POSITION DESCRIPTION AND IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
For the position of
President/CEO
Friendship Force International
Atlanta, GA
July 2015
*Please note: Submission deadline for this position will be August 15, 2015
(See end page for detailed contact)
POSITION DESCRIPTION AND IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
POSITION:
President/CEO
REPORTS TO:
Board of Directors
ORGANIZATION:
Friendship Force
International
www.friendshipforce.org
LOCATION:
Atlanta, GA
OVERVIEW OF THE ORGANIZATION: FRIENDSHIP FORCE INTERNATIONAL
The Friendship Force is a global community comprising 366 active clubs (chapters) in 70 countries. Its members
are ordinary people of all ages who share a desire to spread goodwill, to better understand people of other
cultures, and to value one another as friends. Founded by Wayne Smith, Friendship Force International was
introduced to the world by President Jimmy Carter in a White House ceremony in March 1977. The organization
has earned recognition for its people-to-people diplomacy with a Nobel Peace prize nomination in 1992, and has
gained the respect of governments around the world for its ground-breaking home-hospitality program as an
effective means for promoting international understanding.
Cultural exchanges and home stays are the signature program of the Friendship Force. An
“exchange” is a group visit, usually between four to seven days, between two international clubs. The
host club prepares an itinerary of cultural activities for the visiting club members (known as
“ambassadors”) and arranges for them to stay in homes. When local hosts open their homes to visitors
from other countries and cultures, true understanding can develop through the sharing of meals,
conversation and the routines of daily life.
Friendship Force International, Inc. (FFI) is the global headquarters for the Friendship Force. FFI is
responsible for developing and maintaining a global network of independent Friendship Force clubs,
facilitating exchanges between the clubs, as well as developing new programs to keep the organization
relevant and strong for the future. A few facts about FFI:
 323 exchanges were conducted in 2014 with 5,305 ambassadors traveling. Thousands more families
served as hosts.
 366 active clubs and programs in 70 countries on 6 continents with more than 15,000 members
worldwide.
 Friendship Force is a volunteer-driven organization with thousands of volunteer leaders who work more
than 30,000 hours each year in service of the Friendship Force mission.
 Almost a million people around the world have participated in Friendship Force programs since 1977.
 In January 2015, Friendship Force International announced its new 3-year STRATEGIC PLAN after
surveying the entire global membership and taking into account the need to secure the organizations
future. Defined in numbers, these overarching goals are designed to increase participation in program
exchanges by 10% over the next 3 years. This ambitious goal will require full engagement in the activities
of the organization and involves 8 critical initiatives. They are:
January 2015-December 2017 Strategic Plan
1st Initiative: Enrich Friendship Force Exchanges: Enrich, Enhance and Revitalize Friendship Force
Exchanges especially in high-demand destinations.
2nd Initiative: Maximize Exchange Participation & Hosting Capacity
3rd Initiative: NextGen for Everyone - Continue to build on the NextGen Concept of more active exchanges
for interested members/potential members.
4th Initiative: Leadership Development – Develop leadership opportunities for members, staff and
volunteers.
5th Initiative: Branding & Marketing – Develop new branding and marketing strategies.
6th Initiative: Leverage Modern Technology – Ensure full implementation of an improved website and
modern technology.
7th Initiative: Partnership Development – Explore partnerships that are beneficial to the organization and in
keeping with its mission.
8th Initiative: Enhance & Secure Revenue Streams
Taken together, these bold measures will provide the revitalization and financial stability required to secure
FFI’s legacy for ourselves and for the next generation. These measures and initiatives will require both a
dedicated commitment to our collective mission, and a business approach to managing expanding
programs in a manner that is financially sustainable.
POSITION SUMMARY
The President/CEO reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for providing leadership for the
Friendship Force globally as well as management direction and oversight for the headquarters staff. The
next president will be FFI’s sixth since it was established in 1977. This individual will be given the
opportunity to lead the Friendship Force into a new era with the 2015-2017 Strategic Plan as a guideline
and t o address the new changes, challenges and opportunities that have emerged since the
organization’s founding.
