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Executive Director - Seattle International Foundation

Vision - We are guided by a vision of just, peaceful, and prosperous societies in Central America.

 

Mission - To champion good governance and equity in Central America through rule of law and a robust civil society.

 

Seattle International Foundation (SIF) was founded in 2008 as a supporting organization to Seattle Foundation for the dual mission of increasing and enhancing international philanthropy and development from the Pacific Northwest, as well as alleviating poverty in Central America. In 2018, the organization refined its strategy to focus 100% of its work on the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras), Mexico and Nicaragua – countries with growing political, social and economic interdependence with the US. Since its inception, SIF has granted more than $24 million to 243 high impact organizations in 81 countries. More details on SIF’s programs and grantmaking can be found here.

SIF works within four focus areas: strengthening organized civil society; mitigating the drivers of forced migration; amplifying the impact and reach of independent media; and reinforcing the need for good governance and rule of law in the region. You can find more information about each of these focus areas here.

You can find more general information about SIF here.

The Executive Director (ED) leads SIF’s efforts to further its vision and meet its goals for building a more just and equitable Central America.  The ED works closely with the Board of Directors and the Foundation’s talented staff (located in the US, Mexico, and Central America) to fulfill the Foundation’s mission and build upon four strategic priorities across its programs. The ED also works to build partnerships and engage donors to co-invest in critical change initiatives across the region.

 

As the external face of the Foundation, the ED represents SIF’s work with civil society change-makers, business leaders, the media, other donor partners, and at convenings locally, nationally, and internationally. 

 

The ED has direct supervisory responsibility for a Management Team of four (4) directors and a Change Team of four (4) with a roster of seventeen (17) budgeted staff positions currently. SIF’s 2020 total grant-making and operating budget was approximately $4.5M. The position can be filled in Seattle or in other locales.

 

Candidates will be evaluated on the full range of their lived and learned experience, professional background, volunteer activities and direct and transferable skills. Candidates MUST be fluent communicators in both Spanish and English. SIF seeks candidates with a compelling combination of demonstrated experience and skills in some, or all of the following areas:

  • Experience serving as a CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director, Program Director or senior staff member of an organization, division, or department of significant size. A record of management excellence and operational and fiscal leadership skills honed in social impact, mission-driven organizations, preferably in a philanthropic, government, or non-profit organization where grantmaking has been a central mechanism. Exposure to fundraising, endowment campaigns, and/or capital campaigns, which may come from board, volunteer, or staff service, would be a plus.
  • Candidates must bring a deep connection and/or roots and experience in Central America and Mexico and a deep knowledge and understanding of the social and political landscape of Central America and Mexico, particularly in areas of human rights and civil society. In addition, candidates with an understanding and experience in system change efforts, leadership development and the power of networks are preferred.
  • Experience in multiple sectors and work in cross-sector roles is a plus; a successful track record of fundraising and development partnerships with foundations is highly desirable.
  • Bachelor’s degree and advanced degree preferred. Commensurate level of education and experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

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