Executive Director ( Remote )

Groundswell International is at a time of exciting organizational growth, characterized by clear evidence of impact, strong partnerships and program management systems, and positive funding trends and financial health. To build upon this and allow us to increase our impact and influence, after more than fifteen years of dedicated leadership our founding Executive Director will be transitioning into a new role within Groundswell as Director for Action-Learning and Advocacy. He remains deeply engaged with our mission and will continue to contribute his vision and expertise as part of the organization’s leadership team. With strong foundations in place and compelling opportunities before us, Groundswell is now seeking a new Executive Director to guide the network into its next chapter of growth and impact. 

The new Executive Director will lead an international network of NGO partners dedicated to transforming how food and farming systems work from the ground up — ensuring that they nourish people, regenerate the Earth, foster equity, and contribute to systems change.

Purpose and Mission of Groundswell International:  Groundswell International (Groundswell) is a network of 16 local NGOs working in 11 countries in Latin America & the Caribbean, West Africa, and South Asia.  Our mission is:  strengthening communities to build healthy farming and food systems from the ground up.  All staff and consultants are responsible for working together as an effective team to accomplish our mission and implement our Strategic Framework.  

Purpose of Position:   The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of Groundswell International’s activities, in fulfillment of the organization’s mission and strategic plan. The Executive Director will provide strategic and visionary leadership, and ensure strong organizational performance, in the areas of program, management, fundraising, and communications.  

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Strategic and Visionary Leadership: (25%) 

• Provide leadership to develop and implement strategic plans, in coordination with the partners, staff, Board and the International Council of partner NGOs. 
• Guided by Groundswell’s mission and strategic plan, apply adaptive management principles to respond effectively to key opportunities and challenges in the wider political, economic and development landscape.   
• Ensure effective use of resources to achieve strategic goals. 
• Interpret Groundswell with various publics. 
• Work in close partnership with the Board of Directors to fulfill the organization’s mission. 

Management: (25%) 

• Ensure effective systems for financial and human resource management. 
• Ensure organizational compliance with legal and ethical requirements. 
• Develop and oversee an effective staff team and promote continuous staff cohesion and leadership development.  Collaborate with staff to achieve organizational mission and goals.  
• Provide regular management reports to the Board of Directors.  
• Coordinate closely with the Board of Directors on organizational governance.  
• Support the ongoing development of the Board of Directors to achieve organizational mission.  

Program Development and Implementation: (25%) 

• Ensure effective development and implementation of international programs. 
• Provide effective supervision and support to the Program Director, who ensures effective supervision and coordination with Regional Coordinators and staff, and NGO partners.  
• Ensure the regular review, update and ongoing fulfillment of the partner NGO Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which defines the roles and responsibilities of different actors in the network. 
• Ensure the application and revision of criteria for the identification and integration of new network NGO partners; effective processes for coordination among them; and criteria and processes for phasing out of relationships with partners when appropriate. 
• Develop strategic institutional relationships and alliances, and represent Groundswell to different audiences, to raise our profile, amplify our impact, and influence policies and institutions. Coordinate with Director for Action-Learning and Advocacy and other program staff and partners. 
• Work with the Director for Action-Learning and Advocacy (new position) to develop and implement strategies with staff, NGO partners and allies to synthesize, document and disseminate effective practices, lessons, methodologies and impact, in order to contribute to positive change in agricultural and food systems.  

Resource Development and Communications: (25%) 

• Develop, support and manage an effective Resource Development and Communications staff team to achieve organizational mission and goals. 
• Ensure the development of effective Resource Development and Communications strategies, and related management processes.  
• Ensure the effective mobilization of the financial resources required to achieve the organization’s mission, goals and strategies. 
• In close coordination with Resource Development and Communications staff, play a leadership role in representing Groundswell and stewarding relationships with key foundations, institutional donors and individuals.  
• Participate in and ensure effective review of high-impact proposals and communications materials of institutional significance such as donor appeal letters, annual reports, thought leadership pieces, crisis statements, or key organizational narratives. 

Other: 

• The Executive Director shall be a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and all committees, and of the International Council. 
• The Executive Director shall be evaluated annually by a process developed by the Board of Directors. 
• Compensation shall be set annually by the Board of Directors.  Benefits shall be set by the Board and shall include health coverage, retirement, vacation and personal leave, as well as federally and state mandated programs. 

Location and Travel: 

• The position location is U.S. based and remote.  
• Ability to travel 25% time in the U.S. and internationally, to work with our staff, network NGO partners, and allies in West Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, and South Asia. 

Required Experience and Competencies: 

• A deep commitment to the mission, values and approach of Groundswell International. 
• A creative and visionary leader. 
• At least a master’s level degree in a field relevant to sustainable agriculture and rural development 
• An effective track record as a manager, with at least 10 years of relevant experience at management level. 
• Deep experience with agroecology and sustainable local food systems programming. 
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic leadership of an international and intercultural organization. 
• Capable of building trust and collaboration with staff, NGO partners and allies across a range of cultures.  A team builder who can cultivate and sustain ongoing partnerships and a growing network.
• Fluency in English and at least Spanish and/or French. 

Inclusion and Diversity Statement:  

We prioritize diversity and inclusion in our workplace, our hiring practices, and the design of our programs. We are committed to employing people from various backgrounds with unique perspectives and experiences. We recognize that input from all voices informs innovation and strengthens our organization. 

EOE Statement: 

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We encourage applicants who represent the communities we work with in the Global South to apply. 

Salary: $175,000.00 to $200,000.00

Submit resume/CV along with a letter of interest outlining your qualifications to apply