FFI headquarters are in Atlanta, where a staff of 15 people with a modest budget of $1.2 million
supports and coordinates the efforts of thousands of volunteers throughout the world, creating a “global
footprint” that rivals many larger organizations. Participating in t a k i n g f o r w a r d t h e S t r a t e g i c P l a n
a n n o u n c e d i n e a r l y 2 0 1 5 , t he new President/CEO will have the benefit of gaining intimate
knowledge of this international network and its leaders, while developing insight into where and how the
organization can grow in the future.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
The new President/CEO of FFI will execute responsibilities in the following focus areas which include, but are
not limited to: Leadership, Strategy, Board Relations, Volunteer Relations, Operations, Programs, Compliance,
People and Staff Management, Fundraising and External Relations and Financial Performance.
Leadership: Exercise strong leadership for the organization. As a role model for the organization, serve
as the public spokesperson articulating the mission, purpose, goals and programs of FFI. Represent FFI
in the international community and seek out support for the Friendship Force in the global arena,
including the development of partnerships with other organizations. Must have a passion and curiosity
for cultural understanding and lifelong learning.
Strategic Focus and Strategy Formulation/Execution: Provide the vision, bold ideas, and creative
thinking that will enable FFI to be well positioned for future growth and expansion. Considering the
trends in the external environment, the core capabilities and strategic priorities of FFI, the President/CEO
must ensure that the organization has a strategy that is well defined and well executed. The
President/CEO must direct the implementation and evaluation of the organization’s programs and
services to meet its vision and mission which includes working on dual programs for multi-generational
travelers. Analyzes the risks and impacts to the organization, community and/or stakeholders associated
with the implementation of leading edge ideas. Adapts overall goals, plans or projects to fit the needs of
a specific situation.
Board Relations: Ensure the Board and officers are fully engaged and informed of all important aspects
of the organization through regular communication and by delivering regular written quarterly reports on
CEO activities. Develop, for board review and approval, long-range planning directions for the
organization. Recommend appropriate policy issues for the board’s attention. Organize and attend as an
adjunct to the board, twice yearly Board of Directors meetings.
Volunteer Relations: Provide inspirational leadership to the volunteer network through regular
communications and by visiting with the global club network, particularly the regional, national and
international meetings that bring together club leaders. For the first year, however, more time should be
spent in the office. Work with key volunteer leaders to strengthen and support the global club network.
Operational Oversight: Establish and maintain the institutional infrastructure appropriate to a US-based
non-profit international organization. Provide regular, reliable and comparative operations reports to the
board of directors and to club leadership; and prepare detailed and comprehensive reports for the board
of directors to be delivered at their twice yearly meetings. In addition, oversee that all state and national
business requirements such as registrations for operations, web domains, trademarks and the like are
maintained. Liaison with the organizations pro-bono attorney on relevant issues.
Programmatic Oversight: Oversee development and execution of the ongoing, yearly slate of more than
350 FFI global exchange programs. Create new program areas, including internal and external
partnerships related to program activity and delivery; as well as leadership programming. Plan for and
attend multiple regional and national volunteer conferences, including FFI’s annual World Conference
event.
Controls: Ensure proper accounting and legal structures and processes are in place for the
organization and oversee compliance adherence. Implement policies and recommendations established
by the board of directors. Maintain the financial integrity of the organization through proper financial
monitoring and adjustments as needed, including the yearly accounting audit; and by maintaining and
carrying certain professional licenses (such as state insurance licenses), leases, etc. which are needed
for FFI’s operations and services.
People and Staff Management: Set clear goals for staff that are realistic and measurable. Encourage
team building by facilitating open communication and positive working relationships with staff members.
Leverage the enormous talents of a staff that represents exceptional global diversity and awareness.
Develop and maintain a team structure which includes various departments from Finance, Programs,
Communications and Events that clearly defines roles and responsibilities focused on the overall work
scope for FFI’s headquarters as it relates to staff, volunteers and board members. Motivates others to
translate ideas into actions and results. Demonstrates and offers accessibility to staff, volunteers, and
board members of CEO time, regularly.
Fundraising and External Relations: Establish relationships with donors and sponsors who are willing
to support the ongoing operations and programs of FFI. Seek to collaborate and/or form relationships
where common goals exist. Oversee public relations, internal and external communications projects in
a way that builds goodwill for the organization. Serve as chief spokesperson for the organization in a
variety of venues and roles.
