Meet Villages in Partnership

Villages in Partnership (VIP), an independent non-profit corporation based in Allentown, NJ, is a community of people and organizations who are devoted to sharing God’s love and blessings with those living in extreme poverty in Malawi, Africa. With that calling, we find all lives are changed.

About the Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) is an experienced strategic leader and development professional who provides leadership and executive management. He/She reports to the VIP Board of Trustees. He/She attends meetings of the VIP Board of Trustees (USA) as requested and serves on the VIP International Board of Trustees (Malawi). The ED is responsible for vision casting – articulating, promoting and guarding the mission and vision of Villages in Partnership. The ED has strategic and operational responsibility for all programs and activities of Villages in Partnership worldwide.

The Executive Director’s responsibilities include:

Overall: The ED is responsible for upholding the overall vision and mission of VIP, its strategic and operational programs and activities worldwide. This includes, but is not limited to, the following areas of focus:

USA

Development-The ED works to provide the resources necessary for the work of VIP International to flourish. This includes developing both financial and expert personnel resources.

• Accountable for planning and overseeing all development activities.
• Brainstorm and envision new development opportunities. 
• Build and nurture relationships with the top 10% of VIP donors and new donors.
• Monitor and supervise communications with VIP donors.
• Represent VIP to church partners and potential partners, designing tailored ways to energize and inspire each.
• Preach and teach at opportunities offered by church partners.
• Identify and mobilize expertise in the US to consult with VIP Malawi staff and stakeholders in order to use best practices for projects and programs while observing cultural sensitivities and protocol. 
• Continually look for opportunities to illustrate the impact of the work of VIP through statistical evidence and anecdotal stories of those whose lives have been transformed by VIP. 

Administration-the ED will oversee the coordination and effective work of the VIP US staff to ensure that the mission of VIP is being implemented. This includes:

• Accountable for the management of the US office.
• People management of all US Staff, including:
• Development and evaluation of annual goals and objectives to support the operating and capital expenditure targets;
• Conducting regular performance reviews that encourage staff growth and retention;
• Building and maintaining a vibrant, engaged, and learning team;
• Holding regular team meetings to support team engagement and communications; and
• Upholding personnel and benefits policies
• Accountable for the oversight and judicious monitoring of VIP’s finances and financial records, under the guidance of VIP’s Finance Committee, including:
• Annual budget
• Spending against plan
• Tracking and maintaining restricted funds
• Meet quarterly with the VIP Board of Trustees, setting the agenda with the Board President, and seeking guidance and support as necessary from the Board’s Executive Committee.
• Create agendas and coordinate meetings with the chairs of the Board Committees, making Board materials available to Board members at least a week in advance of regularly-scheduled Board meetings. 
• Oversee the VIP Communication strategy from web presence and social media to print and video production, driving strong visibility and awareness of the work and mission of VIP.
• Ensure the growth and sustainability of the friendship trip program.

Malawi

Administration: Ensure alignment that VIP’s mission, vision, and values are being implemented, practiced, and lived out across both VIP and VIP International. 

The ED is accountable for: 

• Developing the strategic vision and plan for VIP International in consultation with the Country Director (CD), Malawi leadership staff, and the International Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring regular communications with the Country Director (CD) and the International Board Chair to ensure alignment between the International Board, VIP Malawi projects, and the US Board.
• In alignment with the CD, ensuring ongoing programmatic excellence in Malawi, developing and maintaining rigorous program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Ensuring that all VIP projects practice the VIP values.
• Engaging with local Malawian officials, agencies, partners, and village leadership to identify opportunities for furthering the mission of VIP in Malawi. 
• Providing oversight on all MoUs, contracts, and agreements between Malawian entities and VIP, including the values of VIP (sustainability)
• Identifying and recording stories of impact to be shared with the International Board, Malawi stakeholders, and the VIP US family. (see above)

The ED is responsible for:

• Attending quarterly International Board meetings, creating the agenda with the Board Chair.
• Traveling to Malawi at least two times each year. Providing oversight to trip coordinators and leaders. 

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Executive Director:

Education and Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, with a Master’s Degree strongly preferred in areas related to the work of VIP, such as International Development, Non-Profit Management, and Executive Leadership.
• At least 7 years of experience working in a non-profit organization focused on international development.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Manifest evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ, knowledge of Scripture, and a theological perspective supporting the Vision and Mission of VIP
• Demonstrate exceptional skill in cultural sensitivity through the ability to “put oneself in others’ shoes” in the developing world.
• Demonstrate a high level of passion and energy for social justice, striving to change the world and live a life according to the calling of Jesus Christ.
• Proven track record of strategic thinking, with the ability to lead operational work to achieve stated goals.
• Excellent communicator, with the ability to inspire and motivate others at a variety of levels in a variety of organizations, including staff, volunteers, partners, government officials, and VIP Board members.
• A demonstrated track record of success in cultivating donors at the highest level and oversight of development/fundraising activities that support the organization and energize others to remain committed to VIP.
• Deeply dedicated to the goals of Villages in Partnership.

Other Working Requirements

• This position is full-time and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Compensation will be in the form of an annual salary.
• The position is based in the VIP office in Allentown, NJ.
• Travel is required and consists of domestic travel to partner churches and other locations to spread the word about VIP and build US-based donor/partner relationships. International travel to Malawi requires a commitment of 2 – 4 weeks at a time for 2 – 3 visits annually.

What it’s like to live in Allentown, NJ

Living in Allentown, New Jersey, offers a charming small-town experience with a strong sense of community and rich local history. Centrally located less than an hour’s drive from both Philadelphia and New York City and the many things they offer , the town features tree-lined streets, historic homes, and easy access to both nature and these nearby cities. Residents enjoy a peaceful, family-friendly environment with local shops, parks, and community events that bring neighbors together. Schools are well-regarded, and the town’s close-knit atmosphere encourages participation in community life, including local churches and civic groups. With a slower pace of life and a welcoming spirit, Allentown is an inviting place for those seeking a blend of tradition, comfort, and community engagement.