The Plutzik Goldwasser Family Foundation (PG Family Foundation) is seeking a US Program Director to oversee the US-based needs of a project in Zimbabwe for vulnerable youth. Zara’s Center is an after-school safe haven for orphaned and vulnerable children in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The Center provides daily meals, school fees, academic enrichment, computer coding instruction, medical care, agricultural training, recreation, and artistic development in Emganwini Township. Zara’s Center was founded in 2007 and is preparing to undergo an expansion to serve more children. 

 

The US Program Director for Zara’s Center will report to the Board Chair. Responsibilities will include: 

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40% Programs

• Working with the Zimbabwe-based Executive Director to ensure program success.

• Managing budgetary and financial needs for Zimbabwe-based programs

• Working with construction project manager in Zimbabwe on forthcoming facility expansion including periodic zoom meetings with architects, contractors, and engineers as needed

40% Development and Marketing

• Managing major gifts, annual contributions, and occasional special events

• Developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with major donors and stakeholders

• Maintaining donor records using donor database for approx. $250,000+ in donations annually

• Preparing and mailing all gift acknowledgement letters to donors

• Designing all newsletters, annual reports, social media posts, and managing websites

• Coordinating three annual marathon charity team fundraisers (NYC, LA, and Miami), which bring in major funding for the organization.

• Working with the Board of Directors to develop new fundraising ideas and partnerships.

10% Board Liaison

• Preparing briefings for monthly meetings with the Board Chair

• Presenting at thrice yearly Board meetings to report on program outcomes and fundraising progress

• Compiling notes and action items for the Board of Directors

10% Administrative Duties

• Ensuring all taxes, charitable registrations, and other important items are filed in a timely manner

• Modest administrative support for other PG Family Foundation endeavors, at the direction of the Co-Presidents.

 

The above statements are intended to provide a general framework of what this position requires. There may be other functions and qualifications that emerge in time, and the chosen candidate may be asked to perform other duties that are not listed here.

 

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years related full-time professional work experience.

• Professional work experience in a foundation, non-profit, or governmental field.  

• Excellent writing and communication skills including demonstrated understanding of creating content for various purposes

• Experience maintaining a donor database.

• Ability to work independently without daily supervision.

• Skilled in using Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, and other similar tools. 

• Ability to work well with diverse colleagues with varied personalities and work styles. Ability to interact effectively and maintain positive working relationships with donors, board members, staff, and vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• International work experience strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of and familiarity with issues in African relief and related youth programs: sensitivity to dynamics of working internationally.

• Familiarity with Zimbabwean culture, history, and current events a plus.

 

Compensation and Benefits 

 

• The PG Family Foundation provides a competitive compensation package. Benefits include health, dental, life, and disability insurance; paid time off; and a flexible work environment. This opportunity is a full-time, non exempt position preferably based in or near Miami, Florida. 

• The salary range for the position is $60,000 - $70,000 annually. 

 

The Plutzik Goldwasser Family Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

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To Apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@zarascenter.org