About Immigrant Buddies
Immigrant Buddies is a nonprofit tech startup that connects new immigrants with Buddies (mentors and friends) who help them adjust to life in America. Any new immigrant can join (regardless of Visa type), and any American can sign up to be a Buddy (whether they are native-born or an immigrant who adjusted). Our vision is to create a diverse, inclusive, and prosperous society where every immigrant feels welcome and integrated, and every person gains cross-cultural understanding and friendship.
We operate a platform on immigrantbuddies.org where immigrants and buddies can connect, communicate, and form memberships. You can learn more at www.immigrantbuddies.com.
We are seeking a visionary and entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Immigrant Buddies into its next stage of growth and sustainability.
Position Overview
This is initially a volunteer leadership position. The CEO will have the opportunity to build the organization's funding base through grants, donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and other revenue opportunities to ensure the organization's financial sustainability. As funding is established and approved by the Board of Directors, the CEO may transition into a compensated executive role with a salary commensurate with the organization's financial capacity and growth.
The incoming CEO will work closely with the Founder and Board Chair during a ramp-up period to learn the organization's vision, past programs, platform, operations, and lgoals. Following this onboarding period, the CEO will assume responsibility for leading all aspects of the organization's day-to-day operations and driving its long-term growth.
This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who wants to build a mission-driven organization in accordance with our established vision. You will have the autonomy of a startup founder to make a positive impact in lives of the new Americans.
Key Responsibilties
Initial Onboarding
- Partner closely with the Board Chair to understand Immigrant Buddies' mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.
- Learn the existing technology platform and Buddy program, partnerships, and operational processes.
- Become familiar with organizational documentation and policies.
- Build relationships with board members, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Executive Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operations of Immigrant Buddies.
- Establish and execute organizational strategy and goals.
- Continuously improve operations, systems, and organizational effectiveness.
- Develop and implement strategies for sustainable long-term growth.
Fundraising & Financial Stability
- Lead fundraising efforts through grants, corporate sponsorships, foundations, individual donors, fundraising campaigns, and strategic partnerships.
- Build diversified and recurring revenue streams to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability.
- Work with the Board of Directors to establish annual fundraising goals and financial strategy.
- Manage organizational budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
Team Building & Management
- Recruit, hire, and develop outstanding leaders and team members for major functional areas (ex: marketing, growth & user acquisition, design, development).
- Build and manage volunteer and staff teams as the organization grows.
- Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven organizational culture.
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and accountability across the organization.
Platform & Program Success & Growth
- Oversee the ongoing development and operation of the Immigrant Buddies platform.
- Market and grow Immigrant Buddies’ user base of immigrants and mentors (this is a key responsibility!)
- Ensure the platform delivers an exceptional experience for immigrants and Buddies.
- Encourage high-quality support and/or friendship from Buddies on our platform, and engagement from Immigrants.
- Monitor impact metrics, conduct surveys and feedback, and continuously improve program effectiveness.
Community, Partnerships, & Public Relations
- Serve as the primary ambassador for Immigrant Buddies.
- Build relationships with nonprofit partners, community organizations, government agencies, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
- Represent the organization at immigrant community events, conferences, and other avenues.
- Increase public awareness of Immigrant Buddies' mission and impact.
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who has a passion for helping immigrants, commitment to service as a nonprofit leader, and the entrepreneurial mindset of a startup founder.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Significant interest in helping immigrants integrate and succeed in America (this is key!)
- Previous experience as a technology startup founder, startup CEO, or executive leader in a high-growth organization.
- Nonprofit leadership or nonprofit executive management experience.
- Demonstrated success in leadership, fundraising, business development, and/or growth.
- Experience building and leading high-performing teams.
- Strong strategic thinking and organizational leadership skills.
- Excellent communication, relationship management, and team-building skills.
Time Commitment
- Flexible, with an expected commitment of approximately 15–25 hours per week during onboarding, increasing as the organization grows. Ideally, the CEO will become a full-time role, especially if the position becomes salaried.
- Regular meetings with the Board Chair during the onboarding period.
- Attendance at Board meetings and key organizational events.
Why Join Immigrant Buddies?
As CEO, you will have the opportunity to:
- Lead a nonprofit and create significant social impact.
- Improve the lives of immigrants and strengthen communities.
- Build and shape the expansion and growth of an organization from the ground up.
- Leave a lasting legacy by creating a sustainable organization that serves generations of newcomers.
If you're passionate about empowering immigrants, excited by the challenge of building an organization, and eager to create meaningful social impact, we'd love to hear from you!
To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Jennifer Jiang at info@immigrantbuddies.com.