Executive Director, CRY America

Position Title: Executive Director

Organization: CRY America (Child Rights and You America, Inc.)

Reports to: Board of Directors

Position: Full-Time, Remote; USA-based (preference for candidates in or near New York or the San Francisco Bay Area). Exempt

Salary: $135,000-$150,000

About CRY America

CRY America believes every child - regardless of background - deserves the right to live, learn, grow, and dream. Established in 2002, CRY America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting the basic rights of underprivileged children, primarily in India and the United States.

As part of the global CRY (Child Rights and You) movement—one of the most trusted and recognized child rights organizations in the world—CRY America works to break the cycle of poverty, exploitation, and neglect by addressing the root causes of child rights violations. The organization partners with grassroots initiatives, advocates for policy change, and mobilizes people across the U.S. to join in creating lasting change.

Impact and Recognition:

• Impacted over 800,000 children since inception.
• Transformed 2,500+ villages and communities into child-friendly spaces.
• Rescued 7,000+ children from exploitative labor and trafficking.
• Supported or activated 1,700+ schools to improve access and quality of education.
• Earned a 4-Star (93%) Charity Navigator rating for accountability, transparency, and financial health.

The Role

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of CRY America, responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to advance the organization’s mission. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED will guide CRY America through an important leadership transition, shaping the future structure of its U.S. operations while sustaining its strong partnership with CRY India.

This role requires a dynamic, entrepreneurial fundraiser who can sustain CRY America’s successful event-based fundraising model—galas currently generate the majority of revenue—while strategically diversifying into major gifts, institutional donors, and corporate partnerships. The ED will serve as the organization’s primary ambassador, cultivating high-net-worth individuals, engaging the Indian diaspora, and forging relationships with foundations and corporate partners.

As the senior-most leader in the United States, the ED will also:

• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance and consider new fundraising expectations for board members.
• Build credibility and alignment across diverse stakeholders, including U.S.-based staff, volunteers, donors, and the CRY India team.
• Navigate a three-month overlap with the outgoing President (transitioning to a temporary Board role) to ensure continuity while establishing their own leadership.
• Balance the energy of a small, relatively new U.S. team with the need for strategic clarity, sustainable revenue growth, and organizational stability.

The ideal candidate will bring both strategic vision and hands-on fundraising expertise, with the ability to lead CRY America into its next chapter of growth and impact.

Impact Areas

Strategic & Visionary Leadership

• Guide CRY America through a critical leadership transition, ensuring stability and alignment with CRY India’s mission.
• Co-create a sustainable organizational structure for U.S. operations, balancing growth ambitions with resource realities.

Fundraising Growth & Diversification

• Sustain and expand CRY’s core gala and event-driven fundraising, while building capacity in high-net-worth donor cultivation and diaspora giving.
• Explore new opportunities with corporate foundations, private foundations, and institutional partners to reduce over-reliance on events.

Community & Diaspora Engagement

• Strengthen CRY’s national volunteer and ambassador network, with a focus on Indian diaspora communities in key U.S. cities.
• Inspire civic participation and create opportunities for supporters to contribute time, skills, and networks.

External Representation & Brand Building

• Serve as CRY America’s chief spokesperson, representing the organization with credibility, authenticity, and impact.
• Elevate CRY’s visibility in the U.S. through strong communications, media engagement, and partnerships, positioning the organization as a trusted bridge between U.S. supporters and CRY India’s impact.

Organizational Stewardship & Governance

• Lead and inspire a small but growing U.S. team of fundraisers and staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and performance.
• Ensure financial stewardship, compliance with U.S. nonprofit regulations, and alignment with CRY’s global governance model.
• Partner with the board to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and ensure smooth transition from outgoing leadership.

Essential

• Mission Alignment – Deep commitment to advancing children’s rights and equity.
• Proven Leadership – Minimum 10 years of progressive senior leadership experience, including at least 5 years in an executive role within a nonprofit or social impact organization.
• Fundraising Expertise – Demonstrated track record securing six-figure gifts, leading campaigns, and building long-term donor relationships.
• Event Fundraising Experience – Direct experience leading high-profile galas and donor events, with the ability to sustain and grow event-based revenue while developing alternative funding streams.
• Strategic & Operational Acumen – Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and ensuring compliance with nonprofit governance.
• Communication Excellence – Skilled storyteller with the ability to inspire action across diverse audiences.
• Team Leadership – Experience building and mentoring diverse, high-performing teams.
• Change Leadership – Demonstrated success guiding organizations through transition, including board engagement, staff alignment, and cultural change.

Preferred

• Background in international development, child rights, or global nonprofit management.
• Experience with Indian diaspora communities.
• Familiarity with 501(c)(3) governance and compliance.
• A degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, or related field.
• Knowledge of the U.S. philanthropic landscape, including corporate matching gift programs and institutional grantmakers.

To Apply

CRY America has retained the services of Charity Search Group to lead the search for this position. To apply, please complete the online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Mariya Yurukova at [email protected]  ​or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com

CRY America is an equal opportunity employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal or local law.