What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA?
About Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA
When Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, she was determined to use her global platform to continue building peace in Liberia and beyond. In 2012, the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) was formed in Liberia to provide education and leadership opportunities to women and youth as the next generation of peacemakers and democratic leaders. GPFA supports over 100 Liberian students annually through scholarships, impacts thousands more through its partnership schools, and strengthens the feminist peace movement across Liberia.
Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA (GPFA-USA), established in 2016 as a sister organization to GPFA, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New York, that builds global support for GPFA's programming while amplifying the vision of Leymah Gbowee, a lifelong advocate for peace, women's rights, youth, and sustainable development. Since its inception, GPFA-USA has raised over $5 million for education, leadership development, and community programs in Liberia, while facilitating Gbowee's advocacy in key international forums including the UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocates, G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, and World Refugee Council.
Role Description
GPFA-USA seeks an Executive Director who will advance the organization's mission of empowering women and youth as peacebuilders. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader who embodies the GPFA’s 'empower to inspire' philosophy and champions access to education and gender equality.
Reporting to the Board of Directors and leading a two-person team, the Executive Director will oversee both day-to-day operations and strategic growth. Working closely with an engaged board, Program & Operations Manager, and Program & Communications Associate, they will need to balance high-level strategy with daily operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong fundraising and communications experience to build on the organization's success in securing over $5 million to support 100 scholarships and partnership schools in Liberia. This leader will expand GPFA-USA's reach while representing the organization in US and international forums.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Management
● Partner with the Board to develop and lead organizational strategy
● Build and maintain strong relationships with GPFA-Liberia and key stakeholders, including regular opportunities to work directly with and support Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee in advancing the organization's mission.
● Lead financial strategy and resource allocations to ensure long-term sustainability and mission impact
● Strengthen organizational systems and processes
● Foster an organizational culture that centers empowerment through feminist peacebuilding, education, and leadership development
● Provide leadership and mentorship to a small, high-performing team
● Collaborate with board, staff, and partner organizations to inform and lead program expansion and development initiatives in the US
● Support the Program & Operations Manager in implementing organizational priorities and managing day-to-day operations
Fundraising, Development & Strategic Communications
● Set strategic direction for fundraising and communications
● Oversee comprehensive donor engagement and communications strategy
● Build and nurture high-level donor and funder relationships
● Guide organizational voice and messaging strategy
● Ensure alignment of all communications with mission and values
● Provide oversight for ethical storytelling and authentic representation
● Represent GPFA-USA in high-level forums and media
External Relations & Advocacy
● Serve as an effective spokesperson for GPFA-USA
● Develop partnerships with organizations in peace, education, and women's rights
● Engage with stakeholders in forums and media
● Lead communications strategy to advance the organization’s mission and impact
● Lead signature events and campaigns
Required Qualifications:
● 8-10 years of relevant experience in nonprofit leadership, with a background in sustainable development, education, feminist peacebuilding or social justice
● Experience working with Boards of Directors
● Success leading small teams and providing direct supervision
● Experience in strategic planning and implementation
● Track record of fundraising success with institutional donors and foundations
● Financial management experience, including budget oversight
● Strong public speaking and relationship-building skills
● Demonstrated experience working across cultures, preferably in West Africa
● Commitment to feminist peacebuilding and women's leadership development
● Experience developing partnerships with diverse stakeholders
Salary and Location
This is a full-time position. Benefits include a monthly health insurance stipend and generous PTO. The salary range for this role is $125,000 - $145,000 (dependent on experience). GPFA-USA has a hybrid office space available in New York City.
How to Apply
To be considered for this Executive Director position, please submit the following materials in one combined PDF document:
1. A thoughtful cover letter that addresses:
○ Why you are interested in leading Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA
○ How your experience and skills align with our mission and requirements
○ Your approach to nonprofit leadership and management
2. A current resume/CV highlighting relevant experience
3. A writing sample (2-3 pages) demonstrating your ability to communicate with different stakeholders. This could be:
○ A grant proposal
○ An annual report
○ A strategic planning document
○ A donor/stakeholder communication
Please send your application materials to: info@gpfa-usa.org with the subject line "Executive Director Application - [Your Name]”
Application Deadline: Open until filled
GPFA-USA is an equal opportunity employer. We carefully consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ability or any other legally protected status.
Salary : $125,000 - $145,000