Looking for a New CEO

ChildsPlay International Seeking Executive Director

(Volunteer Position – Lead & Scale a Global Nonprofit)

CPI has built a strong global infrastructure, helping vulnerable children heal through storytelling, play, and the arts. We are seeking a visionary leader to take ownership of this platform and lead its next stage of growth.

This is a chance to set up your own team, scale proven programs, and shape strategy — without starting from scratch. Though unpaid, it offers real authority, global impact, and the opportunity to build a legacy for children worldwide.

About ChildsPlay International (CPI)

Childsplay International (CPI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping vulnerable and displaced children heal, learn, and thrive through play-based learning, storytelling, arts, and creativity. Over the past decade, CPI has brought healing and education to children across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Our programs are affordable, scalable, and designed to reach children in contexts where millions of dollars in resources are not available.

CPI's Work Includes

Storytelling and Play-based Education (Spanning 12 countries)

We bring children together in safe community spaces across Africa, Asia, and beyond, where stories, poems, and drama help them heal, learn, and reconnect with joy.

Prorgrams in Children's Hospitals

Our storytellers and facilitators support children and families in oncology wards with creative play, mindfulness, and emotional care.

Inclusive Storytelling

Through storytelling, drama, and music, we create inclusive environments where blind and deaf children can learn, express themselves, and thrive.

Nurturing Education for Displaced Children

We provide safe learning spaces where children affected by conflict and migration can rebuild confidence through play and creativity.

Cultural Conservation

Our storytelling method and programs keep local traditions alive while encouraging new forms of expression, helping children connect to both culture and imagination.

The Role

We are seeking a new visionary leader to serve as our Executive Director and guide CPI into its next chapter. This position begins as unpaid, but offers significant potential to grow into a funded leadership role through successful fundraising and grants. The right candidate will be free to pursue new opportunities and build upon CPI’s existing infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring strong relationships with grantors and donors in the fields of education, mental health, child protection, displacement and refugee support, global health, arts and culture, and philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities

As Executive Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the growth and sustainability of CPI. This position requires both vision and hands-on execution to strengthen our programs, expand our funding base, and build strategic alliances that advance our mission. You will also have the freedom to shape your own team and leadership structure, ensuring you can bring in trusted colleagues and design the organization for long-term success.

Leadership

Provide visionary leadership to guide CPI’s global strategy and operations.

Expand fundraising and grant-seeking efforts

Drive fundraising and grant development with a focus on education, mental health, displacement, and other aligned fields.

International and US Programs

Forge and strengthen international partnerships to scale programs and expand impact. CPI has potential to grow domestic programs as well.

Develop new initiatives aligned with CPI’s mission

Develop and launch new initiatives that advance CPI’s mission and broaden its reach.

Your Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings both strategic vision and practical experience in leading mission-driven organizations. You are comfortable navigating complex international contexts, building trust with diverse partners, and securing resources to sustain and grow impact. CPI seeks someone who combines entrepreneurial drive with a deep commitment to empowering vulnerable children through education, creativity, and resilience.

Demonstrate Leadership

Demonstrated leadership in the nonprofit or social impact sector

Strong Fundraising Experience

Strong fundraising, partnership-building, and communication skills

Passion for Children

Passion for children’s education, creativity, and resilience

Driven and Proactive

Self-starter, able to work independently and with international teams

Why Join CPI?

Childsplay International offers a unique opportunity for visionary leadership. As Executive Director, you will not only guide a mission-driven global nonprofit but also have the freedom to shape its future, expand its reach, and leave a lasting impact on vulnerable children worldwide. This role combines purpose with flexibility, giving you the chance to innovate, collaborate with dedicated international partners, and scale affordable, community-driven programs that transform lives.

Make Global Impact

Make a Lasting Global Impact – Lead programs that transform the lives of vulnerable children worldwide.

Scale Operations

Shape and Expand CPI’s Mission – Drive innovation and growth in a flexible, visionary role.

Global Focus

Collaborate with International Partners – and cultivate domestic ones! Work alongside dedicated teams and organizations across multiple continents.

Scale Affordable Programs

Scale Affordable, Community-Driven Programs – Develop and implement high-impact initiatives that are sustainable and adaptable.