Executive Director

Academics Without Borders (AWB) is a highly respected Canadian nonprofit with global reach. AWB partners with post-secondary institutions in low- and middle-income countries on capacity-building projects - identified locally by partner institutions as their most pressing needs - that provide quality education locally for members of their communities. As AWB approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, we are seeking an exceptional individual to serve as our next Executive Director, who will have the honor of leading the organization into its third exciting decade.

AWB is driven by a passionate belief that access to local, quality higher education is key to tackling many of the world’s pressing problems, including poverty, migration, health, economic development and sustainability. To this aim we work with post-secondary (‘partner’) institutions in low- and middle-income countries that wish to improve their educational opportunities, facilitating partnerships between these partner institutions and (primarily Canadian) academic volunteers who bring experience and expertise to collaborative and sustainable capacity-building projects. We help partner institutions on projects they need most, defined by their and their community’s needs.

We are looking for a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to oversee all operations, functions and activities, including fundraising and strategic planning. The ED is the face of the organization, responsible for promoting our mission and vision, for articulating and advancing strategic direction, and for overseeing operations. This opportunity is largely a volunteer position so the role is best suited to an individual at a stage in their career where they are able to prioritize mission-driven leadership over financial remuneration.

The ED is accountable to the Board of Directors for providing direction and leadership towards the achievement of AWB’s mission, strategy, goals and values.

AWB is a virtual organization that functions entirely remotely, with no physical offices but a highly collaborative and supportive culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide leadership for AWB in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Work closely with and report to the Board of Directors to support governance, planning, organizational sustainability, and policy development.
• Identify and take advantage of opportunities to strengthen AWB’s profile, partnerships, and impact in Canada and internationally.

Resource Development and Fundraising

• Lead and prepare grant proposals, and participate in grant proposal development, donor engagement, and partnership-building initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward new funding opportunities, including institutional partnerships, sponsorships, and philanthropic support.
• Work with the Board to develop a sustainable business model for supporting AWB’s core activities.

Partnership and Relationship Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with universities, polytechnics, colleges, development organizations, donors, volunteers, and institutional partners.
• Serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for AWB across the Canadian higher education and international development sectors.
• Foster partnerships that align with and advance the mission of the organization.

Organizational and Operational Leadership

• Oversee operations, including budgeting, planning, reporting, and administrative processes.
• Ensure and maintain effective organizational systems, documentation, and professional standards.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and consultants in a collegial and supportive manner.
• Take a hands-on approach to operational and administrative responsibilities as required in a small, mission-driven organization.

Communications and Advocacy

• Represent AWB at meetings, conferences, events, and public engagements.
• Lead or support the development of reports, presentations, proposals, correspondence, and strategic communications materials.
• Promote awareness of AWB’s work and the importance of strengthening global higher education systems.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree.
• Post-secondary administrative/leadership experience or equivalent skills and experience.
• Strong understanding of post-secondary education, research, and the functioning and challenges of higher education institutions worldwide.
• Knowledge of and experience in low- and middle-income countries and sensitivity to cultural differences.

Desired Skills and Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A substantial and well-established commitment to global development and international higher education, and to the mission and values of AWB.
• A respected reputation within the Canadian higher education community and an extensive professional network.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant development, and partnership cultivation.
• Outstanding writing abilities, including experience preparing reports, proposals, grant applications, policy documents, and professional correspondence.
• Experience with budgeting, financial oversight, and organizational planning.
• Ability to inspire and lead a virtual team of staff, volunteers and consultants.
• Ability to build an effective working relationship with the Board.
• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to working closely with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and communication capabilities.
• Comfort with productivity software and digital collaboration tools.
• High levels of initiative, professionalism, energy, persistence, and patience in relationship management and follow-up activities.
• Comfort working in a not-for-profit, resource-conscious environment that requires flexibility and a willingness to engage directly in day-to-day operations.
• Ability to work in both English and French is desirable.

Commitment and Compensation

• This position requires a minimum commitment of approximately three days per week on average, with the flexibility for a fuller commitment depending on the interests and availability of the successful candidate.
• This is essentially a volunteer position. Candidates should be motivated primarily by the opportunity to contribute to global higher education development and organizational impact. However, a modest but meaningful stipend is available up to $25,000. Starting Date: January 1, 2027, with onboarding in Nov-Dec 2026.

To Apply

Applications and expressions of interest are welcomed from individuals inspired by AWB’s mission and who will bring a deep commitment to advancing equitable and sustainable higher education globally. A cover letter must accompany the CV. Please submit your cover letter and CV as one PDF document.

For more information about the organization, please visit the AWB website at https://www.awb-usf.org