Executive Director

Job Overview

Christian Leaders for Africa seeks an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director with a strong fundraising background to lead the organization into its next season of growth. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, expand donor and church partnerships, and strengthen relationships with African ministry partners. This role requires a committed Christian leader with demonstrated success in major gifts, donor cultivation, legacy giving, and organizational development.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development Leadership (Primary Focus):

• Lead all fundraising and development strategies to significantly expand CLA's donor base and financial capacity.
• Increase annual donations by $500,000 within two years, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and long-term donor relationships.
• Build and implement a legacy giving program to support endowments and long-term sustainability.
• Strengthen donor recognition, communication, and stewardship processes to improve retention and engagement.
• Partner with Board members to identify prospective donors and lead donor meetings, including the "ask," in collaboration with the appropriate Board representative.
• Develop compelling cases for support, donor materials, and project proposals aligned with CLA's mission and partner needs.

Church & Partner Engagement:

• Renew, maintain, and expand relationships with donor churches across the U.S.
• Communicate regularly with church missions' representatives to share updates, impact stories, and giving opportunities.
• Prepare and present CLA project proposals tailored to individual church mission priorities.
• Coordinate visits between African mission partners and U.S. donors, churches, and groups.
• Lead regular Vision Trips to Nairobi to deepen donor engagement and cultivate new supporters.

Organizational Leadership & Administration:

• Provide overall leadership to advance CLA's mission of supporting theological education in Africa.
• Oversee organizational operations, financial stewardship, and administrative functions.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair to plan and prepare agendas and materials for Board meetings.
• Work closely with the Vice Chancellor of Africa International University (AIU) to identify new U.S. partners and donors.
• Perform additional duties as identified and agreed upon with the Board.

Qualifications:

• Mature Christian faith and active participation in a local evangelical church.
• Understanding of the global faith challenge and the ability to translate that vision into practical strategies that inspire churches to pray, send, and give.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including major gifts, donor cultivation, and development strategy.
• Leadership experience in nonprofit management, ministry, or related fields.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and public-speaking skills.
• Ability to attend regular meetings in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Ability to travel independently to Africa as needed to advance CLA's purposes.
• Proficiency with social media and digital communication.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.