Job Description

About Us

Existing for more than 100 years, International Institute of St. Louis is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering refugees and immigrants by providing essential support for their successful integration into a new country and community. Our programs focus on housing, employment, education, legal assistance, and cultural adaptation, ensuring individuals and families have the resources to become thriving, contributing residents and eventually citizens. Our mission/vision is simply stated: The International Institute of St. Louis provides opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive in order to create a welcoming, prosperous, and healthy region for all.

Position Overview

The President & CEO serves as the chief executive of International Institute of St. Louis, providing nonpartisan visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to fulfill the organization’s mission. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO oversees all aspects of strategic operations, fundraising, partnerships, and program development, ensuring the organization remains sustainable, effective, and responsive to the needs of refugees and immigrants and the community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute a strategic plan that upholds the organization’s mission while maintaining political neutrality in all activities, communications, and p
• Serve as the primary spokesperson, ensuring messaging remains mission-focused and centered on the humanitarian and economic benefits of supporting refugees and immigrants.
• Cultivate a culture of respect and evidence-based advocacy that fosters trust among various stakeholders.
• Ensure the organization remains adaptable to evolving immigration policies and community needs while maintaining a steadfast commitment to empowering refugees and immigrants in the state of Missouri and the region.

Operational & Program Management

• Oversee the design and implementation of comprehensive programs that assist refugees and immigrants with housing, employment, language acquisition, cultural adaptation, healthcare access, and legal support.
• Ensure programs remain mission-driven and rooted in best practices to maximize impact while remaining eligible for funding from diverse sources.
• Establish measurable goals for program success and regularly evaluate outcomes to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Develop partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, and service providers to enhance program offerings and streamline access to resources.

Fundraising & Financial Management

• Balance mission and services growth with stability and fiscal responsibility.
• Lead a diversified fundraising strategy that includes private donations, corporate sponsorships, NGO support, and federal, state, and local grants, ensuring financial sustainability for the organization.
• Oversee grant writing and compliance, ensuring funding applications align with the organization’s mission and meet all regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Build relationships with philanthropic foundations, international NGOs, and government agencies to secure funding without compromising the organization’s independence or status.
• Ensure transparent financial reporting and accountability to donors, grantors, and the Board of Directors.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

• Advocate for policies and initiatives that support refugee integration, economic self-sufficiency, and access to essential services while ensuring all advocacy efforts remain within applicable guidelines and requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong, nonpartisan relationships with lawmakers, policymakers, and government agencies to provide expert insights on refugee resettlement.
• Collaborate with national and international refugee and immigrant organizations to share best practices and amplify the organization’s impact.
• Educate the public and stakeholders on the humanitarian, economic, and social contributions of refugees and immigrants.

Community Engagement & Public Relations

• Serve as a bridge between refugees, local communities, businesses, and government agencies to foster understanding, engagement, and mutual support.
• Represent the organization in media engagements, public forums, and conferences, maintaining a consistent and neutral message that highlights the shared values of compassion, opportunity, and economic contribution.
• Develop and oversee public education campaigns that raise awareness of the challenges and successes of refugees and immigrants.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among diverse community groups, ensuring that refugee support is seen as a unifying issue rather than a political debate.

Board & Team Leadership

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and enforce governance policies that support the organization’s mission, risk-averse profile, and the long-term health of the organization.
• Build and lead a high-performing team dedicated to refugee and immigrant support, ensuring adherence to the organization’s values of fostering community strength, professionalism, and service.
• Provide leadership development and training opportunities to staff.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven workplace culture that attracts top talent committed to ethical, impactful service.

Qualifications & Experience

• Enthusiastic commitment to refugee and immigrant rights, and community empowerment.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, social work, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit, government, or related sector.
• Proven history in fundraising, fiscal management, budget, operational, and strategic planning.
• Strong advocacy, public speaking, and relationship-building skills with varied community groups, including donors, volunteers, and Board Members.
• Experience in developing, growing and scaling a wide variety of community-based service programs [particularly focused on refugees and the immigrant community].
• Demonstrated high level of adaptability and agility to effectively manage changing policies and funding.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid leave.
• Professional development opportunities.

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