Executive Director of RFP-USA Job Description

Position Summary:

Guided by the principle of genuine respect for religious differences, Religions for Peace – USA (RFP-USA) is a respected national coalition comprised of leaders from over sixty U.S. religious communities, all working together for peace. It is part of Religions for Peace-International, a global network of seventy national and four regional affiliated interreligious councils and groups comprised of religious leaders of a broad spectrum of faith traditions. RFP-USA operates on the conviction that multi-religious cooperation and common action can be powerful instruments in the quest for constructive social development, justice, reconciliation, and peace. It is a place where religious communities and their leaders work together, creating paths to peace.

The three key program areas of RFP-USA include: 1) Building Community, e.g., helping to build interreligious councils in diverse U.S. communities; 2) Addressing Diversity, e.g., assisting Native Americans with a process of reconciliation and repatriation of ancestors' remains; and 3) Examining the Role of the US in the World, e.g., sponsoring dialogues that enable diverse people of faith speak about the U.S.'s role in the world.

As the chief executive officer of RFP-USA, the Executive Director is responsible for achieving the mission of the organization, through overseeing the operations of the Secretariat, including a part-time support staff, modest volunteer/intern support system, and consultants for particular projects.

Principal Duties:

The functions of the Secretariat shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Leadership in the fundraising efforts of the organization, including broadening and deepening the base for support, and writing and fostering the welcome reception of grants;

2. Facilitation of the governance structures of the organization, including the Council of Presidents, Executive Council, and, most especially, an emerging Leadership Council;

3. Leadership in the implementation of the mission, policies, and programs of the organization;

4. Organization of the work of the task forces and committees of the organization, so as to achieve the mission of the organization;

5. Management of the daily operations of the office of the organization, including leading as well as hiring, training, and evaluating the performance of staff and volunteers;

6. Administration of the annual budget, including regular reporting and review processes and arrangement of an annual audit of the financial records of the organization by an independent accountant, including the establishment of the proper internal controls;

7. Development of a marketing and communications strategy in an effort to raise public awareness, interest, engagement, and support for the mission.

8. Maintenance of the relationship with the Secretariat of Religions for Peace –International and its affiliates;

9. Cooperation with other interfaith and peace related organizations, especially overarching associations and those involved as NGOs at the United Nations;

10. Organization of special events and regular programs for varied audiences to promote the objectives and advance the mission.

11. Performance of such other tasks as may be directed by the board.

Qualifications and Skills:

• An advanced degree is preferred.

• Willingness to travel up to one week per month on average.

• A strong leader with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in progressive management roles, preferably in a non-profit setting, in a metropolis, and/or with religious contacts.

• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to inspire and support an emerging organization.

• Experience working with boards, including the cultivation of financial leadership.

• Excellent management skills, including financial management and staff supervision.

• Knowledge of religious communities and relevant social issues. Sensitivity to the diplomacy inherent to the position and the needs of religious leaders and communities.

• Well developed planning, analytical, and negotiating skills.

• Proven record in effectively managing multiple, complex projects and tasks and competing priorities to facilitate decision making.

• Superb interpersonal skills; superior oral and written communication skills.

• High degree of comfort interacting with individuals of diverse cultures and orientation.

• High level of competence in computer skills and other administrative skills.

Compensation package is $65-75K, including any benefits. Please send a resume and cover letter outlining specific qualifications and skills to the attention of Rabbi Amy Small, Chair of the Personnel Committee at searchcommittee@rfpusa.org.

Applications may begin to be reviewed on February 1, 2007, and they will continue to be reviewed until a candidate is selected.