At USA for UNHCR, our people are the driving force behind our mission of delivering hope and opportunity to refugees worldwide. We're not just a workplace - we're a vibrant community of passionate, forward-thinking professionals committed to making a real difference. If you thrive in a dynamic, transparent, and data-driven environment, and want your career to directly impact lives across the globe, we invite you to join us!
SUMMARY
USA for UNHCR is seeking a Director, Strategic Initiatives & Governance who plays a pivotal role in strengthening USA for UNHCR’s governance systems and helping to advance the organization’s strategic priorities in support of refugees displaced people worldwide. Serving as a key strategic thought partner in the Executive Office, this role ensures that governance processes, materials, systems, and follow-through are high quality, decision-ready, and reliable, enabling the CEO and executive leadership to engage the Board with clarity, confidence, and consistency. This position is execution-led and systems-oriented, translating strategic decisions into action, streamlining communication, and clearing roadblocks to ensure leadership is focused on the highest value work. It strengthens governance through rigor, thought partnership, and coordination, while preserving clear ownership of Board relationships, strategic direction and advisory authority with the CEO and executive leadership.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Governance and Board Effectiveness (40%)
- Manage governance operations for the Board and all standing and ad hoc committees, including the Finance & Audit Committee, Executive Committee, Strategy Committee, ensuring consistent standards, documentation, and follow-through.
- Serve as operational system owner for the organization’s Board governance platform, ensuring effective configuration, document management, permissions, and adoption.
- Ensure Board and committee materials are timely, accurate, well-structured, and prepared to support effective governance processes and fiduciary decision-making.
- Maintain consistency, quality standards, and institutional memory across all governance processes.
- Own the tracking and reporting of Board and committee governance metrics, including attendance, engagement, committee effectiveness, onboarding completion, self-assessment cycles, and action follow-through.
- Monitor nonprofit governance best practices and support implementation of continuous improvement of governance effectiveness and compliance.
Strategic Execution & Departmental Readiness (35%)
- Serve as strategic thought partner in Executive Office and lead complex, multi-workstream governance projects, managing timelines, dependencies, and risks to ensure disciplined operational execution.
- Orchestrate inputs across the organization to support governance needs, ensure alignment, completeness, and quality of materials and processes.
- Exercise sound judgment and be anticipatory in identifying governance risks, gaps, or process failures and escalate findings appropriately to executive leadership.
- Provide functional, execution-focused guidance to the Senior Executive Coordinator on governance-related workflows.
- Contribute to the effective functioning of the Executive Office through disciplined process management and operational excellence.
Executive Office Resource & Operational Oversight (15%)
- Support in the management of Executive Office budget and advise in resource allocation for board functions, programmatic initiatives, and strategic priorities.
- Support the collection, analysis, and communication of key data and insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the development of systems and processes that advance team effectiveness and ensure efficiency in how Executive Office operates
- Lead process improvements to optimize workflow, collaboration, and organizational efficiency.
- Coordinate cross-functional strategic reviews to assess progress, identify challenges, and recommend course corrections.
Other Functions (10%)
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree, required, advanced degree in business, management, or a related field preferred.
- Certified in project management methodologies (e.g. PMP or related formal training), preferred
- At least 8-10 years’ experience in strategic engagement, nonprofit governance, board operations, executive office, or governance-adjacent roles
- Demonstrated experience in leading large, cross-functional projects or initiatives, including managing bylaws, Board policies, committee charters, and formal governance processes
- Proven experience in strategic planning, implementation and monitoring, preferably within non-profit management, international development, and humanitarian aid sector
- Proficient in Microsoft applications and other programs and software utilized
- Social media experience preferred (LinkedIn in particular) and exemplary Powerpoint skills highly prized.
- Understanding of refugee issues and global affairs
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge:
- Current trends and best practices in strategic planning and program development.
- Non-profit fundraising strategies and private sector philanthropy, essential for effectively engaging board members.
- Best practices in board governance, compliance, and organizational policy. Effective methods of impact measurement and data analysis.
Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- High judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
- Strategic thinking and decision-making.
- Diplomacy and effective interpersonal relationships to foster collaboration among board members and staff.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and complex problem-solving skills to manage board operations seamlessly.
- Event planning and logistics coordination for board meetings and organizational events.
Ability:
- Influence through preparation, credibility, and execution rather than positional authority.
- Analyze data and trends to inform decisions.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
- Guide and support high-performing executives and teams to work collaboratively towards common goals.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and VP, Strategy & Impact on board and governance matters, providing insight and recommendations for board effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with governance standards per risk management protocols and enhance the overall performance of the board
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement while collaborating effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
- Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Travel Required
10-20% travel anticipated.
WORK LOCATION
Hybrid + New York, NY + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region of operations and select donor locations.
COMPENSATION
$149,868 - $179,842
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Please apply immediately or by February 20, 2026.
WHY YOU'LL WORKING HERE
We're proud to be consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, a reflection of our deep commitment to employee well-being, growth, and purpose. Our benefits are designed to support your whole life, not just your work life. While specific offerings may evolve over time, highlights currently include:
- Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid employee medical options (traditional and HSA plans)
- Flexible savings accounts, including FSA and HSA
- Industry-leading 401(k) match
- Lifestyle Spending Account to support your wellness
- Mental and financial wellness resources
- Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at key milestones
- Volunteer Time-Off to support your community engagement
- Professional development support
- Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health
Please note: Benefits are reviewed regularly and subject to change.
DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply.
Why Join USA for UNHCR?
Joining USA for UNHCR means becoming part of a people-first organization that lives its values every day. We're passionate about creating meaningful change, dynamic in our collaborative approach, and transparent in how we work together to support refugees. By embracing cutting-edge solutions and a data-driven mindset, we stay forward-thinking, ensuring your unique talents fuel innovation and impact. Here, you'll grow alongside a supportive team, develop your skills in a nurturing environment, and see the transformative power of your work - on the lives of refugees and on your own journey.
Ready to make a difference while being a part of a team that truly cares about you? We'd love to hear from you! Apply today, and let's create a brighter future together.