Amazima Ministries is a nearly $8.3 million nonprofit organization with 340 full-time staff; 96% of whom work in Uganda and 4% work with a US-based office near Nashville, TN. Their mission is making disciples of Jesus through authentic relationships, excellent education, and strengthened communities. Their vision is that every person they serve would know Christ and make Him known, resulting in transformed lives, restored relationships, and changed communities. They do this through relational discipleship, “loving Jesus in front of” those they serve.
The Country Director role provides overall leadership and oversight of Amazima’s Ugandan operations, ensuring alignment with the mission to educate and disciple students to become godly men and women who will transform their communities. The Country Director will lead a strong, established team across education, discipleship and support services, fostering collaboration, accountability and healthy culture. This is a stewarding role, focused on preserving, protecting and advancing the ministry that has already been built. The ideal candidate will bring steady, relational leadership and operational clarity, strengthening systems and people while honoring the vision and foundation already established.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
HISTORY AND PROGRESS
Amazima was founded in 2008, initially as a sponsorship program to ensure that children could attend school while still staying at home with their families, as opposed to being sent to an orphanage due to families’ lack of ability to pay school fees. From the very beginning, Amazima wanted meaningful relationships and Gospel truth to be at the heart of this ministry. They believe that people change in relationship—with God and with each other—not simply as a result of programs or even financial assistance. Because of that, Amazima was built on a foundation of discipleship and mentorship. Over the years, their programs have evolved. They have moved from sponsoring children to attend local schools to operating their own schools; the equivalent of K-12 (P1-S6) on two campuses.
VALUES
The excellent education students receive at the Amazima school is undergirded with strong discipleship that points them toward Jesus and the truth of His Word. It is also surrounded by the ministry’s multifaceted community engagement programs that seek to empower those they serve.
FUTURE
Their long-term aim is to establish Amazima Imprints (likeminded, discipleship-centered schools) across Uganda in partnership with others who share a passion to see the Gospel go forth in that nation, through education and empowerment.
See Amazima's most recent Annual Report.
LEADERSHIP, STAFF AND STRUCTURE
The organization’s board uses a governance approach in its relationship with the organization’s CEO, Rachel Weir. In addition, Founder Katie Davis Majors, author of the New York Times’ bestselling book Kisses from Katie and other works, serves as Chief Visionary.
Nearly 80 percent of Amazima’s top leadership team has served for at least five years. This role is becoming available as the current leader (Robin Booker) is moving to join the US-based office team, after 10 years working with Amazima in Uganda. The role will report to her, and she serves as Managing Director.
WHAT STAYS THE SAME
Amazima’s team hopes this will never change:
The ministry’s heart for making disciples of Jesus. It matters most that those served are pointed toward Jesus and come to know they are seen, known, loved and saved by Him.
Staff’s attitude of “whatever it takes.” To staff, working for Amazima is not just a job but a calling. They daily lay down their lives for the children, families and communities they serve, to ensure wellbeing and flourishing.
Culture, as described by “The Amazima Way; Living Out Our Mission with SCOPE.”
WHAT THEY DO (PROGRAMS)
Amazima offers top-notch education for students from P1-S6 (the equivalent of US K-12). The Amazima School focuses on excellent academics, critical thinking, servant leadership, nurturing relationships, and a Christian worldview.
Over the past five years, funding for these programs has grown, and the ministry is 100% supported by major donors. Leadership believes these are the major contributing factors:
Utilizing the platform of their Founder as their spokesperson
Trying different fundraising methods - direct response, planned giving, events, etc.
The leadership describes the outlook as healthy and growing. The ministry is known for its holistic care, discipleship through education, and work in the communities served. They focus on offering “hand ups, not hand outs” by empowering parents and guardians to provide for their own families, and coming alongside communities with compassion.
Amazima believes every child is made in God’s image and has infinite worth. Their well-trained school staff are life-long learners and come from all over the world. All share a passion for students gaining learning tools, so they can live life fully for God’s glory.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Amazima Secondary School opened in 2017. As one of Uganda’s finest boarding schools, it provides over 400 students with a loving home, invested family mentors, excellent teachers, nutritious food, extra-curricular opportunities, and strong academics. All of these are provided within a biblical worldview.
Weekly activities such as devotionals, small groups, and service projects complement the academic and extracurricular programs, encouraging study to apply their faith in practical ways. Amazima’s commitment to discipleship extends beyond the classroom, with opportunities like the Student Life Sports League promoting character development through sportsmanship and teamwork. By integrating biblical principles into every facet of students’ lives, Amazima aims to create a supportive and nurturing community where each child can flourish both academically and spiritually.
