Executive Director, Lumos USA

Build the next chapter of Lumos in the United States Key relationships: Lumos USA Board Chair, Global CEO and Global Fundraising Director Location: USA, with international engagement Compensation: Competitive

THE OPPORTUNITY

Lumos is entering the most ambitious chapter in its history. Founded by J.K. Rowling in 2005, Lumos works to realize every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems globally. Since then, we have enabled more than 280,000 children to safely return to their families or alternative family-based care. Our ambition for the next decade is significantly greater: to enable 500,000 children in care to return to family-based care and prevent 10 million children from experiencing family separation, working with partners to support systemic and sustainable change across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. The US has the potential to play a transformational role in achieving that ambition. We are looking for an exceptional leader to build the next chapter of Lumos USA — growing our visibility, profile, partnerships and donor support in one of the world’s most important markets. Reporting to Lumos USA’s Board Chair, the Executive Director of Lumos USA will be the senior executive leader for Lumos in the United States, with considerable scope to shape our presence and approach. This is a pivotal moment to join Lumos. With a new global partnership model and investment case in place, we are ready to build a substantially stronger US presence. You will have the opportunity to shape that next chapter: developing an ambitious fundraising strategy, securing transformational partnerships, and building a sustainable platform for US giving, with the intention of securing an initial US$10 million/year in annual income. You will leverage the global platform, expertise and reach of an established international organization and bring an entrepreneurial, hands-on approach to growth. Working closely with the US Board Chair, Global CEO and Global Fundraising Director, you will be supported by Lumos’ global team, with governance and compliance support provided by Chapel & York.

THE MANDATE

Working with the US Board, Global CEO and Global Fundraising Director, the Executive Director will shape a phased growth plan to secure US income of at least US$10/year million. The plan will establish realistic milestones, investment requirements and the support needed at each stage. Initial priorities will include assessing the existing donor portfolio and pipeline, developing priority relationships, and agreeing the fundraising strategy and measures of success. Shape and deliver an ambitious US fundraising strategy, working closely with the Lumos USA Board, Global CEO and Executive Team. Develop Lumos USA into an influential, connected and sustainable part of the global organization. Identify how the US can make the greatest contribution to Lumos’ global ambition. Unlock transformational philanthropy Build and deepen relationships with major philanthropists, UHNWIs, Donor Advised Funds, family offices, foundations and institutional donors. Personally cultivate relationships capable of generating significant, multi-year and transformational support. Work with Lumos’ global fundraising leadership to build a substantial and sustainable pipeline of US donors. Grow influence and partnerships Build Lumos’ visibility, profile and networks across US philanthropy, business, government and global organizations. Develop strategic partnerships that bring greater reach, resources and influence to Lumos’ mission. Be a compelling ambassador in the US for Lumos and global care reform. Build a strong and active US Board Work with the global CEO and existing US Board to build a stronger and highly engaged US Board. Attract people who bring networks, influence, philanthropy and genuine commitment to the mission. Build a strong partnership between Lumos USA’s Board, the Lumos UK Board and Lumos’ global leadership. Connect the US to Lumos globally Operate as a senior leader within an international organization. Bring US opportunities, relationships and perspectives into Lumos’ wider strategy. Ensure Lumos USA remains closely connected to Lumos’ global mission and priorities.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Within the first few years, Lumos USA should look and feel materially different: A stronger US presence — with a clear strategy, growing visibility and profile, and distinctive contribution to Lumos’ global ambition. Transformational relationships — with influential philanthropists, foundations, partners and champions actively engaged in our mission. Significant donor growth — with a strong pipeline, substantial new multi-year investment secured, and measurable progress toward US$10 million in annual US income. An exceptional US Board — bringing networks, influence, governance and active support for Lumos’ growth. Ultimately, success means more children growing up where they belong — in safe and loving families.

THE LEADER WE’R LOOKING FOR

There is no single conventional route to this role. You may currently lead a nonprofit or foundation, be a founder or social entrepreneur, or have built your career in philanthropy, international development, business or government. We are more interested in what you can build than the titles you have held. You are likely to bring: Significant executive or senior leadership experience and credibility with philanthropists, CEOs and other influential stakeholders. Strong networks within US philanthropy and/or an exceptional ability to build them. A track record of securing or enabling significant philanthropic investment and partnerships. Evidence that you can build — an organization, team, network, board, movement or significant new initiative. Exceptional relationship-building skills and the confidence to make ambitious asks. Strategic judgment combined with an entrepreneurial, hands-on approach. Experience working effectively with nonprofit Boards and across complex organizations. A strong connection to Lumos’ mission and an ability to inspire others to contribute. Experience of child rights, care reform or international development would be valuable, but it is not a prerequisite. We are looking for an exceptional leader with the ambition, relationships and entrepreneurial instinct to realize the full potential of Lumos USA.

VALUES

We are proud of our organizational values – Focus, Integrity, Ambition, Openness and Collaboration – and intentional about upholding them in all we do.

SAFEGUARDING

Lumos has a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of bullying, harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or any other form of maltreatment, whether towards children, adults at risk, colleagues or anyone else. Effective and robust safeguarding sit at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children and adults in all of our work. All staff, board members, contractors, associates and volunteers are expected to uphold this commitment.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wearelumos