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Meet International Christian Response

For more than 50 years, International Christian Response (ICR) has served persecuted Christians around the globe. Headquartered in Lynden, WA, ICR operates with a unique and strategic coordination with its Switzerland-based sister ministry, HMK, allowing access into restricted geographies to provide urgent aid.

ICR is a ministry of action and fellowship. It is not just about sending funds; it is about entering into the suffering of brothers and sisters in Christ. From Nigeria to Iran, ICR stewards resources to meet physical needs, equip indigenous leaders, and advance the Gospel in hostile regions. The organization is currently seeking a leader to bridge the gap between strong business acumen and a deep heart for ministry, positioning ICR as the "charity of choice" for those who wish to support the persecuted church.

About the Executive Director

International Christian Response is seeking a visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead our organization into a new season of strategic growth. This unique leader must possess a rare blend of a pastor’s heart for the persecuted church and a CEO’s mindset for organizational excellence. The ED will be responsible for professionalizing operations, diversifying the donor base, and mobilizing the American church through a compelling, mission-driven vision.

The Executive Director's responsibilities include:

Strategic Vision & Growth

• Brand Advocacy: Elevate ICR’s profile and position the organization as the "partner of choice" for supporters of the persecuted church.
• Fundraising Leadership: Steward a portfolio of foundation partners (currently 80% of funding) while aggressively diversifying revenue through individual and church partnerships.
• Movement Building: Develop and empower a network of "ICR Ambassadors" to expand our reach across North America.

International & Operational Leadership

• Global Collaboration: Maintain a high-trust, "light complexity" partnership with our Swiss (HMK) and Canadian affiliates, ensuring seamless data sharing and field strategy alignment.
• Operational Scaling: Audit and enhance internal systems, budgets ($10M+), and staffing structures to ensure the organization is equipped for rapid growth.
• Culture Stewardship: Foster a spiritually vibrant, remote-first culture that prioritizes both professional high performance and healthy spiritual boundaries.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Executive Director:

Education and Experience

• Education: A minimum of an undergraduate degree is required. A Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Non-Profit Management, or an MBA is highly preferred.
• Leadership: Proven experience leading a team and managing a segment of an organization (staff size 10-20). Experience in an organization that has scaled and grown is essential.
• Fundraising: Demonstrated experience in donor relations, specifically with foundations and major donors.
• International Context: Understanding of the international church and the challenges facing Christians in hostile regions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Business Acumen: Ability to design effective systems, manage budgets ($10M+), and ensure organizational health.
• Communication: An excellent communicator and storyteller who loves to present to donors, churches, and partners. Must be able to cast a clear and compelling vision.
• Relational Intelligence: Strong relational skills with the ability to build trust quickly with staff, the Board, and international partners. Capable of navigating conflict with grace and transparency.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Passion for the Mission: Creative passion driven by the organization's core value of serving and enabling the persecuted church, and making decisions intended to maximize the benefit to the persecuted church.
• Relationally gifted: Strong relational skills, developing a network of ambassadors and supporters who serve the persecuted Church and have a passion for evangelism and church planting.
• Christlike Character: Personal character above reproach that enhances ICR branding as a charity of choice.
• Collaborative Leader: Collaborative and team-building style that enables work with people from a wide range of Christian traditions.
• Internally motivated: Self-motivated and able to thrive in an outcome-based environment.
• Humble Authority: A leader who prioritizes listening and team "family feel" over personal charisma.
• Vibrant Faith: An active, Christ-centered life characterized by prayer, modeling Christlike character, integrity, and local church involvement.

Travel and Office Expectations

• Travel Requirements for Position: Between 40-50 days per year. Nearby International Airports include Seattle, Bellingham, and Vancouver, Canada.

What it's like to live in Lynden, WA

The ideal candidate would be willing to relocate to Lynden (or nearby Bellingham) 

Lynden is a unique and charming community located just minutes from the Canadian border and about 30 minutes from Bellingham. Known as a small, conservative farming town with a strong Dutch heritage, Lynden offers a safe, family-oriented environment with excellent schools, including a highly regarded Christian school.

For those who love the outdoors, Lynden is a paradise. It sits in the shadow of Mt. Baker and is close to rivers and the ocean, offering endless opportunities for recreation. While the town itself is conservative and tight-knit, the nearby city of Bellingham offers a more suburban feel with additional amenities. Summers in the Pacific Northwest are described simply as “awesome.”