Job Opportunity: Executive Director for United Palestinian Appeal, Inc (UPA)

posted on: Apr 1, 2011

United Palestinian Appeal, Inc. (UPA) is seeking an Executive Director to begin immediately. UPA is a non-profit, non-political, tax-exempt American charity. Its mission is to combat the suffering of Palestinians, particularly those in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and refugee camps of Lebanon, and to contribute to the long-term socioeconomic and cultural development of Palestinian society. Since its establishment in 1978, UPA has developed numerous programs to assist Palestinians in the fields of health, education, employment, child services, community development, and emergency relief.

The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive, responsible for the overall operation of the organization, including the management of all fiscal resources, fundraising, supervision of staff, and representation of UPA at public functions. The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Trustees. Salary commensurate with experience.
Primary Responsibilities

* Manage the organization and execute overall vision, strategy, and goals as set by the Board of Trustees.
* Cultivate institutional and individual funding relationships.
* Oversee fundraising through targeted appeals to private donors and preparation of grant proposals, and spearhead the solicitation of corporate and foundation funding.
* Maintain and establish partnerships with other development and federal aid agencies, and other organizations that would help achieve UPA’s goals.
* Represent UPA at high-level external meetings and events, and leverage professional network to build UPA’s profile and impact both locally and abroad.
* Lead and develop a high-performing staff team.
* Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
* Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and manage the financial resources.
* Perform site visits to UPA’s local partners in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Lebanon.

Qualifications

* Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in international development, Arab or Middle East studies, international studies, leadership or other relevant field preferred.
* At least 5 years of proven leadership experience; experience with humanitarian aid work ideal.
* Experience with staff management, program development, monitoring and evaluation.
* Knowledge and understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
* Skills in management, budgeting and financial components of small non-profits, as well as computer skills. (Familiarity with QuickBooks and Filemaker Pro is a plus.)
* Ability to navigate complicated institutions towards cultivating and maintaining high-level partnerships.
* Exceptional strategic thinking and creative problem-solving ability.
* Strong skills and experience in leading, managing and building a talented staff team.
* Experience with fundraising and applying for grants.
* Excellent relationship-building skills, sense of humor, diplomacy, and joy in working with a team.
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Fluency in Arabic is a plus but not a requirement.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé via one of the following:

* Email: jobs@helpupa.com
* Fax: 202-296-0224
* Address: United Palestinian Appeal, Inc.
Attn: Executive search committee
1330 New Hampshire Ave NW Ste 104
Washington, DC 20036

Phone calls are discouraged. Any questions about the position should be sent via the means listed above.