Full-Time Director of Impact Acceleration
Job Description
Director of Impact Acceleration
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher
Location: New York, Jerusalem, or London (must be eligible to work in preferred location)
Job Category: Programming
Sector: Nonprofit
Type: Full-Time
Job Posted: 4/11/16
Area of Focus: Children and Youth, Peace, War, and Conflict Resolution
Mission:
Since 1993, Seeds of Peace inspires and cultivates new generations of global leaders in communities divided by conflict. We equip them with the skills and relationships they need to accelerate social, economic, and political changes essential for peace.
Approach:
Our leadership development model begins with a transformational camp session in Maine for exceptional young people and educators living in conflict. The program shifts attitudes and perceptions and builds respect and empathy. Our approach continues through year-round local programs that strengthen relationships and leadership capacities.
We then accelerate the impact of our alumni who are challenging the ideologies, policies, and practices that perpetuate conflict. Our network now encompasses over 6,000 alumni throughout the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and the United States who are uniquely positioned to lead change.
Position Description:
In 2015, Seeds of Peace launched GATHER to accelerate the impact and influence of its alumni and others working to transform conflict (particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, US and UK). Currently, GATHER consists of 1) convenings that create rare spaces for changemakers to develop connections, ideas, and resources and 2) a year-long fellowship program that invests in high potential. This position oversees and executes the strategy and programs for GATHER, and engages Seeds of Peace alumni in the GATHER community.
The Director of Impact Acceleration is a catalyst, a connector. S/he has an unusual ability to connect with people, and can leverage resources and relationships to further a purpose. S/he knows how to create meaningful and unique spaces, ranging from small local meet-ups to largescale international convenings. S/he brings ideas for and experience in developing, connecting, and supporting a community of changemakers. S/he is entrepreneurial by nature, seeing and seeking opportunities to deepen and accelerate impact. S/he is a self-starter, and can both lead and work fluidly on teams. S/he understands the non-profit environment and knows how to develop partnerships and tap into resources that add value and create sustainability. S/he is able and willing to spend significant time travelling to countries throughout the Middle East and South Asia, in addition to the United States.
S/he will work closely with Director of Global Strategy and Programs and regionally-based staff to design and implement programming. Responsible for GATHER initiative, which aims to accelerate the impact and influence of Seeds of Peace alumni and others working to transform conflict.
Specific Responsibilities:
• Lead recruitment, selection, and curriculum design for the year-long GATHER fellowship program that recruits and invests in social entrepreneurs, educators, and artists working to transform conflict. Components include a one-week retreat for ~20 new fellows, held annually in the UK, in addition to intensive coaching and mentorship.
• Oversee design and execution of 3-4 day international convenings for the GATHER community, with the purpose of connecting leading changemakers to people, ideas, and resources that can advance their work. Requires extensive recruitment of both experts/speakers and participants, and a rigorous selection process.
• Set and oversee a schedule of smaller local and regional convenings and/or trainings in the Middle East, South Asia, and/or US and UK designed to form smaller cohorts by industry or interest, grow the GATHER network, and inspire learning, connections, and practical action.
• Develop major partnerships and/or sponsorships to support the GATHER Fellowship and convenings, and GATHER community writ large.
• Form strong relationships with Seeds of Peace alumni and structure local mechanisms for ongoing engagement.
• Grow the GATHER community through strategic outreach to like-minded social change institutions, thought leaders and practitioners.
• Build and shape the online home for the GATHER community as an active space for members to share their work, find opportunities and collaborations, and stay engaged.
• Develop programmatic and financial reports for all key initiatives.
• Work in concert with our development team to secure funding and cultivate relationships with donors.
• Collaborate with our communications team to showcase Fellows, alumni, and GATHER members and the impact of their work.
• Contribute to long-term impact assessment with alumni, as part of overall plan to capture and communicate Seeds of Peace’s impact.
• Fulfill administrative and financial procedures, including budget management and fellowship disbursements.
• Identify and implement mechanisms for alumni feedback.
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• At least 3 years of experience
• Experience running major convenings and/or fellowship programs
• Experience managing and leading teams
• Willingness and ability to travel to the Middle East, South Asia, and United States
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface with diverse constituents
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work virtually with colleagues based in other countries
Valued but not required skills and experience:
• Expertise in social entrepreneurship
• Familiarity with the Middle East and/or South Asia
• Language skills in Arabic and/or Hebrew
• Existing relationships with Seeds of Peace alumni
Compensation:
Salary is commensurate with experience and skills.