EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IFES INTERNATIONAL SERVICES – USA OFFICE (IFES/USA)

Position Description

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IFES INTERNATIONAL SERVICES – USA OFFICE (IFES/USA)

The Executive Director of IFES/USA, through visionary, spiritual, and strategic leadership, advances the vision and mission of IFES/USA, supporting IFES’ mission in over 180 countries to advance God’s kingdom through student-led indigenous Christian movements.

This role is central to the organization’s growth with a strong emphasis on fundraising and organizational leadership. This individual oversees fundraising - major donor fundraising, donor cultivation, and building sustainable fi nancial partnerships across the United States. This individual leads the IFES/USA staff team in a way that fosters a healthy, mission-driven, and spiritually vibrant offi ce culture.

This is a leadership position requiring a strategic thinker, relational fundraiser, and a thoughtful staff leader who is deeply committed to evangelical theology and the Great Commission. The Executive Director cultivates a collaborative culture between IFES/USA and IFES and provides leadership for the implementation of IFES’ goals and initiatives within the U.S. context.

The Executive Director works under the direction of the IFES/USA Board of Directors in association with the IFES General Secretary and serves as an ex-offi cio, non-voting member of IFES/USA Board of Directors.

This is a full-time position.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

PERSONAL & SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

● Be a maturing disciple of Jesus Christ, demonstrating integrity, a servant-leader posture, and cross-cultural sensitivity.

Ensure IFES/USA programs and strategies align with IFES strategic directions, culture, and Statement of Faith.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & PERSONNEL OVERSIGHT

● Directly supervise the Director of Finance, Director of Operations, and Director of Supporter Relations.

Provide spiritual leadership to IFES/USA staff ; ensure positive team dynamics and working environment; and recruit high-caliber talent as needed.

Provide executive oversight, strategic direction, and leadership development for the IFES/USA offi ce operations and ensure eff ective coordination with IFES offi ces.

Work closely with the IFES/USA Board of Directors and IFES Chief Operating Offi cer to develop strategic plans, budgets, and organizational policies.

● Ensure legal, effi cient, and eff ective operation of IFES/USA, using ECFA standards as baseline.

● Maintain compliance with the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Board-approved policies.

FUND DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Set IFES/USA fundraising vision, goals, and strategies in collaboration with the Director of Supporter Relations and the IFES Chief Advancement Offi cer.

Coordinate with IFES leadership on the global budget, annual amount to raise in the US, and priority funding needs.

● Responsible for cultivating and maintaining a signifi cant Major Donor portfolio ($10K–$500K+ gifts) of individual donors, foundations, and prospective donors.

Travel regularly (25–40%) to build and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, churches, and ministry partners across the US.

COLLABORATION AND RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT WITH IFES

Promote strong relationships with counterparts at IFES International Services—UK and Asia Offi ces, with goals to minimize duplication and maximize fi nancial effi ciency.

Maintain a current Ministry Cooperation Agreement (MCA/MOU) with IFES and IFES reports to assure compliance with US anti-terrorism and money laundering statutes.

Engage cooperatively in relevant IFES meetings, including global leaders’ meetings, International Services Leadership, and IFES Finance Committee, representing the US partner perspective to IFES leadership.

Serve as an IFES ambassador in signifi cant events and meetings, including standing in for global IFES leadership, particularly in the US, when needed.

● Provide support for staff and national movements coming to the US for the purpose of fundraising.

Promote IFES partnership with the InterVarsity/USA leadership, developing and maintaining strong relationships including Urbana, InterVarsity Staff Conference, InterVarsity Link, and regional/area conferences.

FINANCE OVERSIGHT

● Ensure adequate internal controls, fi nancial record-keeping, and accountability (including oversight of annual external audits and IRS fi lings) to protect IFES/USA fi nancial integrity and reputation.

● Provide oversight to maintain 501(c)(3) status and compliance with IRS, charitable registrations, and federal/state laws and regulations.

Prepare, submit, and monitor the annual budget for Board approval.

● Ensure adequate resources and reserves to sustain the entity.

Monitor and manage investments in line with Board policy.

OPERATIONS OVERSIGHT

Oversee organizational risk management and adequate insurance coverage.

● Annually affi rm agreement with required documents including IFES’ Statement of Faith, ethics policy, and others as needed.

Provide oversight of the donor experience to ensure eff ective and secure systems for processing donations, maintaining donor records, and sharing information appropriately with IFES-UK and IFES-Asia offi ces.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Senior executive leadership experience (e.g., CEO, Executive Director, COO, or similar), with responsibility for organizational strategy, staff leadership, budgeting, and operational oversight.

● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience required; advanced degree preferred.

Signifi cant fundraising experience, including major gifts, foundations and grants, donor portfolio management, and multi-channel appeals; experience raising $1M+ annually preferred.

● Ability to lead and develop teams that steward strong fi nancial and operational systems and expand organizational capacity for fund development.

● Strong initiative and ability to work independently, managing complex workfl ows and deadlines.

● Experience in international contexts and demonstrated cross-cultural sensitivity, with the ability to navigate the complexities of a global federation and attend to nuanced local realities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Profi ciency in English (spoken and written) required; French and/or Spanish language aptitude desired but not required.

● Ability to raise some level of personal fi nancial support preferred but not required.

Prior or current experience with IFES or InterVarsity student ministry preferred.

● Professional and personal references required, including references addressing spiritual maturity and character.