Executive Director – CFRE International   

CFRE International seeks a strategic and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization in advancing its global mission, expanding the number of certificants worldwide, and driving inclusive excellence. Reporting to the Board Chair, the Executive Director will oversee strategy, management, and administration, while championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) across staff and certificants.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of leadership, organizational growth, and change management, along with strong executive presence and fundraising acumen. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a global certification body and enhance its impact on professional standards worldwide. The duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director include, but are not limited to:

• Direct and manage all operational aspects of the organization, including managing the office; supporting operations and administration of the Board; advising and informing board members; interfacing between the Board and staff; and creating and implementing an annual plan and budget.
• Ensure excellent customer service to all constituencies.
• Craft and implement strategies to achieve the organization’s philosophy, mission, goals, and objectives, focusing on executing the board’s strategic goals.
• Serve as the CFRE International contact with the Board of Directors, staff, and organization of CFRE, ensuring open channels of communication with outside organizations and leaders in the philanthropic community.
• Devise and implement a comprehensive business development plan as well as a strategic marketing and communications plan to achieve the goals identified by the Board of Directors.
• Travel domestically and internationally to ensure the organization and its mission, programs, products, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image for relevant stakeholders.
• Implement creative and ambitious strategies to dramatically increase the number of fundraisers seeking the credential and expand public awareness of CFRE International’s work and value proposition.
• Click on the link below to access the Position Overview for a full list of responsibilities.

Location:

Alexandria, VA.  – Hybrid – In office a minimum of 3 days a week.

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of CFRE International. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/ed-cfre/ .

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong leader with proven ability to guide and motivate staff and board members.
• Demonstrated success growing organizations. An innovative, strategic thinker with a savvy business sense.
• Ability to build long-term relationships with fundraisers and nonprofit employers by providing excellent customer service in the best interest of the philanthropic community.
• Knowledge of or experience with certification and/or standards-setting organizations.
• Collaborative and goal-oriented with strong managerial skills and institutional knowledge, perhaps gained through association or membership program management.
• Ability to work easily both internally and externally at the Board and Executive levels. Exceptional skills in building relationships and experience engaging board members.
• Demonstrated ability to gain both external and internal respect and build consensus among superiors, peers, and subordinates.
• Success as an effective communicator who is highly skilled in public speaking and writing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong ability to explain information, decisions, and actions clearly.
• Click on the link below to access the Position Overview for a full list of candidate qualifications.

About CFRE International

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