Financial Performance: Ensure FFI’s financial performance meets established budget goals and
targets. Effectively oversee the impact of external factors on the organization’s financial performance.
Develops and provides ongoing oversight of the yearly budget for the board of directors in the fall before
the next year, for their vote. Liaise with the board’s finance committee throughout the year and deliver
every month compiled financials (working with the organization’s finance team) to the board’s executive
committee.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Mission orientation/Focus: Fully embrace and represent FFI’s mission and vision and be a
passionate and effective advocate for the Friendship Force with a clear vo i c e an d ar t i cu l at ion
on how its mission can be carried into the future. Ability to link both the aspirations of global
volunteers, with the goals of the organization together with staff and board resources. As the visible
and accessible representative of FFI around the world, this individual must be an effective and
credible public representative of FFI’s image.
Strategic skills: Demonstrated track record of exercising strategic thinking, vision, and
conceptual abilities with both a social good and revenue generating focus. Contributes to the
development of the organizational vision, mandate and long-term strategy. Ability to develop, plan
and execute strategies for long-range planning and to identify new ideas and partnerships to
create programs and identify additional sources of funding. Conceives models to guide
development of long-term directions for policies. Aligns and uses resources to meet the long-term
strategic goals of the organization and the larger FFI community. Program/and or event planning
experience a plus.
Experience working with multiple diverse constituencies: Demonstrated ability to listen to
and appreciate the perspectives of global cultures. Demonstrates a solid understanding of what
motivates individuals and organizations; and actively listens to and facilitates diverse input and
others’ contributions. Helps others achieve their goals by sharing ideas, time and resources to
achieve success. Prior experience living or working in another country, prior participation in
exchange programs, previous global work environments, as well as fluency in other languages
are helpful. Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural differences is essential.
Proven leadership skills: Demonstrated experience managing an organization, budgets,
financial administration, staff management, creative problem-solving and working with a board of
directors are necessary to succeeding in this role, with a relentless focus on results. Generates
innovative solutions, based on a mixture of analysis, experience and judgement. Acts on
decisions once they are made and is willing to take informed and calculated risks to benefit the
goals and growth of the organization. Holds self and other team members accountable for
achieving results. Building collaborative consensus for idea activation among staff, volunteers
and the board of directors is imperative.
Communications, relationship building, and interpersonal skills: Communicates effectively oneon-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts and can effectively communicate goals and
impact. Demonstrates caring, sensitivity and enthusiasm for different customs and cultural norms.
Comfortable serving as chief spokesperson for an organization to the public and the media, to
partners, donors, and to the global volunteer network, clearly articulating the organizations goals and
mission. Excellent listening and agreement building skills necessary.
Experience with a volunteer based organization: Ability to motivate and inspire volunteer leaders
either in a professional setting or in an adjunct role important. Significant experience with a nonprofit
organization in either an official capacity or in a volunteer role, during which cross-team collaboration
that contributes to organizational effectiveness has been demonstrated and achieved.
Positioning and branding: Ability to brand and market an organization to increase visibility and
exposure, driving membership and fundraising development. Familiarity with, comfort with, and current
participation in modern technology and social media tools required to leverage and produce desired
results.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS, PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES
A Bachelor’s Degree is required, advanced degree preferred.
English as a first language required; second language proficiency a plus.
A minimum of 10 years in an employed leadership role with broad overall responsibility for
managing multiple executive functions including finance, operations, employee
management, strategic direction, events/programming, external relations required.
This individual must possess a willingness and have a demonstrated interest in travelling
to visit regions or countries on a regular, consistent basis; while maintaining operational
oversight.
An energetic self-starter who is personable, self-confident, visionary, mission oriented,
well-travelled, and flexible and who demonstrates respect for all persons is required.
The incumbent juggles multiple projects with changing, and sometimes conflicting
priorities. Flexibility and the willingness to change priorities and deadlines are key.
Successful candidates will be subject to further evaluation and a background check.
SEARCH TEAM AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest should be directed electronically to:
Bob Duncan
FFI Board Vice Chair
Email: ffisearch@thefriendshipforce.org
US+ (985) 634-1369