Join our team!

About the job

• Are you a nonprofit leader with expertise in international development, especially related to Africa, who has guided an organization through a period of growth?

• Do you enjoy building relationships externally while also mentoring and empowering the staff?

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!

PNP Staffing Group is excited to have been retained by Water for South Sudan to lead their search for an Executive Director.

About Water for South Sudan

Water for South Sudan (WFSS) is a US, 501c3 non-profit organization, based in Rochester, NY, dedicated to providing access to clean and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene programs (WASH) for communities in South Sudan. Through the construction of boreholes, trainings for sustainable water management practices, and implementation of community-led initiatives, WFSS is improving the health and livelihoods of thousands of people in one of the world’s most challenging environments. The organization is deeply committed to long-term community sustainability.

Summary of the Role

The ED of Water for South Sudan is a dynamic and visionary leader responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, coordinating with the operations leadership team based in South Sudan, and ensuring the organization’s mission and goals are achieved through fundraising and stewardship activities. The ED will lead a passionate team in South Sudan and globally, ensuring the organization continues to make a significant impact in improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for vulnerable populations. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, the Water for South Sudan Foundation’s local and international stakeholders, and the South Sudanese communities served by the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide visionary leadership to WFSS, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.

• Contribute to the development and execution of a strategic plan to expand access to clean water and improve the health outcomes of communities in South Sudan.

• Ensure thoughtful and sustainable organizational growth, operational excellence, and accountability at all levels of the organization.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and transparency among the staff and Board of Directors.

Fundraising

• Create strategic fundraising and communications plans to diversify revenue streams by building new and stewarding existing relationships with foundations and major donors.

• Supported by the Director of Development, lead all fundraising initiatives to secure ongoing financial support for the organization.

• Deepen donor engagement through tailored and consistent cultivation, stewardship, and care.

• Lead our communications to share our stories of impact and create a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Program Development, Implementation, and Monitoring

• Oversee the operations teams to ensure programs are delivered efficiently and meet the needs of the community.

• Oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework to track the effectiveness and impact of WFSS’s programs.

• Ensure robust reporting and data collection systems to provide transparent and accurate updates to stakeholders, donors, and partners.

Team Management & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing senior management team and staff, fostering an inclusive, supportive, and results-oriented work environment.

• Supervise bookkeeping, payroll, and maintenance of all financial records; oversee leases and needed insurances; conduct Annual Performance Reviews for all direct reports.

• Promote professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and performance.

• Ensure organizational policies, practices, and systems are aligned with best practices and compliant with local and international laws and standards.

Financial Stewardship

• Work with the Board and the senior management team to ensure financial sustainability and accountability, managing resources effectively to maximize impact.

• Develop and manage the annual budget and ensure adherence to financial policies and standards.

• Prepare agendas and reports for all Executive & Finance Committee and Board meetings.

• Serve as ex-officio member of the Executive & Finance Committee, Budget, Development, and Strategic Planning committees, and others as needed.

Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations

• Represent WFSS at key events, meetings, and conferences, advocating for the critical need for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in South Sudan.

• Strengthen partnerships with international NGOs, governmental and intergovernmental bodies, businesses, and local organizations to maximize the organization’s reach and impact.

• Cultivate relationships with local communities, leaders, and partners to ensure projects are relevant, culturally appropriate, and sustainable.

• Participate in professional, governmental, and civic organizations and forums to stay current in areas such as WASH and East African politics.

Qualifications

Experience

• 10+ years in senior leadership positions in the non-profit or international development sector, ideally with a focus on water, sanitation, and/or public health.

• Strong track record in managing and scaling humanitarian or development programs, especially in challenging environments like South Sudan.

• Experience in fundraising and donor relationship management, with a proven ability to secure significant funding from a variety of sources, particularly private foundations.

Education

• A relevant graduate degree (e.g., Public Administration, International Development, Business, Public Health, Organizational Management, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field) or the equivalent experience is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Excellent financial management acumen, including budget preparation, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.

• Solid organizational skills, including planning, delegating, balancing competing priorities.

• Exceptional interpersonal, cross-cultural communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus.

• Experience managing and mentoring teams remotely.

• Ability to work in high-pressure environments and make decisions in rapidly changing situations.

• Knowledge of the political, cultural, and social dynamics of South Sudan and the region.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary with a passion for humanitarian work and a deep commitment to Water for South Sudan’s mission.

• Ability to lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity.

• Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in environments of uncertainty and change.

• Strong sense of integrity and accountability.

• An appreciation for the importance of local knowledge and empowerment.

Compensation and Other Information

• Salary: $100,000+

• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance and retirement

• Location: Rochester, NY

• Schedule: Hybrid, open to flexible arrangements; will assist with relocation to NY State

• Travel = 20-30% of time including internationally and at least yearly to South Sudan

• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Water for South Sudan is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

PNP Staffing Group has been retained to lead this search. Please send resume and cover letter via LinkedIn to Wade Savitt, Executive Recruiter.

Part-Time Job Opening (15 hours)

Grant Writer

Remote: New York State & Florida

Hybrid: Rochester NY

Water for South Sudan (WFSS) delivers direct, transformative and sustainable quality-of-life service to the people of South Sudan by efficiently providing access to clean, safe water and improving hygiene and sanitation practices in areas of great need. The US 501(c)3 nonprofit organization was founded in Rochester, NY in 2003 by former “Lost Boy” of Sudan Salva Dut.

Our US office in Rochester, NY manages the administration and fundraising for the organization and works closely with our Operations Team in South Sudan.

WFSS is seeking an experienced Grant Writer to establish and expand our grant program, identify funding opportunities, and develop compelling grant proposals. This role will play a critical part in securing funding to sustain and grow our programs. The ideal candidate will have strong writing and research skills, attention to detail, and a passion for nonprofit development.

Reports To: Director of Development and Communications

Key Responsibilities

Grant Program Development & Strategy

• Establish the foundation for a structured grant program to support WFSS’s long-term sustainability.

• Identify new funding priorities in collaboration with leadership, using Grant Advance and grant prospect spreadsheets.

• Develop a strategic grant calendar to align with program and organizational needs and adhering to grant application deadlines.

Grant Research & Writing

• Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government funding sources.

• Write, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals that meet funder requirements and align with WFSS’s mission and objectives.

• Work closely with Director of Development and Communications to gather necessary information and data for proposals.

• Develop budgets and supplemental documentation, including evaluation metrics, to strengthen funding requests.

Grant Management & Reporting

• Track grant submissions, deadlines, and funder communications.

• Prepare progress and impact reports for funders, leadership, and the board.

• Ensure compliance with grant terms and reporting requirements.

• Maintain accurate grant records in Salesforce and other grant management systems.

Collaboration & Development Support

• Work with the Director of Development and Communications to build multi-year funding strategies for capital and operating needs.

• Maintain strong communications with the Director of Development and Communications and other staff related to donor solicitation, corporate sponsorships, and other fundraising efforts as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in grant writing, evaluation, or a related role.

• Proven track record of securing grant funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources.

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Familiarity with grant management software and research tools.

• Experience working with Salesforce or similar CRM systems is a plus.

Compensation & Schedule

• An average of 15 hours per week at $30 per hour with potential to grow into a full-time position based on measured success and commitment to our team.

• Flexible schedule, with potential for remote or hybrid work.

• No weekend, evening, or special events are required.

Water for South Sudan is open to providing professional training or certifications to support employee growth and development.

Water for South Sudan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (preferably grant proposals or related materials) to Elissa Rowley, Director of Development and Communications at elissa.rowley@waterforsouthsudan.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a start date of April 10.