Job Summary
Global Encounters is recruiting a Senior Manager for International Programmes (SM) to support the advancement of the Ismaili Jamat globally in the areas of arts, sports, youth development, community-building and culture. The SM is a full-time, staff position that will be part of an executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the GE Executive Officer, the SM will work closely with volunteer leadership and institutional staff to develop and deliver exceptional events and a regular cadence of global programming, including key legacy initiatives such as International Festivals (i.e. Jubilee Arts and Jubilee Games) and a new Talent Institute, which will nurture and support artists and athletes on an ongoing basis.
Responsibilities
- Lead efforts to define and clearly articulate priorities for GE’s international programmes, including delivery against approved objectives and strategies. Proactively seek opportunities to scale and deepen the impact of GE’s work.
- Provide overall management and oversight of International Festival operations and project implementation. Ensure a cohesive process for measuring progress, accountability, learning, and revising work plans as necessary. Ensure all projects reflect GE’s values and advance its mission.
- Work with a volunteer leadership team to develop and execute strategies to nurture, develop and deploy artistic and athletic talent.
- Work collaboratively with relevant National Councils and AKDN agencies to sustainably expand Global Encounters’ footprint, and to achieve strategic, programmatic, and administrative synergies. Strengthen cross-programmatic and cross-Institutional collaboration through coordination with GE’s leadership team and National Councils, where relevant.
- Help establish effective and strategic partnerships and collaborations with external organisations and constituencies, ensuring that GE is a meaningful and trusted contributor.
- Support the development of an organisational culture which reflects inclusion, pluralism, collaboration, commitment to the vision, innovation and overall excellence.
- Be accountable for efforts to set and achieve diversity and inclusivity goals and foster a culture that centres values and lifts up diverse voices and experiences, such that all volunteers and staff can thrive and grow.
- Help to establish and develop approaches which support all staff and volunteers to reach their maximum potential, including by providing mentorship, support, regular feedback, professional development and growth opportunities.
- Maintain and promote a culture of transparency, openness and information flow that encourages volunteers of all backgrounds and levels of seniority to feel confident, understood, and valued in communicating their ideas and/or concerns.
- Effectively assign responsibility and delegate tasks and decision-making authority to volunteer managers. Ensure programme structures are effective, integrated (less siloed), flexible and nimble.
- Prepare proposals, presentations, technical papers, and regular reports.
- Keep abreast of best practices and liaise, if required, with organisations, academic institutions, and national/international and community-based entities in order to integrate research-informed, best practice into GE programmes.
- Support the preparation of programmatic budgets and manage programmatic expenses. Ensure that teams practice financial control and discipline, including transparent accounting of expenditures.
- Proactively take steps to identify, assess and mitigate potential areas of risk. Adhere to policies, procedures, and practices with regard to risk management, mitigation, security and safety.
- Support organisational leadership to ensure that all legal and statutory requirements are duly fulfilled and complied with, and identify and mitigate risks facing the organisation.
- Perform other related functions, as directed or needed.
Required Skills
Academic & Professional Experience
- The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of programme development, large-scale event/festival management, non-profit management, senior administration, or related experience. Individuals from the fields of arts, sports, non-profit or education/culture are encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates with direct experience working in executive or management-level positions are strongly preferred. Jamati institutional and hands-on, community-based experience (professional or volunteer) and experience working with diverse constituencies and teams is required.
Skills/Experience
Organisational Management
- Visionary and strategically minded. Ability to think creatively around programme objectives and the detailed steps necessary to achieve goals; experience developing cutting-edge programmes that deliver exceptional and transformational experiences.
- Exceptional project management skills. Ability to set priorities, develop and execute coordinated programmes and champion high quality delivery excellence.
- Demonstrated strong problem solving skills, qualitative and quantitative analytical capabilities.
- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills.
- Budgeting and financial management experience. Proven track record of overseeing large budgets and ensuring efficiencies.
- Experiences leading groups and contributing to large, global programmes. Ability to work with and leverage a talented volunteer base and build a high-performing team.
Programme Development & Event Management
- Creative, innovative thinking. Desire and ability to conceptualise and design programmes.
- Proven track record as a successful programme director, programme manager, or project manager. Successful experience managing teams through long, complex projects.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to multitask.
- Endeavour to create the best possible experiences for participants, spectators and volunteers while being completely prepared and flexible when things don't go according to plan.
- Entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated through prior experience working in start-up-like environments building new teams or programmes. Demonstrated flexibility and excitement in the face of rapidly evolving and growing scope of work and new challenges.
Personal Attributes
- Sensitivity to operating within a values-based, resource-limited, non-profit context.
- Ability and desire to work and collaborate effectively in culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse contexts.
- A desire to be part of a learning organisation.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments and handle multiple tasks and manage competing priorities.
- Sound judgement and ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Stakeholder Relations
- Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills and ability to build strong professional relationships and collaborative partnerships with wide-range of stakeholders.
- Strong people management and volunteer coordination skills.
- Ability to liaise with and develop effective and strategic partnerships with non-profit, corporate, government, community and academic organisations and institutions.
- Sales skills and ability to negotiate contracts and support fundraising efforts.
Language Proficiency
- English fluency is required. Proficiency in second and third languages preferred.
Location & Travel Requirements
- The position will require working virtually initially, with a future move to Lisbon, Portugal. International travel will be required for meetings and to ensure various projects are being organised to achieve the highest level of impact possible. Note that expectations of travel will take into consideration the current global pandemic and will only resume once deemed safe by health and security advisors.