HEALTHCARE
Medical - Through their two clinics, they provide care for over 8,000 patient visits per year. Many health problems facing students and families can be solved through basic healthcare. Amazima’s clinics offer medical treatment for common diseases and infections, vaccinations, rehabilitation therapy, and speech pathology.
Dental - Amazima partners with a Christian non-profit called Hope Smiles to provide necessary dental services to students and their families. This partnership supports nearly 500 patients annually from the communities where Amazima serves.
Mental Health - Amazima’s clinics provide mental and emotional therapy sessions with therapists. Additionally, there are many supports in place to foster good mental health, including but not limited to: Staff being trained in TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), student Bible studies and small groups, service opportunities, and living in a clean, safe, home.
Physiotherapy - Their Rehabilitation Program provides physiotherapy services and management of various orthopedic surgeries to their students and communities. Through pain management, improving range of motion, and recovery from injuries or accidents, the goal is that all patients maintain, restore, or improve health, enabling optimal performance and quality of life.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Cluster Groups - When there are student families living in the same villages, Amazima gathers them together in cluster groups. These clusters bring people together so they have a community to lean on and with which they can engage in fellowship. Within these groups, their social workers conduct Bible studies and vocational training sessions.
Home Visits - Amazima’s social workers visit each family at their home on a regular basis to build relationships. Their social workers go to encourage, listen to ideas and concerns, pray and more. There are also routine community fellowships where the gospel is taught and the guardians join to worship.
Farming - Since 2012, Amazima has provided “Farming God’s Way” training to students’ parents and guardians to equip them to better care for their families. Now serving over 250 farmers every year, Farming God’s Way addresses the problems families are facing by addressing the spiritual aspects of poverty while giving them sustainable and profitable methods for farming.
Home Building - Amazima’s home-building outreach builds up to six homes per year. This ministry helps students’ families who are living in very vulnerable or unstable homes. If selected, their Community Engagement Department comes alongside to complete the building process so they have a new and safe home.
Vocational Training - With a desire to not only see students thrive, but their families as well, Amazima hosts vocational training in community cluster groups. Training parents and guardians with the skills to make an income and provide for their families is important to maintaining their dignity and fulfillment. Some examples of past training include tower kitchen gardening, soap-making, and communal commercial gardening.
Village Saving and Loans - Amazima’s team has worked with local officials to register Village Saving and Loan Associations within the villages they serve. Families come together to learn more about financial literacy, grow their business skills and create income-generating opportunities. Their social workers conduct regular field visits where they provide technical support and guidance.
ABOUT THE ROLE
WHAT IS NEEDED NOW: A discerning, stabilizing, learner, who uplifts their team and stewards what is already working. Ideally, as soon as possible, to maximize overlap time with the outgoing leader who has held this role.
The ideal candidate brings discernment and is able to trust as well as build trust. This individual builds trust as they demonstrate a lifestyle of listening to God, gathering the perspectives of their leadership and team to gain alignment, and deciding clearly and communicating directly which direction to go. Top attributes needed for this role include Discerner, Encourager, Servant, Relational, Team Developer, Learner and Motivator. It is vital that this individual continues empowering the in-country team to make decisions and grow in their confidence and capability. These words best describe the ideal candidate:
Humble
Servant-hearted
Relationally intelligent
Operationally excellent
Observant
Culturally aware, adaptable and willing to ask questions and learn
Faithful steward committed to protecting and strengthening existing mission/vision
It is highly preferred, likely essential, that this individual has lived in an African nation, ideally Uganda, for several years. In addition, the Country Director is required to live on the campus for at least the first year, and their family will be part of campus life. In addition, they must have experience managing funds on the scale of an $8 million organization.
Qualities this role does not require include being a visionary. The organization is in a season of building on stability already established, and needs a person who stewards what is working while bringing a fresh perspective on how to build from here. The hope is this individual will approach the role with the attitude of, “We have a lot of things we’re doing that are great. What things could be even better?”
WHERE MIGHT THE CANDIDATE BE SERVING NOW?
They may be serving in a senior leadership role such as Country Director, Executive Director, Head of School or Chief Operating Officer within a mission-driven organization, international NGO or faith-based educational institution. They are already leading leaders, managing complexity across multiple departments, and operating cross-culturally. Importantly, they have experience in Sub-Saharan Africa (or similar contexts) and are accustomed to integrating spiritual leadership with organizational strategy and execution.
STRUCTURE
This individual reports to Robin Booker, who has served Amazima in Uganda for 10 years. Robin is relocating to the United States to serve as Managing Director. She, alongside the CEO, will make the hiring decision.
