Executive Director

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war, persecution or natural disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The San Diego office of the International Rescue Committee was established in 1975.  The office has served refugees from over 25 countries offering a wide array of programs including resettlement, economic development, employment and career development, youth services, immigration, food security and community health. The office regularly resettles close to 1,000 newly arriving refugees each year and serves over 7,000 clients through all the office’s local programs. Currently San Diego is the largest office in the 22 office U.S. Program network with an annual budget of over $8 million and a staff of 100, supported by 500+ volunteers.  

Job Overview/Summary: The Executive Director is the face of the IRC at the local level. S/he sets the vision, articulates the mission, creates the strategy in alignment with the IRC program framework, manages and oversees program development and implementation, ensures compliance of services within grants and contracts, and oversees effective delivery of key services such as case management, orientation and acculturation, employment services and placement, initial financial assistance, immigration and social adjustment. The Executive Director is responsible for the development of resources necessary to operate all programs. He/she also builds or maintains well-functioning systems for finance, human resources and other operational activities. The Executive Director is also responsible for ensuring integration and alignment of all programmatic and operational aspects with the larger organization.  This position reports to the Regional Director, U.S. Programs.

Major Responsibilities:

I. General Management - Leadership/Stewardship

• Organizational Leadership: Possess and model absolute commitment to the mission of the IRC. Establish and articulate vision and strategy for the IRC local office. Engage actively with local leaders and community to advance IRC’s mission and work locally; maintain and nurture collaborative working relationships with state and local agencies as well as other service providers. Uphold client-focused approach and engage comfortably with clients; demonstrate respect for clients’ resilience, strength and wisdom.
• Strategic Planning: Lead annual strategic planning process that exhibits his/her own strategic vision for the office and incorporates the input and programmatic vision of IRC staff. Coordinate with IRC headquarters and ensure the local strategic plan reflects the agency’s overall mission and goals.
• Staff Management: Build and maintain unity among the staff. Maintain an open door policy and practice that involves regular informal discussions with staff to ensure ongoing, consistent two-way communication about work, challenges, successes and needs. Ensures absolute compliance with the IRC Standards for Professional Conduct; take responsibility for own actions and remain accountable at all times for his/her team’s actions. Maintain solid and effective office management structure that ensures a fully integrated team across departments; ensure regular staff/management meetings.
• Operations:  Ensure timely and consistent communication with HQ (US Programs and other departments) on operational issues, policies and reporting; ensure local implementation of IRC policies including procurement, IT, and security and safety protocols.
• Human Resources: Ensure systems are in place for recruitment, hiring, orientation, terminations, layoffs, leaves, etc.; actively engage staff in discussions about their professional development and retention; consistently use standard tools and processes such as job descriptions and annual performance reviews. Collaborate with Regional HR Partner to ensure effective use of technical support and resources.
• Advocacy and Outreach: Lead local advocacy efforts and support national advocacy efforts; host Board, senior staff and donor visits as appropriate; engage in and support community outreach efforts on behalf of the IRC.

II. Financial Management

• Budget Oversight: Oversee annual budget development; regularly review the operating budget as well as monthly budget-to-actuals; maintain effective systems for tracking spending rates; address anomalies in revenue and expenses.
• Program Budget Tracking: Track monthly R&P and Matching Grant direct assistance; track and ensure sufficient monthly Matching Grant funds, slots and Contribution-in-Kind resources, and monitor all other program budgets.
• Budget Training: Train program managers/staff on program budget oversight; establish budget expectations; ensure consistent communication between program and accounts management.

III. External Relations

• Provide vision for overall fundraising strategy and develop a local fundraising plan based on analysis of program strengths, service gaps and local environment.
• Development: Collaborate with Development and External Relations staff from IRC HQ to ensure effective use of technical support and resources; cultivate local donor relationships; interface with Corporate and Foundation Relations; work with Development Manager at local level to maintain and expand funding base. 
• Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy and plan for the local environment; oversee development of marketing material that adhere to IRC’s branding guidelines; ensure local level marketing materials are reviewed by HQ for quality and consistent messaging.
• Media and Communications: Maintain professional and positive public image of the IRC office; engage with the local media outlets and develop working relationships; liaise with IRC Communications Department on all media contacts in accordance with IRC policies on external messaging.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor Degree in social work, international relations, non-profit management or relevant field; Advanced Degree in similar field would be a distinct advantage
• Work Experience: Minimum 10+ yrs progressive work experience with social services or humanitarian assistance programs; strong preference for previous experience with direct services delivery to clients and/or refugee resettlement experience
• Minimum 5+ yrs senior management experience, including staff management, program development, monitoring, evaluation and advocacy experience
• Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Successful and significant fundraising and grant writing experience; excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Solid diplomatic and relationship building skills; demonstrated ability to build and nurture teams; ability to lead effectively and enhance internal and external relationships, including partners and donors
• Proven people management and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to deliver results and translate words into action. Ability to lead staff and promote productivity in a pleasant, welcoming, respectful and collaborative environment
• Previous financial management experience, including effective management of budgets
• Credible, professional public persona; at ease with public engagements and public speaking
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work successfully and with utmost integrity and respect in cross-cultural environment and with limited English speaking client population
• Solid organizational skills with ability to multi-task, set priorities, effectively manage time and meet deadlines.  Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast paced team environment
• Solid computer skills. 
• Language Skills:  Strong ability to communicate in English, both written and oral.  Other language abilities a bonus