Chief Executive Director

Role overview

The Chief Executive Director will serve as the top executive responsible for guiding both the strategic and day-to-day direction of the organization. This leader will shape and execute plans that reflect the organization’s mission and long-term vision, while building a workplace culture centered on excellence, innovation, accountability, and high performance.

The position calls for a transformational leader who can operate effectively in a complex environment, work closely with board members and internal teams, and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders. The role also includes representing the organization in senior-level negotiations, public-facing forums, and advocacy efforts, while safeguarding financial discipline and supporting sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

• Set the organization’s strategic course in partnership with the board of directors and provide clear executive direction.
• Develop, carry out, and review annual operating plans that support long-term objectives and mission delivery.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with clients, partners, donors, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee financial stewardship, including budget control, fiscal compliance, and responsible resource allocation.
• Lead talent-related efforts such as hiring, capability building, and ongoing development of a diverse and effective workforce.
• Encourage innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement across teams and functions.
• Represent the organization in partnership discussions, funding conversations, and high-level engagements at local, national, and international levels.
• Maintain open communication throughout the organization and provide regular performance updates to the board.
• Track external trends, risks, and changing conditions that may affect organizational goals, and adjust plans accordingly.
• Use data and performance insights to assess effectiveness and guide future initiatives.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in an executive position within a similar industry.
• A strong record of designing and delivering strategic initiatives that materially advance organizational goals.
• Substantial background in governance, public relations, and stakeholder management, particularly within nonprofit or public-sector settings.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams while promoting collaboration and ongoing improvement.
• Solid financial expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, and efficient allocation of resources.
• Strong analytical judgment and decision-making ability, with the capacity to anticipate market or industry changes and respond effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas to varied audiences.
• Thorough understanding of compliance, regulatory matters, and organizational risk management.
• An advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

No compensation details, application deadline, or start date were provided in the source.

Who can apply

Experienced executive leaders with deep operational, strategic, and stakeholder-management expertise in comparable organizations or sectors.

Ideal skills

Strategic leadership, organizational planning, stakeholder engagement, executive communication, financial management, governance, public relations, team leadership, data-driven decision-making, change management, negotiation, risk management.