Vice President of Development
Okoa Refuge, Inc.
Remote (Preferred: Near a major U.S. airport)
Salary Range: $110,000 – $130,000 (commensurate with experience) with performance incentive potential aligned with organizational outcomes
Travel Required: 30–50% (Domestic and International)
Who We Are
In 2008, CEO Tyler Workman and his wife Liv founded Okoa Refuge with a vision to rescue and restore the most vulnerable children in Uganda. Eighteen years later, that vision has grown into a thriving, multi-faceted ministry transforming communities across Africa.
• Caring for Orphans & Vulnerable Children: Over 600+ children rescued and cared for; 500+ successfully reunited with local families.
• Providing Quality, Affordable Healthcare: A state-of-the-art surgical hospital, community clinics, and a physiotherapy center offering life-changing care to those who had no access or hope.
• Pursuing Justice: Hundreds of women and children rescued from sex trafficking and domestic violence, supported through safe shelters and rehabilitation programs. All of this is done in partnership with Ugandan law enforcement to pursue justice and fight corruption.
• Gospel Outreach: Over 1,000 churches planted, pastor schools, and discipleship programs serving 30,000 people, with indigenous missionaries active in 10 African nations.
At Okoa Refuge, we meet people where they are. We aim to support in solving the problems they identify, with the solutions they suggest…all for the glory of God.
• Local Empowerment: A staff of 250+ East Africans leading solutions within their own communities, supported by a U.S. team that shares their stories, mobilizes partners, and fuels the mission.
The Role
Okoa Refuge is seeking an experienced and dedicated Vice President of Development to lead our U.S. and international fundraising strategy…driving growth, deepening relationships, and positioning Okoa for the next phase of impact.
Reporting directly to the CEO, this position will develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy to grow revenue from $3 million to $5 million over the next several years. This includes cultivating major donors, foundations, corporations, and church partnerships, while overseeing U.S. operations in fundraising, marketing, and communications.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, Spirit-led leader with a proven track record in high-level fundraising and donor development. They will embody Okoa’s mission, love Jesus deeply, and be energized by connecting others to Kingdom impact.
Key Responsibilities
• Maintain a Spirit-filled walk with the Lord, serving with humility and Kingdom-minded purpose.
• Serve as the primary face of Okoa Refuge to donors, partners, and churches & frequently speaking publicly to share the mission.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan through major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and capital campaigns
• Build, steward, and expand a robust donor network through intentional relationship cultivation.
• Monitor all fundraising activities to ensure ethical, legal, and financial compliance and maintain a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Direct a small US staff responsible for development support, communications, marketing, budget, financial reporting, audits and volunteer management ensuring alignment to strategies and consistent messaging.
• Present and report regularly to the Board of Directors on progress toward strategic goals.
Qualifications
• Minimum 5–7 plus years of proven success in fundraising and development leadership, ideally in a nonprofit organization or comparable institution.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Fundraising or related field required. (MSc/MA or a certification in fundraising a plus)
• Proven experience leading large-scale, high-dollar campaigns and achieving measurable growth.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in donor management systems and fundraising software, preferably Bloomerang.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally 30–50%.
Skills & Competencies
• Donor-oriented mindset
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills to help create and implement development strategies to meet the organization’s goals.
• Excellent leadership and management skills to guide and inspire support staff.
• Robust understanding of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations to drive the financial growth of the organization.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with donors, stakeholders, and key community members.
• Outstanding communication skills to effectively express the organization’s mission and development goals to potential donors, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data to guide decision-making and strategy development.
• Proficiency in optimizing fundraising software and technologies to streamline and enhance fundraising initiatives.
Note: A letter of interest outlining key qualifications and a resume are required to be considered an applicant for this position. Example(s) of successful fundraising campaigns/large donation requests are encouraged.
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