African Library Project Seeks Executive Director
About African Library Project
Founded in 2005, the African Library Project (“ALP”) changes lives by creating, improving, and sustaining libraries in African communities. As it approaches its twentieth anniversary, ALP has created and improved over 4,000 small libraries and donated four million books across thirteen English speaking African countries including in its current active countries of Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Uganda, Malawi, and Kenya as well as in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.
ALP’s model depends on a network of volunteers to create a new library in a local community. Dedicated Country Liaisons in the U.S. coordinate with African Partner Organizations which solicit and assess library applications from schools and communities. Applications are shared with ALP’s Container Managers who help recruit and match each library applicant with a Book Drive Organizer (BDO). Once matched, U.S.-based volunteers organize book drives to collect approximately 1,000 gently used books, pack, and mail them to a centralized shipping company. Once all the libraries for a country are received, they are then shipped by sea to that designated country. African-based partners coordinate the receipt of goods and the transportation and distribution of books to the school or community receiving each library. In-country partners also provide library set-up and management training. The school and/or community provides space for the library, including furniture, staffing, and engaging local readers.
Although ALP annually engages a cadre of experienced and dedicated volunteers and BDOs, at this time, the Executive Director, who reports directly to ALP’s ten-member Board of Directors, is ALP’s sole paid employee, though it is anticipated that additional staff will be added in the coming years.
Operating virtually, ALP’s operating budget, including the value of book donations, is approximately $400,000 on average over the last five years.
Opportunity Going Forward
The Executive Director of ALP will have the opportunity to lead an international network of partners, volunteers, and community supporters to create, improve, and sustain intimate, yet highly impactful, libraries throughout Sub-Saharan Africa established to improve childhood literacy and provide additional educational opportunities for African youth. ALP seeks an entrepreneurial and creative leader with a strong connection to ALP’s mission, a deep passion for literacy and education, and the cultural competency to navigate relationships in Africa and with the diaspora. High priorities for the Executive Director include:
Profile of the Ideal Candidate
Preferred Background:
Skills and Qualities:
Strategic and Entrepreneurial Nonprofit Leader
Skilled and Determined Fundraiser
Change Agent with Governance Experience
Passionate Relationship and Partnership Builder
Charismatic Communicator with Strong Interpersonal Skills
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a starting salary range of $100,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. ALP also offers a $6,000 health insurance stipend annually. Travel cost to the biennial summit in Africa are fully paid by ALP. ALP is a fully remote organization.
Application Process and Additional Information
ALP is an equal opportunity employer and views diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence as vital guiding principles in its work. ALP welcomes and encourages applications from visible minority group members, Indigenous persons, members of the LGBTQ community, persons with disabilities and others who may contribute to the diversity of the organization and reflect the diversity of the communities served.
Candidate must include a resume and a cover letter, both in PDF format, which describe how qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of ALP. A background check will be required of finalists. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upload required documents to: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/.
This executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant, John Tarvin. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions can be submitted to John at: jtarvin@eostransitions.com.
African Library Project Seeks Executive Director
About African Library Project
Founded in 2005, the African Library Project (“ALP”) changes lives by creating, improving, and sustaining libraries in African communities. As it approaches its twentieth anniversary, ALP has created and improved over 4,000 small libraries and donated four million books across thirteen English speaking African countries including in its current active countries of Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Uganda, Malawi, and Kenya as well as in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.
ALP’s model depends on a network of volunteers to create a new library in a local community. Dedicated Country Liaisons in the U.S. coordinate with African Partner Organizations which solicit and assess library applications from schools and communities. Applications are shared with ALP’s Container Managers who help recruit and match each library applicant with a Book Drive…