The Managing Director will invest in oversight of Uganda operations through regular communication, structured reporting and in-person visits throughout the year. Robin’s leadership style is described as relational, collaborative and clarity-driven. There is a strong emphasis on trust, empowerment and accountability, with clear expectations and consistent rhythms of communication. The structure supports both autonomy and alignment, with the expectation that the Uganda-based Country Director will faithfully steward the day-to-day operations while remaining closely connected to broader organizational vision and direction.
The Country Director’s role with their team is to unify, support and develop them while maintaining clear expectations and accountability. The role’s direct reports include Ugandan and expatriate leaders who hold these roles:
4 Executive Directors: Education, Discipleship (2), and Administration
2 Directors: Finance and Human Resources, Wellness
Manager of Social-Emotional Health
Director of Operations.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
90 Days
Success in the first 90 days will be marked by deep listening, learning, strong relationship-building, and a clear understanding of Amazima’s culture, leadership structure, and operational rhythms. This includes establishing trust with key leaders and stakeholders, identifying both strengths and gaps, and gaining a thoughtful appreciation for what has already been built–recognizing that this is a season of stewardship rather than reinvention.
First Year
Within the first year, success will be reflected in strengthened leadership alignment, improved communications across departments, consistent execution of strategic priorities, and measurable progress in staff development and student outcomes. Success is not defined by sweeping changes but by preserving, protecting and thoughtfully advancing the mission and culture already in place. The right leader will bring stability, clarity and care while discerning where gradual strengthening is needed and ensuring that the mission and “The Amazima Way” are consistently lived out across all areas of the ministry.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Every role in every organization has both opportunities and challenges. We profile these here, based on interviews with those who work closely with this role, to guide candidates who may consider if these are the kinds of opportunities and challenges that suit them best.
OPPORTUNITIES
These include the chance to:
Enjoy and build up individuals on their staff. Amazima’s programs are not one-size-fits all but seek to meet the unique and individual needs of children and families where possible and within reason.
Contribute to the culture, which they have worked hard to build and want to maintain. They say of their team:
“We don’t just say we love Jesus. We really love Jesus.”
“We pray for each other. We are friends outside of work.”
“People put in extra hours because this is not just a job, it is a calling.”
Steward leadership alignment. Over the past three years they have worked hard to develop alignment and unity. The current Uganda Country Director has built incredible trust with the top 10 leaders, empowering them to shine. Additionally, the founder, CEO and Uganda Country Director work well together, support each other, and pray over decisions together.
Build on the strengths of the current person in this role. These include consistency, encouraging and empowering employees, and loving the students and ministry.
Develop and train Amazima’s leaders. Bringing fresh perspectives to bear.
CHALLENGES
The ministry’s top challenge is to do better vetting, training, and discipling of staff. Due to rapid growth, they have hired quickly. Leadership expects staff to disciple and mentor students and families, but some staff have received little mentorship or discipling themselves. For many, their hearts are willing, but they need more training to be effective. Additional challenges include the need to:
Earn trust “up” (from the founder, CEO and former Country Director [who manages this role]), “down,” (trust and rapport with the Uganda staff) and “out” (with partners who feel deeply heard by current leadership and will need to embrace new leadership.)
“Trickle down” culture. The culture is very solid at the top but may not be experienced the same way across departments.
Sustain and renew, in the face of what some call a “grueling travel schedule”
Maintain healthy relationships with one’s family and the in-office staff
Overcome historic challenges such as prioritizing relationships over accountability, giving in to tyranny of the urgent, lacking bigger picture vision.
POSITION PROFILE
Job Title: Country Director
Reports to: Managing Director
Location: Jinja, Uganda
POSITION SUMMARY
The Country Director provides Christ-centered leadership, spiritual discernment, wisdom and organizational guidance for Amazima Ministries in Uganda. This role is responsible for ensuring that all programs, staff, and operations remain rooted in and aligned with Amazima’s mission, vision, and values. The Country Director serves as a key ministry leader, shepherding vision, developing leaders, strengthening teams, and nurturing meaningful ministry impact across both campuses.
