Nova Ukraine was established following the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution (or Revolution of Dignity) and subsequent Russian invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea, which marked the start of the broader Russo-Ukrainian War. The organization raised funds through small-scale networks during the first several years of its existence, primarily funding pro-democracy and anti-corruption projects, with overall donations rising to the level of about $400,000 in 2021. With Russia’s full-scale invasion during 2022, Nova Ukraine harnessed tremendous outpouring of U.S. public support for Ukraine to achieve precipitous growth, securing a total of approximately $50 million during FY22 across varied channels and expanding its projects to address the needs of wartime and beyond. The more than $120 million in overall aid sent to Ukraine since Nova Ukraine’s founding represents the philanthropy of well over 200,000 donors, whose gifts range from under $100 to several millions.
Nova Ukraine is a hub for Humanitarian and Educational support, serving as a charitable version of venture capital. The organization handpicks the most impactful and effective initiatives, then ensures that they succeed. By connecting the Western public with Ukrainian society, Nova Ukraine is a driving force for positive change. Nova Ukraine envisions a future Ukraine where everyone enjoys freedom, peace, and prosperity, which is why the organizations nurtures civil society in Ukraine, promotes culture, and offers vital aid to vulnerable populations. With an unwavering commitment to transparent reporting and impactful projects, Nova Ukraine helps to forge a path to a brighter tomorrow.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a newly created position for Nova Ukraine, signifying the ongoing evolution of the organization as well as its transition from its founding, strategic, and operational leadership by Board members thus far to a more traditional nonprofit executive leadership model. The CEO will provide inspiring leadership and strategic direction in partnership with the Board of Directors to build on Nova Ukraine’s track record and advance a vision for continued success, ensuring that the organization carries forward its mission and continues to grow, adapt, and innovate to best meet the needs of Ukrainians. The CEO will join the organization at a key inflection point in determining its future goals and model for sustainability.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will collaborate with staff to continue to realize Nova Ukraine’s ambitious vision and mission. This individual will be responsible for leading execution of the overall strategy and ensuring that staff, operations, and systems are aligned efficiently in support of the mission. The CEO will be responsible for leading, developing, and managing a team of nearly 50 individuals, including an 11-person administrative leadership team based in the U.S. and approximately 40 staff on the ground in Ukraine, with financial oversight of an annual budget of approximately $22 million.
While Nova Ukraine will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications/experience:
The Chief Executive Officer will have an authentic connection to and passion for the mission and vision of Nova Ukraine. They will also have a credible connection to and appreciation of Ukrainian society and culture, as well as a general understanding of the Russo-Ukrainian War and current events impacting Ukraine. Working in close collaboration with the Board and staff, the CEO will be motivated to achieve the greatest possible impact for the people of Ukraine through use of the organization’s resources.
The CEO will be an inspirational and innovative leader who, in partnership with the Board and staff, sets and clearly articulates a vision for the organization and how it can effectively deploy its staff and resources to positively impact Ukraine. The CEO will bring experience leading organizations through times of growth and transition. The CEO will be skilled at building partnerships with other leaders and using Nova Ukraine’s influence to advance its mission and strategic priorities. The CEO will be entrepreneurial, forward-thinking, and driven to uncover new approaches and ideas to enhance impact. This leader will model unimpeachable integrity and an ethos of servant leadership, respect, diplomacy, equity, and inclusivity while elevating institutional goals beyond personal gain, ensuring efforts are mission-focused and quality-driven. The ideal candidate will have an adaptive leadership style, impeccable judgment, and the maturity to work collaboratively with a wide variety of people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
External Ambassador and Fundraiser
The CEO will be an ambassador for Nova Ukraine, always seeking ways to promote the organization’s work and impact. A warm, engaging communicator who brings a passion for articulating vision and mission, the CEO will have a genuine interest in ensuring best-in-class donor services and connecting with supporters. The CEO will have exceptional listening and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain strong support across a wide range of stakeholders. They will be comfortable asking for support and will be able to develop a powerful sense of shared purpose in others and motivate them to engage in Nova Ukraine’s work. The CEO will enjoy a special focus on attracting new, high-level donors to the organization.
The CEO will be a proven leader with staff, operational, and financial management experience while also committed to personal and professional development. The ideal candidate will have a track record of managing complex operations in a nonprofit environment. They will be experienced at building and working with an engaged board of directors, able to guide board members in meeting governance responsibilities in a productive, efficient, and collaborative manner. They will possess the ability to clearly articulate organizational strategies and inspire and empower mission-driven staff to execute on vision. The CEO will have experience ensuring financial sustainability through budgeting and effective financial management. They will be an entrepreneurial, outcomes-oriented leader with exceptional organizational and executive-level management skills. They will be able to foster and encourage a culture of accountability through a relationships-first mentality, leading through deep listening, empathy, and respect. With strong written, oral communication, and problem-solving skills, the CEO will have experience encouraging collaboration across functional areas and helping all staff to understand their respective roles in achieving strategic goals, leading to strong team cohesion and integration.
Nova Ukraine has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of the Diversified Search Group to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted at https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/21798, or directed to:
Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.
Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder
DSG Fundraising & Advancement, Diversified Search Group
The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th FL
New York, New York 10174
[email protected] | 212.542.2587
Ian McCray
Managing Director
DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice
Diversified Search Group
[email protected] | 802.989.3764