United Nations Foundation
Executive Director, UNA-USA
United Nations Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $198,000.
Organization Overview The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA‑USA) was one of the first UN Associations created in the world after the establishment of the United Nations. It has today grown into the preeminent grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations, uniting 200+ chapters and a national network of tens of thousands of members and champions from communities to colleges to Congress who promote strong U.S. leadership at the UN through advocacy, youth engagement, and public outreach.
Position Overview UNA‑USA is a movement of more than 20,000 Americans and U.S. residents, located in more than 46 states and territories, who believe in the principles and values of the United Nations. UNA‑USA’s role is to connect our grassroots supporters with U.S. decision makers in support of a world that is just, peaceful, and prosperous on a healthy planet.
The role of the Executive Director is to cultivate and motivate a new generation of advocates and champions for the UN in the United States. The Executive Director will serve as the leader of a team of 20,000 people, matching strategic vision with organizational oversight. They will be responsible for developing and overseeing advocacy campaigns that motivate and mobilize a strong US‑UN partnership, bolstering membership and activity in targeted geographies, leading partnerships and securing strong funding for the organization’s continued growth. The leader will also closely coordinate with other programs and initiatives of the Better World Fund and the UN Foundation.
Working Relationship The Executive Director, UNA‑USA, reports to the President of the Better World Campaign & Sr. Vice President of the UN Foundation.
Collaborates directly with the Chief Operating Officer to refine strategy and ensure operational alignment.
Essential Functions
Lead UNA‑USA and set a strategic vision centered on cultivating and motivating a new generation of American advocates for a strong U.S. relationship with the UN
Develop UNA‑USA as a platform for innovative and impactful opportunities for Americans of all ages to take action in support of the UN
Develop and oversee strategy for UNA‑USA advocacy agenda in coordination with Better World Campaign and strategic communications goals of the UN Foundation
Develop and implement strategy to grow UN champions in key communities across the U.S. and develop strategy for overall expansion and maintenance of UNA‑USA chapters (campus and community)
Establish and maintain external partnerships with relevant grassroots and grasstops organizational partners, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders to strategically enhance UNA‑USA’s agenda in the United States
Build strong relationships with United Nations officials, U.S. government officials dealing with UN issues and NGO leaders working to advance UN causes to build awareness of and add value to UNA‑USA programming
Serve as UNA‑USA’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public and oversee UNA‑USA’s external communications, ensuring brand integrity, and serve as a representative to the media
Lead strategy and execution for UNA‑USA fundraising, including representing UNA‑USA in high‑profile meetings with potential donors and working with UNF executive leadership to identify and manage the stewardship of high net‑worth donors and corporate sponsors
Provide oversight to the coordination of UNA‑USA’s annual events, including Global Engagement Summit at the United Nations, Global Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, and UN Day and International Women’s Day
Provide oversight on special UNA‑USA programs, including UNA‑USA Youth Observer to the UN, member delegates to the Commission on the Status of Women and UNA‑USA events during UN conferences
Maintain a strong relationship with the UNA‑USA National Council and UNA‑USA members and supporters
Develop and administer annual business plans and budgets for UNA‑USA and manage UNA‑USA staff to ensure effective and accountable execution
Provide regular reports/updates both for internal and external purposes on the success of UNA‑USA
Other duties as assigned
Selection Criteria
Advanced degree in international relations or related field, or equivalent, required
At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience mobilizing Americans of all ages to take action in support of causes in the political domain, with experience working in international affairs, foreign policy, or related organizations, highly desirable. Candidates without minimum years will be considered if they can demonstrate experience leading dynamic, politically salient campaigns or advocacy initiatives
At least ten years of progressively responsible experience working leading and managing dynamic teams for results
Visionary leader to drive sustainable funding and expand UNA‑USA’s mission
Proven ability to chart short‑ and long‑term strategies for grassroots advocacy and campaign initiatives, deliver results, and adjust to changing and complex conditions
Self‑starter with excellent judgment; proven ability to drive multiple aspects of projects from inception to implementation within limited time frame
Very strong skills working in coalition and teams – collaborator; diplomat; problem solver; relationship‑builder; strong inter‑personal skills; “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” leader
Strong and effective communicator, experience in external public speaking/media, and ability to be effective with range of audiences, including media, potential funders, organizational partners, citizen advocates, and internal teams
Strong written communication skills and proven experience developing written materials (analyses, reports, talking points, etc.) for senior executives and members of boards of directors
Strategic financial planning, fiscal oversight and risk management
Experience working with high profile individuals and partners
Proven bipartisan experience navigating complex political landscapes
Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including community leaders, volunteers, business executives, UN/government officials and donors, with multicultural and international experience a strong plus
Stress tolerance and resilience; sense of humor; attention to detail; and ability to work under pressure with shifting priorities
Commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations
Benefits & Compensation For full‑time, U.S. benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:
a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
dental insurance
vision insurance
flexible spending accounts
403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
group term and supplemental life insurance
short‑term disability
long‑term disability
back‑up care
employee assistance program
Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.
