Relief International Hiring Executive Director USA in Washington, DC | Salary US$170,000–US$180,000 | Apply by August 27, 2026 @US$180,000 | Apply by August 27, 2026

Relief International (RI), a leading international humanitarian organization, has announced an exciting opportunity for an experienced executive to serve as Executive Director for Relief International USA. Based in Washington, District of Columbia, this permanent full-time leadership position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from US$170,000 to US$180,000, alongside a performance bonus and comprehensive employee benefits.

The position is designed for a visionary nonprofit executive with an exceptional record in fundraising, organizational leadership, donor engagement, and advocacy. The successful candidate will play a critical role in expanding Relief International’s presence within the United States while supporting the organization’s global mission of assisting communities affected by conflict, disasters, and climate-related crises.

Applications remain open until August 27, 2026, although the organization has indicated that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and recruitment may close before the stated deadline.

About Relief International

Relief International is a global humanitarian and development organization working alongside vulnerable communities to save lives, strengthen resilience, and improve long-term wellbeing. Operating in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, the organization delivers integrated programmes in several key sectors, including:

• Health
• Nutrition
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Education
• Livelihoods
• Community resilience

By combining emergency response with sustainable development initiatives, Relief International seeks to empower communities to recover from crises while building stronger and healthier futures.

About the Executive Director Position

The Executive Director will oversee the operations of the United States entity while reporting directly to the Board of Relief International USA. Working closely with the wider Relief International Network Leadership Team, the successful candidate will lead strategic growth initiatives aimed at expanding and diversifying funding from US-based donors.

The role is office-based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and involves approximately 50% domestic and international travel, with additional travel required when necessary.

As the senior executive responsible for the US entity, the Executive Director will provide organizational leadership while ensuring compliance with all legal, financial, and regulatory obligations governing nonprofit organizations in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will lead multiple strategic and operational functions, including:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of Relief International USA.
• Developing and implementing long-term fundraising strategies.
• Expanding funding from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and institutional partners.
• Building and maintaining relationships with major donors and philanthropic organizations.
• Leading fundraising campaigns and high-level fundraising events.
• Overseeing all US grants from award through project completion.
• Ensuring compliance with donor regulations and reporting requirements.
• Serving as the primary contact for US grant donors.
• Leading advocacy initiatives with US government institutions, Congressional offices, and humanitarian stakeholders.
• Representing Relief International at conferences, policy forums, and strategic meetings.
• Collaborating with communications teams to strengthen the organization’s public profile.
• Providing strategic reports to the Board on fundraising performance, donor retention, and revenue growth.
• Managing the US team while promoting safeguarding, inclusion, diversity, and professional development.
• Maintaining responsibility for governance requirements, including IRS filings, annual audits, charitable registrations, and compliance with 501(c)(3) regulations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Relief International is seeking a highly accomplished nonprofit executive with substantial leadership experience and an established reputation within the humanitarian or international development sector.

Candidates should possess:

• A minimum of 12–15 years of senior leadership experience within international nonprofit, humanitarian, or development organizations.
• At least five years serving at director level or above.
• Extensive experience managing organizational budgets and driving revenue growth.
• Proven success securing major gifts from individual philanthropists, foundations, corporations, and institutional donors.
• Demonstrated ability to diversify funding sources and increase unrestricted income.
• Strong understanding of US nonprofit governance and regulatory compliance.
• Experience overseeing US government-funded grants, including audit and reporting requirements.
• Experience engaging with Congressional offices and US government stakeholders.
• Strong board governance and strategic planning experience.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public representation skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and protection against sexual exploitation and abuse.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful Executive Director will be an entrepreneurial fundraising leader capable of identifying new funding opportunities while strengthening existing partnerships.

Relief International is looking for someone who can:

• Inspire high-performing teams.
• Build strategic partnerships across multiple sectors.
• Navigate complex donor environments.
• Influence policy discussions.
• Lead organizational growth.
• Strengthen Relief International’s visibility among US audiences.
• Deliver measurable fundraising outcomes.

Salary and Employment Details

Successful applicants will receive:

• Annual salary of US$170,000–US$180,000
• Performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive employee benefits
• Permanent full-time contract
• Office-based position in Washington, DC
• Approximately 50% travel

The role also requires enhanced pre-employment screening, including criminal record declarations, reference checks, qualification verification, and other background investigations.

Diversity, Inclusion and Safeguarding

Relief International emphasizes its commitment to building an inclusive and representative workforce. The organization welcomes applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and encourages candidates whose experiences may not perfectly match every listed requirement to apply.

The organization also maintains a strong safeguarding culture and expects all employees to uphold humanitarian principles, including preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

Applicants must already possess the legal right to work in the United States.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Relief International careers portal before the deadline.

Applicants will need to provide:

• An updated CV or résumé.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages explaining:
  • Their interest in joining Relief International.
  • Their relevant leadership experience.
  • Their fundraising achievements.
  • Why they are well suited for the Executive Director position.

Application Deadline: August 27, 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.