Position Summary
Reporting to the U.S. Board of Directors, and in partnership with The African SOUP’s Ugandan leadership team, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for advancing the organization's mission and ensuring its financial health. A primary focus will be supporting the development, implementation, and expansion of the Active Learning Project (ALP) across Uganda as well as playing a key role in fundraising. The ED will also support the Community Director (CD) in managing all country-wide operations, including Community Programs (Secondary Enrichment Program, The Demonstration Nursery and Primary School, and Emma’s Baby SOUP). The ED is expected to lead ethically, compassionately, and in accordance with organizational values as outlined within the Human Resource Manualas well as other documents.
Reporting
The ED reports to the U.S. Board of Directors.
Direct reports to the ED include:
● Director of the ALP
● Director of Development
Position Priorities
● Provide strategic leadership and guidance to strengthen all SOUP programs with a particular focus on ALP expansion.
● Work collaboratively with the U.S. and Ugandan Boards of Directors and leadership team on strategy, finances and fundraising.
● Represent The SOUP to the public, Ugandan government officials, partners, funders and other organizations.
● Strongly support fundraising and donor development.
● Ensure effective data collection, management, and reporting across programs.
Detailed Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Management - Work with the U.S. and Ugandan Boards and staff to ensure that The SOUP’s mission is fulfilled through effective programs, partnerships, strategic planning, and risk-management.
● Provide effective leadership to fulfill The SOUP’s mission.
● Develop new partnerships and create MOUs to govern those partnerships.
● Represent The SOUP in the public sphere and network with other NGOs, partners, Ugandan government officials, funders and learning organizations.
● Strengthen measurement and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness of all organizational programs.
● Identify and evaluate risks to the organization's people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control those risks.
● Ensure that The SOUP operates within the terms and conditions of all legal agreements with the Ugandan Government – Ministry of Education and Ministry of Internal Affairs in particular.
● Provide support to all senior managers in their dealings with Government officials.
2. Program Management (ALP) - Work closely with the Director of ALP and the ALP team to ensure the effective implementation, evaluation, and expansion of the ALP nationally.
● Oversee the development and implementation of staff and program work plans.
● Develop and support achievement of overall program strategy.
● Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation processes are planned and implemented.
● Strengthen program effectiveness.
● Develop a strong relationship with the Ugandan Ministry of Education to facilitate the implementation of the ALP in Government teacher colleges.
3. Board Governance - Works with the United States and Ugandan Board to advance the organizational mission.
● Responsible for communicating effectively with both Boards and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Boards to function properly and to make informed decisions.
● Send monthly updates and lead quarterly virtual Board meetings with the U.S. and Ugandan Boards.
4. Financial Development - Raise funds to ensure The SOUP’s financial viability and sustainability.
● Cultivate and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors.
● Support the development of new funding opportunities, in partnership with the U.S. fundraising team. This will include supplying accurate and timely information for grant proposals.
● Participate in in-country and abroad funding opportunities, including national and international conferences and events.
● Develop strategic partnerships that conform to The SOUP’s mission and organizational objectives.
● Engage in public events (such as conferences, meetings, and other events) to establish a SOUP presence and cultivate funding opportunities in Uganda and internationally.
● Work with Director of Development to support informal and formal reporting to funders and donors (data, pictures, stories).
5. Financial Performance - Manage resources to ensure the SOUP’s financial health in collaboration with COO and program directors.
● Submit to the Board a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
● Ensure proper bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed in collaboration with the COO.
● Approve expenditures outside predetermined monthly budget expenses, within the authority delegated by the Board.
● Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditures of the organization, cash flow, and reserves.
Requirements:
● Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required, including experience working with U.S. and Ugandan organizations, managing a team of five or more, and managing an annual organizational budget of at least $100K.
● Experience fundraising.
● Experience in project planning and monitoring and evaluation.
● Previous experience working for U.S.-funded programs.
● Strong writing and reporting skills in English.
● Previous experience serving a non-profit organization that focuses on education and/or community development.
● Experience and presence necessary to represent The African SOUP effectively with funders, partner organizations, Ugandan government officials, and national and international organizations.
Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
● Strong strategic thinking skills and high level of organization
● Experience with fundraising
● Excellent interpersonal skills
● Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
● Flexibility in responding to changing work priorities
● Ability to work independently and in a team environment
● Willingness and ability to travel to attend trainings, workshops, and conferences both in-country and abroad
● Master’s degree in related field, preferred
Standards by which performance will be evaluated:
● Ability to communicate the SOUP brand, mission, vision, and purpose to all interested parties and represent the organization effectively to donors, stakeholders, supporters and partner organizations.
● Ability to effectively manage the financial resources of The African SOUP, ensuring that the operational budget and forecasts are carried out in a timely fashion and that the operational and strategic plans of the organization are fulfilled.
● Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, partner organizations and volunteers who provide support for The African SOUP mission.
● Success at leading ethically, compassionately, and in accordance with organizational values.
This position, as with all positions at The African SOUP, is contingent upon continued grant funding.
LEVEL OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
English language proficiency required.
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
Professional