The Board of Directors of the International Association for Refugees (IAFR) is accepting inquiries from applicants interested in serving as IAFR CEO/President.
International Association for Refugees (IAFR) is a Christian organization committed to equipping the global church to welcome, serve, and empower refugees and forcibly displaced people (FDP). Operating as a decentralized, global organization, IAFR works through international ministries, specialist staff, partnerships, and training initiatives to foster transformation and hope among displaced communities worldwide.
The President/CEO is IAFR's chief executive leader and primary public representative, accountable to the Board of Directors. This role calls for a leader who is both a strategic visionary and a relational unifier—someone who can guide a globally distributed team, champion IAFR's mission and identity, lead fundraising efforts, and strengthen organizational health in a complex and shifting global environment. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic & Organizational Leadership
Champion IAFR's mission, vision, and values as the organization's identity keeper. Develop and implement a strategic plan for growth in a changing global context. Strengthen organizational culture: humility, authenticity, courage, innovation, and faithfulness. Oversee systems, structures, and communications across a decentralized global team.
Executive Leadership & Staff Support
Supervise the Executive Vice President and Vice Presidents (Advancement, Staff Development, International Ministries). Foster unity across a globally distributed team with diverse roles and funding models. Hire senior leaders and shape organizational structure aligned with strategic direction.
Advancement & External Engagement
Serve as the primary public face of IAFR with donors, churches, partners, and networks. Lead fundraising, with emphasis on growing unrestricted giving and the Sustaining Fund. Represent IAFR in speaking engagements, strategic networks, and written communications.
Board Engagement & Governance
Maintain strong communication with the Board regarding opportunities, challenges, and organizational health. Prepare and submit the annual Executive Plan and Budget; present project assessments for Board vote. Assist in identifying, recruiting, and onboarding new Board members.
Legal & Financial Stewardship
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and nonprofit regulations. Oversee financial stewardship in collaboration with executive leadership.
IAFR seeks a leader with humility, relational intelligence, and the courage to lead difficult conversations. The ideal candidate brings an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit, thriving in a globally distributed environment with a deep sense of call to this mission.
Leadership Experience
Proven executive leadership experience in a nonprofit, ministry, or mission context.
Fundraising Experience
Demonstrated fundraising success, including cultivating unrestricted gifts.
Communication Skills
Strong public communication skills (speaking and writing).
Board Experience
Experience working with nonprofit boards and leading organizational change.
Christian Faith
Deep Christian faith aligned with IAFR's mission.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Refugee Context
Familiarity with the global refugee situation and the landscape related to forcibly displaced people.
Cross-Cultural Experience
Experience leading international or cross-cultural teams.
Decentralized Staff
Comfort leading decentralized teams where staff raise personal support.
How to Apply
Applications are due by May 31, 2026 and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit the following to ExecutiveSearch@iafr.org to inquire.
Cover letter describing your alignment with IAFR's mission and vision
Resume / CV
Responses to the following questions, separate from the cover letter.
IAFR is a Christian faith-based organization. With that in mind, please share your faith journey and your relationship with God.
What excites you about the mission and work of IAFR?
What’s one strength or experience you would bring to IAFR?