This position requires a deep commitment to Christian ministry, a shepherd’s heart for people, and the ability to lead a diverse and growing organization with humility, wisdom, and faithful stewardship. The Country Director plays a critical role in ensuring that Amazima continues to grow in impact, faithfulness, and organizational health.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Spiritual and Organizational Leadership
Provide clear, Christ-centered leadership and spiritual direction for all Amazima activities in Uganda
Ensure alignment of all programs and departments with Amazima’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities
Partner closely with the Managing Director and executive leadership to execute organizational strategy
Foster a healthy, unified culture rooted in discipleship, spiritual growth, excellence, and accountability
Team Leadership and Development
Directly supervise senior leaders and ensure effective leadership across all departments
Conduct consistent weekly 1:1 meetings with direct reports for accountability, coaching, and development
Oversee performance management, including goal setting, evaluations, and professional development
Build and maintain a strong leadership pipeline through mentoring and staff development
Ensure clear organizational structure, reporting lines, and job clarity across teams
Make hiring, promotion, and termination recommendations in collaboration with senior leadership
Ministry Oversight and Engagement
Oversee the effectiveness, spiritual depth, and impact of all programs and initiatives
Regularly engage with ministry activities across both campuses, remaining present and relationally connected to staff and students
Conduct program assessments, identify needs, and lead the development of responsive strategies and initiatives
Support the development of new programs, partnerships, and funding opportunities
Operations and Compliance
Ensure all operations comply with local laws, cultural expectations, and organizational policies
Maintain awareness of legal, regulatory, and environmental factors affecting operations
Oversee staff safety, security, and well-being, including crisis preparedness and response
Participate in and lead emergency response efforts as needed
Financial Stewardship
Ensure strong financial oversight, accountability, and stewardship of resources
Review and monitor budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting processes
Ensure timely and accurate monthly and quarterly reporting
Collaborate with finance leadership to maintain transparency and integrity in all financial matters
Representation, Witness and Partnerships
Serve as a primary representative of Amazima, offering a strong Christian witness to government officials, partners, donors, and visitors
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders and partner organizations
Represent Amazima with professionalism, cultural awareness, and integrity
Communication and Reporting
Provide regular updates and reports to the Managing Director on organizational performance, risks, and opportunities
Communicate effectively across teams to ensure alignment and clarity
Spiritual Leadership
Model a strong and authentic Christian faith in both word and action
Cultivate a spiritually healthy environment that prioritizes discipleship and Christ-centered development
Support the spiritual well-being of staff and address critical emotional, physical, or spiritual concerns with care and wisdom
Supervisory Responsibilities
Oversees multiple department leaders. See Organizational Chart
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the organization in Uganda. Hiring, training, performance management, conflict resolution, and leadership development in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
QUALIFICATIONS
Spiritual and Personal
Demonstrated personal relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to Christian ministry
Spiritual maturity and a lifestyle consistent with Amazima’s statement of faith
Strong character marked by humility, integrity, and relational wisdom
Professional and Ministry Experience
Proven leadership experience within a ministry or non-profit context, preferably in an international setting
Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Financial management experience preferred
International ministry experience required; experience serving in Africa strongly preferred
Leadership and Interpersonal Skills
Proven ability to lead and develop diverse teams and build partnerships in a cross-cultural environment that includes diverse tribes, ethnicities and nationalities.
Strong relational and coaching skills
Diplomatic, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent
Ability to navigate complexity, pressure, and change with steadiness and clarity
Other Requirements
Ability to travel within Uganda and regionally as needed
Alignment with and commitment to Amazima’s mission, vision, and value, able to enthusiastically support The Amazima Way.
This role is both strategic and relational, requiring a leader to hold vision while staying deeply connected to people and programs.
Willingness to live cross-culturally, engage deeply with the local community and embrace a posture of humility and learning, which is particularly needed for a leader who will be sustaining and strengthening an already established work.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: $100,000-$120,000, plus rent, is paid by Amazima
Benefits: Paid time off, HSA account, 401(k) match, health insurance, flight reimbursement, housing, car.
Job Status: Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Managing Director
Vacation: Three to four weeks annually. Amazima follows the Ugandan school calendar which includes three term breaks and closure during December and January. However, leadership responsibilities continue through many of these breaks.
Travel: Up to 5%, mostly in Uganda and regionally, with an occasional trip to the U.S.
Other: Living on campus is required the first year. Relocation expenses to be discussed.
To learn more about Amazima please visit their website at www.amazima.org.
ABOUT THE LOCATION - JINJA, UGANDA
The on-campus residence for the Country Director is a three-bedroom home with one bathroom. It has a large bedroom with a queen bed, a smaller bedroom with a queen bed and a small bedroom with bunk beds and full-sized mattresses. As stated in the job description, for the benefit of the transition and success in this role, the role is expected to live on campus for at least the first year.
Jinja is a vibrant and growing city along the Nile River, known for its strong expatriate and ministry community. The area offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty. Many staff live in or around Jinja in secure compounds or standalone homes. Housing costs vary widely, depending on location and amenities, but a typical 3-bedroom home suitable for expats may range from $500-$1,500 per month in rent.
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