Executive Director

Job Overview

We are seeking an International Executive Director, the top leadership position in the ministry, who is responsible for providing overall strategic direction, making key decisions, and overseeing management. The International Executive Director oversees the administration, programs, and strategic planning of the organization, working closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization's goals are achieved.

The International Executive Director’s duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including financial management, leadership, communication, HR, IT, systems, and risk management.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director embodies the mission and values of GSM. The executive director is responsible for the effective delivery of services, operational management, financial sustainability, and the continued growth and impact of the ministry in both the USA and international locations.

This role requires a visionary leader with strong administrative and fundraising acumen, as well as the ability to navigate complex international operations and relationships. The Executive Director serves as the key representative and ambassador for GSM, ensuring that all activities align with the ministry’s vision, mission, and core values.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

• In collaboration with the Board, develop and implement a strategic plan ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
• Establish priorities and allocate resources (financial, staff, volunteers, etc.) to support strategic initiatives, ensuring that resources are focused on the most critical areas.
• Provide spiritual and organizational leadership, upholding the integrity and mission of GSM in all endeavors.
• Identify and evaluate new opportunities for ministry expansion and program development that align with the ministry's mission and vision.

Organizational Management & Operations:

• Lead and manage the executive team to ensure alignment and effective execution of strategies.
• In cooperation and collaboration with U.S. Center Directors, oversee all aspects of the organization's domestic operations to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of programs and services.
• In cooperation and collaboration with GSM’s International Ambassador, National Directors, and Satellite Leaders, support and encourage the health and growth of GSM-affiliated ministries and services at international locations.
• Hire, supervise, and mentor a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, mission-driven, spiritually nurturing, and professionally excellent work environment.
• Provide regular performance evaluations and mentorship to direct reports.
• Shape the ministry’s culture, values, and ethical standards.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between US-based operations and GSM-affiliated ministries and services, led by National Directors at International locations.
• Lead the company through challenging situations and crises.

Financial Management & Fundraising:

• Develop for Board approval, manage, and monitor budgets, ensuring financial responsibility and responsible stewardship of the financial Kingdom resources we receive.
• Assess and mitigate financial risks associated with ministry operations.
• Oversee financial operations (monitoring financial reports, banking relationships, approving expenses, payroll, praying for our donors, etc.)
• Spearhead ministry development and fundraising efforts, including cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, churches, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Supervise grant writing and reporting to secure diverse funding streams.
• Ensure sound financial controls and transparent reporting to the Board and donors.
• Participate in the Annual Fundraising Gala.

Program Oversight & Development:

• Provide oversight for counselor training, counseling, mentoring, group classes, and instructional services in the USA, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and adhering to best practice standards.
• In cooperation with GSM’s International Ambassador, monitor and support the development and implementation of counseling services, education, vocational training, and individual and community development programs at international locations, ensuring that all activities align with the mission and core values of Good Samaritan Ministries.
• Monitor program outcomes and impact, using data to inform program improvements and demonstrate effectiveness.

Board Relations & Governance:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the staff and the Board of Directors, keeping the Board fully informed of the organization's progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Report to the Board of Directors on the ministry's performance, strategic progress, and key decisions.
• Support the Board in its governance responsibilities, including strategic planning, policy development, and financial oversight, as outlined in the GSM Bylaws.
• Actively participate in Board and committee meetings.

External Relations & Representation:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for GSM, representing the organization to donors, partners, churches, and the public.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including members, donors, international partners, churches, foundations, community leaders, and government officials, where appropriate.
• Promote the mission and work of GSM through public speaking engagements, presentations, and networking events.

Qualifications 

Commitment to Christian Faith:

• A deeply committed Christian who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and is actively involved in a local church.
• A willingness as a person to come from a place of asking and questioning rather than a place of being certain that you know, welcoming in all who want to get well, while leaving no room for judgment of others, and having a teachable spirit.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate Christian principles into all aspects of leadership and organizational operations. As a servant leader, the Executive Director will seek the direction of the Holy Spirit and will lead the ministry with humility and grace.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role within a nonprofit, counseling, or educational organization, preferably a Christian ministry with international operations.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, organizational development, financial management, and fundraising.
• Prior experience working in or with organizations that operate a variety of international programs is highly desirable.

Leadership & Management Skills:

• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower staff and volunteers across diverse cultural contexts.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities and complex operations.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and donor relations.

Financial Acumen:

• Solid understanding of nonprofit financial management, budgeting, and accounting principles.

Cultural Competency:

• High degree of cultural sensitivity and understanding, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations and international partners.

Education:

• A bachelor's degree is required. A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Counseling, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, International Development) is strongly preferred.
• Professional licensure in a counseling-related field is desirable, though not required.

About Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM):

With nearly 50 years of history, Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) is an international faith-based Christian nonprofit organization with 8 U.S. centers and international centers spanning over 20 countries, dedicated to serving individuals and communities in need. We focus on reaching out to those experiencing brokenness and sharing Jesus’ love through meaningful connections. All services are donation-based. The services and operations of the U.S. GSM Centers include individual and family counseling, counselor training, mentoring, groups, classes, Family Camp, and other outreach initiatives. GSM’s International Centers‘ services and operations include counseling, counselor training, mentoring, groups, classes, vocational and job training, widows and orphans ministry, numerous community development programs, and an extensive international childhood education program across 13 countries, comprising 38 schools, with 300 teachers and approximately 5,300 students. GSM is a pre-church organization that primarily works to reach out to hurting people and share the love of Jesus with them through counseling and teaching. We do not evangelize, but we prepare people for the day they will want to seek the truth themselves. Our International Ministries operate independently, with each country’s National Director providing the founding and direction. At GSM, we “teach nothing but the Kingdom.” We pay the “whole price” for the healing of others and offer services to anyone who walks through our doors. We model our ministry after the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).