Job Title: Executive Director

Job Type:  Full Time

Application Deadline: December 2, 2024

Experience level: Executive

Salary: USD $110,000 - $140,000/year + benefits

Overview: 

Bright Stars of Bethlehem (BSB) is a two decades old U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to raise awareness and support for Dar al-Kalima University (DAK) in Bethlehem, Palestine. DAK is the first and only institution of higher education in Palestine focused on the performing, visual and culinary arts, and cultural heritage. Both organizations believe in the importance of the arts to raise cultural and social awareness and to develop a vibrant and active civil society. DAK’s main campus is in Bethlehem, Palestine with a satellite program in Gaza.

Bright Stars’ Executive Director works closely with our Visionary Leader, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb.  A lifelong resident of Bethlehem, Dr. Raheb is a world-renowned pastor, theologian, author and social entrepreneur.  He is the founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University and a key member of the group that founded Bright Stars of Bethlehem. His visionary leadership propels the strategic growth of the university as well motivating support from BSB.  In the face of military occupation and the resulting hardships on the West Bank, Dr. Raheb’s work and message is reflected in BSB’s motto, “Hope is What We Do”.  To read more about Dr. Raheb visit his website: www.mitriraheb.org

Bright Stars envisions that many of Palestine’s future artists, musicians, actors, journalists, filmmakers, and other leaders will be alumni of the university. Faculty use creative and interactive teaching methodologies to bring art, music, acting, writing, photography, film, tourism, culinary arts, information technology, and other skills to life. The oppressive economic conditions under occupation mean that many students rely on scholarships to complete their education. The university also relies on donations to support its faculty, course offerings and operations, and to improve and expand its campus. BSB raises funds for all these important needs.

The DAK student body reflects the social, economic, and religious diversity of the Palestinian community. The student population is 75% Muslim and 25% Christian, 60% female and 40% male. The majority of students come from different parts of the Bethlehem region including nearby refugee camps, with an increasing number coming from villages and communities throughout the West Bank. DAK also has a satellite program in Gaza. 

The faculty and staff reflect the diversity of the student body. Almost half of the university staff are women, and the university’s management and administration are majority female.

In recent years, Bright Stars of Bethlehem has grown significantly with the help of a committed core of supporters, volunteers and board of directors who are passionate about our mission.  As the organization continues to grow our base of support and develop new capacities, we now seek a dynamic Executive Director who will continue to build on BSB’s two decades of success by providing strategic leadership to chart the course for continued growth and support in the next decade.  

Position Summary:

The Executive Director (ED) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for BSB staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. The ED will play a leading role in shaping and implementing our strategic plan as well as an effective development plan and serve as organizational spokesperson for individual and institutional donors. As organizational leader, the ED will oversee and work to enhance the overall management and operations of BSB, including financial, marketing, and communications activities. In addition, this leader serves as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, executive committee and other committees of the Board as assigned.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Successful track record in non-profit strategic planning, leadership and fundraising.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including an ability to establish and maintain effective working. relationships with both Palestinian and American colleagues. 
• An understanding of the Palestinian context and experience.
• Ability to direct and supervise staff in a virtual organization and work collaboratively with a geographically diverse group of volunteers.
• Proficiency with technology including email, Microsoft Office products, virtual meeting software, and DonorPerfect or similar CRM systems. 
• Proximity to an airport and a willingness to travel frequently, including annually to Palestine. Current passport required.
• Location in the Midwest a plus 
• Proficiency in Arabic a plus

Major Tasks and Scope of Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership in fulfilling the mission, achieving the goals and driving the growth of BSB.
• Work with the board, our visionary leader, and other stakeholders to design and implement BSB’s strategic plan.
• Articulate the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the organization to internal and external stakeholders.

2. Fundraising and Development  

• Develop and implement strategies to attract funds from individuals and institutions.  
• Function as the fund development lead with responsibility for a significant portfolio of major donor relationships.
• Establish/monitor procedures for grantmaking, endowment.
• Assure fundraising targets are front-of-mind for both daily work and evaluation of personal and organizational success. 
• Develop and nurture collaborations with congregations, foundations and similarly missioned organizations. 
• Support and develop a strong national volunteer network assisting in visits, receptions, awareness and fundraising opportunities.
• Act as a public spokesperson and thought leader for the organization. 
• Oversee coordination of key donor relationship visits and development opportunities for DAK’s & BSB’s founder and Visionary Leader, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb.
• Foster awareness of Bright Stars of Bethlehem among potential supporters, volunteers, donors and board members.
• Oversee communications, marketing and public relations activities supporting the development efforts of BSB.

