Executive Director - US

Keep a Child Alive

Keep a Child Alive (KCA) is a global organization, fighting for children to become all they can, no matter where they start in life. Co-founded in 2003 by Alicia Keys, KCA exists to ensure that children facing the most challenging circumstances are healthy, safe, and able to access quality education.

Rooted in solidarity rather than charity, KCA works alongside frontline activists and communities to deliver sustainable, locally led solutions that create lasting change for vulnerable children.

KCA’s work is delivered through three interconnected pillars. First, it funds and strengthens grassroots partner organizations across Africa, Asia, and beyond, building their capacity to protect and support children. Second, it drives bold, system-level “game changer” initiatives — including a neonatal care expansion across Africa and a comprehensive violence prevention program in South Africa. Third, through KCA South Africa, its registered NPO, it delivers digital education and child-safety programs directly to children.

In early 2026, KCA opened its first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Ngudu Hospital in Tanzania — a significant milestone in addressing preventable newborn deaths in underserved communities. Today, KCA supports approximately 200,000 children each year through 15 partner organizations, with a clear ambition to expand its reach to 500,000 children and 30 partners by 2028.

Position Overview

KCA is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to serve as the senior operational and strategic leader of the organization within the United States. Reporting to the Managing Director, the ED will be responsible for professionalizing and strengthening KCA’s internal infrastructure, driving US-based fundraising and philanthropy, ensuring full regulatory compliance as a registered US nonprofit, and managing the execution of complex international programs. This is a high-impact role for a mission-driven leader with deep operational expertise, strong fundraising instincts, and the resilience to thrive in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Strategy

• Work collaboratively and in partnership with KCA's Managing Director and CEO on the overall strategic and operational responsibility for KCA’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission
• Build, professionalize, and continuously improve KCA’s organizational infrastructure, internal systems, and operational processes
• Translate the 2026–2028 Strategic Working Plan into clear annual and quarterly execution plans with measurable KPIs
• Establish and maintain robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks across all programs and partner relationships
• Oversee monthly CEO reporting cycles, board meeting preparation, and governance documentation
• Drive a high-performance team culture with clear accountability, regular feedback, and strong staff development

Team Management

• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members as the organization grows, and assist with future hiring and staffing needs
• Provide clear, values-driven leadership to KCA’s staff and contractors, fostering a culture of accountability, ambition, and solidarity
• Set and monitor individual and team KPIs in alignment with organizational goals

Fundraising & Philanthropy

• Lead and grow KCA’s US-based fundraising and philanthropy efforts