Executive Director (Remote) at WAAW Foundation (Abuja & Lagos)

WAAW Foundation is a 501(c) non-profit organization (EIN 20-8576703) founded in 2007. With headquarters in McKinney Texas, USA, the organization is also duly registered as a nongovernmental organization in Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Our Mission is to empower African women and girls to become transformative leaders through STEM Education Leadership, and Entrepreneurship training while making a significant impact on the world.With 58 Chapters across 24 African countries, WAAW’s vision is to create a world where African women are formidable global leaders, transforming lives through technology, science, and innovation.

WAAW Foundation’s activities advance female human rights and promote economic empowerment for African women by providing relevant education in STEM, leadership, technology entrepreneurship, and innovation. Our programs promote female empowerment through increased female students’ awareness, participation, and recruitment into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. This in turn breaks the cycle of poverty and promotes the involvement of African girls in STEM nationally and globally.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Executive Director

Location: Abuja and Lagos (Remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Operations
Reports to: Board of Directors
Work Hours: Mon – Fri 10 am – 6 pm WAT

Summary and Objective

WAAW Foundation is seeking a highly motivated visionary leader responsible for driving the organization’s mission, strategy, and overall success.
They will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and effective management to ensure the Foundation achieves its goals in empowering African women and girls in STEM education.

Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement strategic plans in alignment with the Foundation’s mission and goals.
Provide visionary leadership to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability.
Identify emerging opportunities, trends, and challenges in STEM education and women’s empowerment.

Program Development and Management:

Oversee the organization’s daily operations, providing executive direction of all program strategy, compliance, quality assurance, and program efficiency.
Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at advancing African women and girls in STEM fields.
Collaborate with stakeholders to develop impactful initiatives that address the needs of target communities.
Ensure the program’s effectiveness through regular monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Financial Management:

Develop and manage the annual budget in accordance with strategic priorities and financial goals.
Set and meet aggressive annual fundraising goals, in partnership with the board of directors, to secure financial support from foundations, corporations, individuals, and government funding sources
Secure funding through grants, sponsorships, donations, and other revenue streams to support program activities.
Ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Partnership and Stakeholder Management:

Cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, corporations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
Represent the Foundation in various forums, conferences, and events to raise awareness and promote collaboration.
Nurture relationships with donors, sponsors, and supporters to enhance fundraising efforts and donor stewardship.

Team Leadership and Management:

Recruit, onboard, and retain a diverse team of talented staff, volunteers, and consultants.
Identify and implement staffing requirements for efficient operations, maintain a strong culture and work climate that attracts and retains staff, and drives the organization’s mission.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to empower team members.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in all aspects of the organization’s work.

Advocacy and Public Relations:

Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, STEM education, and women’s empowerment.
Serve as the face of the organization and actively participate in external events, both increasing visibility, credibility, and brand in the market, and developing strategic partnerships in order to increase community awareness and expand the program
Build public awareness and support for the Foundation’s mission through strategic communication and storytelling.

Governance and Compliance:

Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing nonprofit organizations.
Provide regular updates and reports to the Board of Directors on organizational performance, achievements, and challenges.
Collaborate with the Board to develop policies, procedures, and governance structures that support the Foundation’s mission and values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
Must have 7-10 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, international development, or related fields.
Demonstrated commitment to gender equality, diversity, and social impact.
Proven track record of fundraising, financial management, and resource mobilization.
Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and navigate complex partnerships.
Knowledge of STEM education, women’s empowerment, and African development issues is desirable.
Strong leadership, diplomatic, and motivational skills including the ability to lead up, across, and down.
Proven ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation, and accountability.
Entrepreneurial mindset, with an innovative approach to business planning
Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization
Experience with grant writing, budgeting, proposals, or fundraising.
Technically competent with various software programs and apps.
Flexible with proven ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Must be able to work virtually, hold self-accountable, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work with local, regional, and international partners.
Availability to work in various time zones and travel as needed.