Executive Director

About Global Ties Arizona

Global Ties Arizona (GTAZ) is a nonpartisan nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization connecting Arizona and the world through international exchange and community engagement initiatives. Established in 1966, GTAZ advances citizen diplomacy by creating opportunities for people to build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another across borders.

Additional information may be found at https://www.globaltiesarizona.org.

At the core of GTAZ’s work is its implementation of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Arizona. GTAZ connects visiting international leaders with Arizona counterparts in business, government, education, and the nonprofit sector through tailored professional meetings, cultural experiences, and community hospitality. Additional exchange programs, the Young Diplomats Program, and community events and initiatives such as Global Cafés and Dinners for Diplomacy (Home Hospitality) extend opportunities for Arizonans to engage with visitors from around the world.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as GTAZ’s senior executive, leading its strategy, financial sustainability, staff, operations, and external relationships. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director works closely with the Board to advance the mission, maintain strong governance, and sustain GTAZ’s core role as an IVLP implementing organization.

This is a hands‑on leadership position in a small organization. The Executive Director must move comfortably among responsibilities that include representing GTAZ with senior leaders, developing partnerships and revenue, managing staff and programs, and handling detailed administrative work. Working with staff, Board members, volunteers and contracted support for various needs, this leader is accountable for both organizational direction and daily execution.

The Ideal Candidate

GTAZ seeks a resourceful, relationship‑oriented leader with a commitment to international exchange and Arizona’s global engagement. The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, strong executive presence, and exceptional attention to detail; builds trust across sectors and cultures; and creates a collaborative, accountable team environment. The candidate is comfortable making a fundraising solicitation, speaking publicly, managing a budget, organizing an event, and stepping in to help deliver a program. An established Arizona network is valuable, as is a demonstrated ability to develop meaningful new relationships on behalf of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Board to develop and implement strategic priorities that strengthen GTAZ’s impact, sustainability, and contribution to Arizona’s global presence.
• Translate strategy into annual work plans, measurable goals, and key performance indicators; report progress, challenges, and organizational needs to the Board.
• Support effective governance by coordinating full Board and Executive Committee meetings, preparing agendas and materials with Board leadership, and coordinating with committee chairs on meetings and follow‑through.
• Provide timely information and recommendations that enable the Board to fulfill its governance, financial oversight, and fundraising responsibilities.

• Lead fundraising and revenue development with Board support, cultivating and stewarding individual donors, corporate members, sponsors, foundations, and in‑kind partners.
• Identify grant opportunities; lead proposal development, submissions, and funder relationships; and coordinate required reporting with staff and other contributors.
• Develop fee‑for‑service exchange and programming opportunities, evaluating mission alignment, staff capacity, pricing, costs, and financial return.
• Lead major fundraising events and other organizational events, coordinating staff, Board members, volunteers, and vendors to manage venues, budgets, sponsorships, ticket sales, logistics, and revenue goals.

• Oversee implementation of IVLP and other international exchange programs, ensuring high‑quality professional and cultural experiences and strong relationships with program partners.
• Protect and strengthen GTAZ’s standing as an IVLP implementing organization through dependable program delivery, responsive communication, and adherence to applicable grant and program requirements.
• Guide staff in delivering community and youth initiatives, including the Young Diplomats Program, and evaluate opportunities to expand reach and engagement within available resources.
• Monitor program quality, outcomes, budgets, and capacity; provide direct support for programming and events wh