marketing/social media and fundraising efforts across US and international donors, churches, businesses and foundations while achieving the annual fundraising goals that fund our African ministries. The Director will also be responsible for growing and leading the development/administrative staff and volunteers to ensure that all aspects of US Operations are effectively executed.

Reporting to the CEO and collaborating with the Board, a snapshot of responsibilities include:

Fundraising: Research, develop and execute fundraising strategies and plans, including campaigns, events and canvassing, to meet budgeted goals. Use proven networking and donor identification experiences to introduce Okoa to new potential donors creating a stronger culture of philanthropy.
Donor Relations/ Stewardship: Direct the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual, corporate, church and foundation prospects and donors/partners. Looks for opportunities to grow and optimize current donor participation to achieve lifelong giving partners.
Marketing: Oversee the coordination, implementation and evergreening of consistent and powerful external communications across selected traditional and digital channels to attract new donors and increase brand awareness and loyalty.
Community Engagement/ Networking: Consistently participate in mission aligned community events to engage key leaders and attract new donors. Identifies and leverages like-minded nonprofits, networking organizations and community groups and leaders to raise awareness of Okoa and its ministries.
Financial Planning/Budget Management: Lead efforts, along with CEO/Board, to prepare a comprehensive budget with a strong understanding of audit/legal requirements. Maintain records and documents ensuring compliance with regulatory agencies. Manage fiscal responsibilities, providing performance projections and meeting budget goals for revenue and expense to CEO/Board on a regular and frequent basis.
Program Management - Ensure all strategies and plans are effectively tracked through good program and project management disciplines, reporting performance goals to the CEO and Board with a balanced set of metrics
Technology Optimization: Fully leverage existing and new toolsets to automate and streamline core financial, outreach and administrative functions.
Partner and Vendor Management: Develop and grow key partnerships, in collaboration with the Board, through regular, planned interactions. Expertly manage external vendors where appropriate for optimal contract management and results.
Staff Management: Establish an appropriate system of accountabilities for a small US development/administrative staff, evaluating and growing them through performance goals and feedback. Recruit and manage a team of quality, engaged volunteers.

Required qualifications of a great candidate include:

A passion for sharing Jesus Christ to the nations
5 plus years of development or marketing experience preferably in a mission-driven nonprofit environment
A demonstrated leader in the development profession with a proven track record of closing significant gifts and evidence of cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation skills
Ability to convey a vision, articulate a strategy, inspire and gain commitment from the board, staff, donors and community leaders to engage in Okoa’s fundraising efforts.
Self-starter and highly motivated with the ability to balance multiple priorities
Ability to work well across multiple constituencies, including board members, external vendors, donors and supporters, staff and volunteers
Proven people management skills with the ability to build the department as Okoa grows, successfully developing current staff and eventually hiring new staff.
Works with minimal supervision and uses independent judgment and critical thinking
Highly analytical with a penchant for excellence in ensuring Okoa’s brand and presence are safeguarded and advanced according to our mission and vision.

Preferred qualifications

Experience in a social justice or advocacy organization
Experience in procuring funds for international organizations
Experience securing multi-year grants from national funders
Experience with donor software and communication tools

Work environment:

This position is a full-time remote position and can be worked anywhere in the continental US. Travel may be 10-20% of the job. Ability to travel for staff meetings, board meetings and networking/donor opportunities within the US. Additional travel to Africa to build relationships and knowledge of our staff and ministry programs. A letter of interest outlining qualifications and a resume are required to be considered an applicant for this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

Did you attach a cover letter or letter of intent?

Work Location: Remote

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Director Development and Communications