Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior executive leader of SAPA, responsible for the
organization’s overall institutional leadership, strategic direction, operational performance, and
long-term sustainability.

This is a U.S.-based executive position. The Executive Director will lead SAPA’s U.S.
headquarters and management systems, ensure full compliance with U.S. nonprofit laws and
regulations, and exercise executive oversight over SAPA’s humanitarian and emergency
response operations in Sudan and the region.

The ED works in close partnership with the Board of Directors and leads SAPA’s senior
management team, ensuring that the organization operates with the systems, discipline, and
capacity of a mature, high-performing humanitarian institution.

Organizational Context
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan, SAPA has experienced rapid growth in scale, geographic
reach, and institutional complexity. The organization now supports multiple hospitals in active
conflict zones, delivers medical care to internally displaced populations, and manages large
institutional grants from international donors.

The Executive Director will guide SAPA through its next phase of growth—strengthening
governance, institutional systems, compliance, and organizational effectiveness—while ensuring
continued impact and credibility at national and international levels.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience in nonprofit,
  humanitarian, global health, or international development organizations.
• Demonstrated experience serving in a senior executive role with responsibility for
  organizational strategy, operations, governance, and institutional growth.
• Substantial experience leading or managing a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization,
  including compliance with IRS regulations, charitable registrations, audits, and
  employment law.
• Proven track record in fiduciary oversight, internal controls, risk management, and donor
  compliance, particularly for institutional and government-funded grants.
• Experience overseeing complex, multi-country programs, preferably in fragile, conflict-
  affected, or emergency response settings.
• Strong background in resource mobilization, including fundraising, business
  development, and partnership management with U.S. government agencies, UN entities,
  international NGOs, and philanthropic donors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, build, and manage high-performing multidisciplinary teams
  across headquarters and country operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work
  effectively with a Board of Directors and represent the organization at senior national and
  international forums.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution skills, with the ability to translate vision into
  operational systems, performance frameworks, and measurable results.
• Graduate degree in public health, public administration, international development,
  business administration, or a related field strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Leadership and Strategy
   1. Serve as SAPA’s senior executive leader, providing overall leadership, vision, and
      strategic direction in alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
   2. Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and monitor SAPA’s
      multi-year strategic plans, annual operating plans, and organizational priorities.
   3. Translate strategic objectives into executable programs, institutional systems, and
      performance frameworks across all functions.
   4. Represent SAPA externally with donors, partners, policymakers, and stakeholders,
      strengthening the organization’s profile, credibility, and influence.
2. Governance, Compliance, and Institutional Stewardship (U.S.-Based)
   1. Hold primary responsibility for SAPA’s compliance with all applicable U.S. federal,
      state, and local laws and regulations, including IRS 501(c)(3) requirements, charitable
      registration, employment law, and contractual obligations.
   2. Ensure timely and accurate completion of all tax filings, audits, financial reports, and
      regulatory submissions.
   3. Oversee fiduciary stewardship, internal controls, risk management, and organizational
      accountability in coordination with the Board of Directors and external advisors.
   4. Ensure compliance with donor requirements, federal regulations, and institutional
      policies across all SAPA programs and offices.
   5. Maintain strong governance systems that reflect best practices for U.S.-based nonprofit
      organizations operating internationally.
3. Organizational Operations and Management
   1. Oversee all day-to-day organizational operations, including finance, administration,
      human resources, compliance, communications, and programs.
   2. Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and systems that promote
      efficiency, transparency, accountability, and scalability.
   3. Strengthen institutional infrastructure to support SAPA’s growing portfolio, geographic
      reach, and funding base.
   4. Ensure alignment and coordination between U.S.-based headquarters functions and
      country-level operations.
4. Team Leadership and Organizational Development
   1. Lead, supervise, and develop a senior management team and departmental leadership
      structure with clear lines of authority, accountability, and performance management.
   2. Build, structure, and scale multidisciplinary teams in the United States and internationally
      to support SAPA’s strategic objectives.
   3. Foster a strong organizational culture grounded in professionalism, integrity,
      collaboration, and mission-driven performance.
   4. Lead organizational capacity strengthening efforts, including systems development, staff
      training, and performance improvement.
5. Programs, Monitoring, and Performance
   1. Provide executive oversight of SAPA’s humanitarian and emergency response programs,
      ensuring quality, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic priorities.
   2. Establish and oversee performance metrics, monitoring systems, and reporting
      frameworks to track organizational impact and outcomes.
   3. Regularly report to the Board of Directors on organizational performance, risks, and
      opportunities, and lead corrective actions where needed.
6. Resource Mobilization and External Partnerships
   1. Lead organizational growth through strategic business development, fundraising, and
      partnership building.
   2. Oversee capture planning and proposal development for U.S. government funding,
      international donors, and institutional partners.
   3. Cultivate and manage high-level relationships with government agencies, UN
      organizations, international NGOs, philanthropic institutions, and private donors.
   4. Position SAPA as a credible, reliable, and strategic partner in humanitarian and health
      system recovery efforts.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors of the Sudanese American Physicians
Association and serves as the primary link between the Board and the organization’s
management and staff.

Organization Background
The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) is a nonprofit, professional, and
humanitarian organization established in January 2019. SAPA is registered in the State of Texas
as a 501(c)(3) organization and operates with a U.S.-based headquarters.
SAPA has grown into the leading Sudanese medical humanitarian organization, supporting
hospitals, health facilities, and emergency medical services in conflict-affected and displacement
settings across Sudan and neighboring countries. Its work spans emergency response, health
system strengthening, advocacy, and institutional partnerships with multilateral and international
donors.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

SAPA is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.