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Organization Overview The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA‑USA) was one of the first UN Associations created in the world after the establishment of the United Nations. It has today grown into the preeminent grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations, uniting 200+ chapters and a national network of tens of thousands of members and champions from communities to colleges to Congress who promote strong U.S. leadership at the UN through advocacy, youth engagement, and public outreach.
Position Overview UNA‑USA is a movement of more than 20,000 Americans and U.S. residents, located in more than 46 states and territories, who believe in the principles and values of the United Nations. UNA‑USA’s role is to connect our grassroots supporters with U.S. decision makers in support of a world that is just, peaceful, and prosperous on a healthy planet.
The role of the Executive Director is to cultivate and motivate a new generation of advocates and champions for the UN in the United States. The Executive Director will serve as the leader of a team of 20,000 people, matching strategic vision with organizational oversight. They will be responsible for developing and overseeing advocacy campaigns that motivate and mobilize a strong US‑UN partnership, bolstering membership and activity in targeted geographies, leading partnerships and securing strong funding for the organization’s continued growth. The leader will also closely coordinate with other programs and initiatives of the Better World Fund and the UN Foundation.
Working Relationship The Executive Director, UNA‑USA, reports to the President of the Better World Campaign & Sr. Vice President of the UN Foundation.
Collaborates directly with the Chief Operating Officer to refine strategy and ensure operational alignment.
Essential Functions
Lead UNA‑USA and set a strategic vision centered on cultivating and motivating a new generation of American advocates for a strong U.S. relationship with the UN
Develop UNA‑USA as a platform for innovative and impactful opportunities for Americans of all ages to take action in support of the UN
Develop and oversee strategy for UNA‑USA advocacy agenda in coordination with Better World Campaign and strategic communications goals of the UN Foundation
Develop and implement strategy to grow UN champions in key communities across the U.S. and develop strategy for overall expansion and maintenance of UNA‑USA chapters (campus and community)
Establish and maintain external partnerships with relevant grassroots and grasstops organizational partners, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders to strategically enhance UNA‑USA’s agenda in the United States
Build strong relationships with United Nations officials, U.S. government officials dealing with UN issues and NGO leaders working to advance UN causes to build awareness of and add value to UNA‑USA programming
Serve as UNA‑USA’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public and oversee UNA‑USA’s external communications, ensuring brand integrity, and serve as a representative to the media
Lead strategy and execution for UNA‑USA fundraising, including representing UNA‑USA in high‑profile meetings with potential donors and working with UNF executive leadership to identify and manage the stewardship of high net‑worth donors and corporate sponsors
Provide oversight to the coordination of UNA‑USA’s annual events, including Global Engagement Summit at the United Nations, Global Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, and UN Day and International Women’s Day
Provide oversight on special UNA‑USA programs, including UNA‑USA Youth Observer to the UN, member delegates to the Commission on the Status of Women and UNA‑USA events during UN conferences
Maintain a strong relationship with the UNA‑USA National Council and UNA‑USA members and supporters
Develop and administer annual business plans and budgets for UNA‑USA and manage UNA‑USA staff to ensure effective and accountable execution
Provide regular reports/updates both for internal and external purposes on the success of UNA‑USA
Other duties as assigned
Selection Criteria
Advanced degree in international relations or related field, or equivalent, required
At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience mobilizing Americans of all ages to take action in support of causes in the political domain, with experience working in international affairs, foreign policy, or related organizations, highly desirable. Candidates without minimum years will be considered if they can demonstrate experience leading dynamic, politically salient campaigns or advocacy initiatives
At least ten years of progressively responsible experience working leading and managing dynamic teams for results
Visionary leader to drive sustainable funding and expand UNA‑USA’s mission
Proven ability to chart short‑ and long‑term strategies for grassroots advocacy and campaign initiatives, deliver results, and adjust to changing and complex conditions
Self‑starter with excellent judgment; proven ability to drive multiple aspects of projects from inception to implementation within limited time frame
Very strong skills working in coalition and teams – collaborator; diplomat; problem solver; relationship‑builder; strong inter‑personal skills; “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” leader
Strong and effective communicator, experience in external public speaking/media, and ability to be effective with range of audiences, including media, potential funders, organizational partners, citizen advocates, and internal teams
Strong written communication skills and proven experience developing written materials (analyses, reports, talking points, etc.) for senior executives and members of boards of directors
Strategic financial planning, fiscal oversight and risk management
Experience working with high profile individuals and partners
Proven bipartisan experience navigating complex political landscapes
Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including community leaders, volunteers, business executives, UN/government officials and donors, with multicultural and international experience a strong plus
Stress tolerance and resilience; sense of humor; attention to detail; and ability to work under pressure with shifting priorities
Commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations
Benefits & Compensation For full‑time, U.S. benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:
a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
dental insurance
vision insurance
flexible spending accounts
403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
group term and supplemental life insurance
short‑term disability
long‑term disability
back‑up care
employee assistance program
Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.
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