Director, USA Office

Position description

African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD) is Africa’s leading homegrown humanitarian organization, delivering lifesaving assistance and development support to refugees, displaced populations, and host communities across the continent. We are rooted in Africa, powered by African talent, and driven by a clear mission: to restore dignity, build resilience, and create lasting opportunities for those affected by crisis.

Since 2006, AIRD has provided critical services in some of the most complex and fragile contexts—currently operating in over 13 countries, including Uganda, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, DRC, South Sudan, and Cameroon. Our teams of more than 1,500 skilled professionals are embedded in local communities, working side-by-side with those we serve.

What We Do

AIRD delivers locally responsive, globally aligned solutions in partnership with host governments, the African Union, and leading international donors such as UNHCR, USAID, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, and the Hilton Foundation. Our core areas of expertise include:

• Humanitarian Logistics & Operations
• Shelter & Infrastructure Development
• Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
• Clean Energy & Environmental Solutions
• Livelihoods and Vocational Skilling
• Third-Party Monitoring and Accountability

Our Ambition

AIRD is not just a service provider—we are a strategic partner for African-led solutions. We are building the next generation of humanitarian response: one that is efficient, accountable, and anchored in local leadership. In 2023, we set a bold target to become a $100 million organization by 2026, expanding both our impact and our global footprint.

To realize this vision, AIRD is establishing fundraising and advocacy offices in the USA, Switzerland, Belgium, the UAE, and the African Union in Ethiopia—connecting Africa’s needs with the world’s resources and solidarity.

How We Want to Be Known

We are the trusted African partner of choice for donors and governments.
We are solution-focused, service-driven, and community-rooted.
We stand for professionalism, dignity, and impact.

AIRD: African. Accountable. Agile. Always there.

Position Summary

The Director, AIRD USA Office will serve as the senior representative of AIRD in the United States, leading all aspects of strategy, fundraising, outreach, and institutional positioning. Initially functioning as a liaison and fundraising office and secure large and multi-year partnerships. The Director will be responsible for fully establishing and managing the office, building diversifying strategic donor and partner relationships, overseeing early-stage operations, and shaping the long-term role of AIRD in the U.S. nonprofit ecosystem, including program development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Development

• Lead the growth strategy for AIRD USA, aligning with global organizational priorities.
• Develop and execute a 3-year development roadmap and business plan with clear targets and milestones
• Establish AIRD’s voice as a global development actor from Africa in the U.S. market.

2. Fundraising & Resource Mobilization

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy targeting U.S.-based donors, including:
• Bilateral agencies (e.g., USAID)
• Private corporates
• Foundations
• High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)/philanthropists
• Actively participate and oversee concept note development, grant writing, proposal submissions, negotiations and fundraising events.
• Build donor stewardship systems and reporting protocols.

3. Partnership & Representation

• Cultivate high-level relationships with U.S.-based INGOs, academic institutions, think tanks, and diaspora networks.
• Represent AIRD at key events, conferences, and strategic policy discussions.
• Advocate for Africa-cantered development agendas with UN agencies, U.S. government entities, and philanthropic networks.

4**. Operational Management**

• Oversee the setup of the U.S. office infrastructure and systems (shared office, IT, communications, legal).
• Supervise the initial U.S. team, including part-time/volunteer grant writer, donor relations manager, and admin/finance officer.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. federal and state non-profit regulations, including IRS 501(c)(3) filing and reporting.

5**. Visibility & Communications**

• Lead the creation of AIRD USA’s digital presence and content tailored to U.S. audiences.
• Launch outreach campaigns, newsletters, and social media strategies to build brand awareness.
• Serve as a spokesperson for AIRD in the U.S. market.

 

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in international development, fundraising, or institutional advancement.
• Proven track record of securing significant funding from U.S. sources (USAID, foundations, private donors).
• Demonstrated leadership in launching or scaling international nonprofit offices, initiatives, or campaigns.
• Strong existing networks within the U.S. philanthropic or NGO sector.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to represent AIRD with credibility and passion.
• Knowledge of African development contexts and diaspora engagement is strongly preferred.
• Advanced degree in international development, public policy, business, or related field preferred.

Skills and Attributes

Successful applicants will embody the following characteristics

• Proactive Ownership: Anticipates needs, takes initiative, and owns their tasks.
• Focus on Execution and Delivery: Prioritize results by setting clear, measurable goals and driving accountability for delivering outcomes on time.
• Culture of Continuous Learning and Improvement: Have a learning mindset that continuously develops skills that support their roles and the team’s goals.
• Encourage Proactivity and Personal Accountability: Prospective team members are self-starters who actively seek ways to contribute and improve.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Prospective team members build a collaborative culture where information is freely shared, and team members work together to solve problems.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Encourage a mindset that can handle setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances without losing momentum.
• Result-Oriented Communication: Ensure all communication is clear, purposeful, and focused on achieving results.
• **Focus on Impact and Value Creation:**Drive efforts toward outcomes that directly benefit the organization, “customers”, or stakeholders.
• Humility: Humility is the ability to recognize one’s limitations and value others’ contributions without ego. It involves acknowledging that learning is a continuous process and that others can offer valuable insights.

Languages

• English fluency required
• French proficiency is a strong asset

Compensation and Benefits

AIRD provides a fair and transparent salary and benefits package. Salary for this position will be in accordance with AIRD salary grid depending on the grade, academic qualification and professional experience.

Application instructions

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