KLR Executive Search Group is proud to partner with Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island (“Dorcas International” www.diiri.org) to recruit their next Executive Director. Dorcas International cultivates an inclusive community for immigrants and those seeking refuge by providing integrated services, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and nurturing strong partnerships for more than 100 years. They meet their clients where they are by providing innovative wraparound services, helping those seeking to overcome educational, cultural, economic, legal, and language barriers. A non-profit 501(c)(3), Dorcas International offers adult education, language learning, job training, citizenship and immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, translation and interpreting, clothing and household needs, and more.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director champions the delivery of highly effective, culturally and linguistically proficient services that remove barriers and empower clients to achieve their full potential. Dorcas International seeks a mission-driven and resilient leader to guide the Organization through a period of transition while strengthening its role as a trusted advocate and service provider for immigrant and refugee communities. The Executive Director holds responsibilities across leadership, financial and business management, strategic partnerships, and community advocacy. The ideal candidate will be a decisive, strategic executive who balances financial discipline, cultural humility, and community engagement with vision and compassion. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten years of experience in a leadership position within a strong and progressive, multifaceted organization, ideally with staff and fiscal responsibilities similar to Dorcas International.

• Understanding of nonprofit finance, including grants, philanthropy, fee-for-service, and blended/“braided” funding models.

• Experience with Board management and relations.

• Strong program management abilities, including preferably experience with social enterprise, entrepreneurship, or overseeing fee-generating social services.

• A demonstrated ability to develop strategic partnerships and networks and build trusted and mutually-beneficial relationships with colleagues, policy-makers, funders, elected officials, business, organizational, and community leaders.

• Skilled and astute public policy advocacy experience with the ability to champion causes that impact the community we serve and inspire and mobilize broad-based support as needed.

• Familiarity with immigration law, compliance, and shifting policy interpretations.

• Proven ability to raise significant funds and to cultivate long-term investments from foundations, corporations, public sources, and individual donors.

• Bachelor’s degree required; relevant advanced degree preferred.

• Bilingual capability or other evidence of multi-cultural understanding is essential, lived experience considered an asset.