Reporting to the Chairperson of the CREA Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages all operations and activity of the organization. The Director is responsible for donor relations, fundraising and assuring that the organization is in compliance with all rules, directives and laws of both the host country and the USA. The Director serves as the public face of the organization in the USA and Nicaragua.
Implements the strategic direction and policy of the CREA Board.
Assures and sustains a strong teaching, learning and work place culture.
Directs, develops and leads CREA partnerships, fund raising networks, public relations, and curriculum innovations.
Raises funds from existing donors and cultivates new donors.
Assures that employees are well trained, motivated and competenAssures the legal and fiscal compliance and integrity of the organization.
Develops the Board of Directors and Advisory Council members. Diplomatically protects the frontier between the policy role of the Board and the management job of AdministrationPlans, organizes, directs, staffs, controls, audits and motivates.
Skills:
Minimum 5 years Executive Director management in education or non-profit work.
Near-native level proficiency in both English and Spanish. Accents acceptable provided they do not hinder clear, natural and colloquial communication.
Proven fundraising track record.
Management accounting, budgetary and financial analysis proficiency.
Knowledge:
Advanced degree in leadership, management, philanthropy or fundraising (preferred).
How to lead with an exceptional relationship-building and stewardship style, creating a workplace and a Board-staff relationship rooted in trust, accountability, empathy, shared values, and common purpose.
Conversant with the potential and application of Large Learning System models in education.
Deep understanding of the Latin American education system (preferred).
Cross cultural literacy and power dynamics, especially learning challenges for the poor, weak and underserved.
Abilities:
Understanding of the poverty mindset and challenges of the Global South.
Strategic Planning and Visioning.
Stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
Change management and innovation.
Stewardship leadership skills and style.
Understanding and analysis of financial reports, budgets, dashboards and spreadsheets.
Public Relations and Social Media expertise.
Generating and sustaining Board, staff and donor confidence.
Stands their ground...diplomaticaly.
The Executive Director will live in the southern Nicaragua area known as the Emerald Coast, recognized by Forbes, Travel & Leisure and other publications as one of the most sought-after areas to live and retire in Central America.
International Living has ranked the country as one of the top ten places to retire in the world. You can expect a resort level style of living but at a fraction of the expense. On average, a couple who owns their home in Nicaragua can have monthly expenses from $2,500 USD to $3,500 USD per month. A single person can expect to spend less than $1,500 USD per month. Your cost of living will be less than half that of our close by neighbor Costa Rica and substantially less than the USA. Beach front homes, with pool, golf, etc., in gated communities start for around $1800 a month to rent or $295k to own.
Our students live in homes with dirt floors, no plumbing, and tin roofs—but they dream big. With the right guidance and access, they can compete with peers around the world. As our Executive Director, you’ll help make that future a reality. You will have an in-country deputy who manages two department heads, a USA-based support staff and 35 extraordinary local staff, many of whom are success stories of our center.