3. Organizational Leadership and Board of Directors Relations 

• Develop and execute strategic plan goals and action steps.
• Serve on and support the Board as well as the Governance, External and Internal Committees as non-voting member.
• Provide the Board with timely and accurate information in support of informed decision-making regarding policy and operations. 
• Implement the resolutions of the Board of Directors. 
• Consult with the Chair, Officers and other Board members concerning the business and affairs of the BSB. 
• Assist the Board by supporting a knowledge base of current trends and activities that relate to the work of the organization, including a comprehensive orientation/on-boarding program. 
• Perform other duties and have other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.

4. Staff Management & Mentorship 

• Serve as leader to the organization’s staff, providing guidance, motivation, and support to help them succeed in their roles.
• Foster a positive work environment promoting teamwork and collaboration.
• Provide regular feedback to staff members, both in the form of ongoing coaching and formal performance evaluations, to ensure that they are meeting performance expectations and growing in their roles.
• Develop and implement staff development plans to support the ongoing growth and professional development of each team member.
• Model and promote the organization’s values and culture, setting a high standard for ethical and effective behavior in all interactions.
• Ensure that staff members are fulfilling their roles effectively, and work with them to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

5. Financial Oversight and Controls 

• Oversee financial management in partnership with financial staff, board chair and board treasurer, ensuring that the organization is operating with financial prudence for long-term sustainability.
• Work with staff, board chair and board treasurer to develop and oversee BSB’s annual budget.
• Monitor financial results throughout the fiscal year, adjusting as needed to ensure that the organization is operating within its budget.
• Ensure that financial reports are accurate and provided to the Board of Directors in a timely manner, working with staff to provide detailed financial analysis and reporting as needed.
• Oversee procedures for maintenance of financial records.
•  Establish/monitor procedures for grantmaking, endowment management and other program-related projects/initiatives, assuring due diligence and transparency in the use of the funds to enhance and grow donor confidence.

6. Regulatory Compliance:

• Capabilities in understanding, monitoring and implementing current Federal, state and local regulations applying to not-for-profit organizations, including those regarding international grants. 

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Directors 

Desired Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with Masters Degree or CFRE preferred.
• Five or more years of leadership experience in a nonprofit organization or a related field.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting.
• An understanding of Palestinian and/or Middle Eastern cultures preferred, as well as comfort in church/religious settings.
• Experience leading an organization in virtual settings.
• Comfortable managing technology for in person and virtual presentations.

Notes / Additional Information:  

1. Like all the people of Palestine, DAK faces numerous challenges from Israeli occupation, land theft and ethnic cleansing. These challenges are obviously more serious in the current environment. The BSB organization and community have been steadfast in the face of these immoral acts and have stepped forward even more in the past year. 

2. A new Executive Director will join BSB at a time when the Board has just updated the organization’s By-Laws and BSB is completing the fourth year of a five-year strategic plan.  Along with gaining valuable organizational knowledge, the new director will work with the Board to develop a new strategic plan and goals for continued growth.

3. Staff: In addition to the ED position, BSB currently employs a Development Director and an Administrator. We also have two contract providers dedicated to our mission, one for financial management and the other for marketing and communications. With the small team, the Executive Director needs to be comfortable with being a hands-on doer that can focus and manage their own schedule. 

4. Office Location is VIRTUAL: BSB is a registered non-profit organization in the state of Illinois and functions with a virtual office. Current employees and contractors all reside in the Chicago-Rockford area.

Application Process:  Email your resume to admin@brightstarsbethlehem.org by December 2, 2024.  In addition to a resume, each applicant is asked to provide a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that indicates what attracts you to this position and how your experiences uniquely makes you a strong candidate for this position.  Confirmation of receipt will be sent by return email.  Virtual screening with preferred candidates will take place in December.  No phone calls, please communicate by email only.