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Senior Zakat Specialist

Islamic Relief USA
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Job title:             Senior Zakat Specialist

Status:                 Full-time

Division:             Programs

Location:            Alexandria, VA

 

Position Summary:

The Senior Zakat Specialist will lead Islamic Relief USA’s (IRUSA) Zakat program, driving strategy, research, and policy implementation to enhance Zakat collection and disbursement. This role will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop effective campaigns, ensure compliance with Zakat policies, and engage in thought leadership within the global Zakat landscape. The position will also focus on advancing Zakat distribution models in the U.S., driving innovation in Zakat administration, and ensuring transparency and accountability in Zakat-related activities.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 

Global Zakat Leadership & Strategy 

  • Develop and implement long-term strategies for Zakat growth, ensuring alignment with IRUSA’s mission and objectives.
  • Support in efforts to increase Zakat donors, Zakat donations, and ensure compliant disbursement of Zakat funds in alignment with IRUSA’s Zakat Policy.
  • Collaborate with Fund Development and Marketing teams to design compelling campaigns that expand donor reach and enhance donor satisfaction.
  • Drive research development and coordinate information-sharing efforts with internal and external stakeholders, including the Public Affairs Team and the Muslim Philanthropy Institute.
  • Engage with Zakat-administering organizations globally to understand market trends and best practices, positioning IRUSA as a leader in the Zakat space through conference participation and symposium presentations.
  • Maintain alignment with donors and scholars to ensure IRUSA’s priorities and methodologies remain transparent and community-accepted.

 

Advancing Zakat in the U.S. 

  • Develop and implement a Zakat collection and distribution model in the U.S., in collaboration with partner organizations.
  • Capitalize on the significant opportunity presented by the estimated $1Bn in Zakat donated annually by American Muslims, who show a strong preference for domestic giving.
  • Innovate Zakat case management practices using technology solutions to enhance data collection, track impact indicators, and inform research on U.S. Zakat distribution.
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of Zakat distribution and donor engagement.
  • Utilize feedback from Zakat recipients to design new programs that maximize impact.
  • Strengthen partnerships with external Islamic institutions, scholars, and research centers to reinforce best practices and credibility in Zakat administration.

  

 Zakat Results and Reporting

  • Collect and analyze data on Zakat fundraising and disbursement to develop IRUSA’s Annual Zakat Report.
  • Establish and maintain high standards for Zakat collection, handling, and distribution in accordance with IRUSA’s Zakat Policy, addressing any policy gaps as needed.
  • Oversee policy revisions and coordinate scholar feedback to ensure continuous alignment with Islamic guidelines.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with IRUSA’s Shari’ah review board to maintain Zakat accountability.
  • Identify and resolve internal concerns related to Zakat policy and process by working with relevant stakeholders.
  • Regularly report on Zakat-related activities, performance metrics, and strategic outcomes to leadership and key stakeholders.
     

Professional Development & Thought Leadership

  • Represent IRUSA in academic and industry discussions on Zakat-related matters, including conferences and panel discussions.
  • Contribute to articles, blogs, research papers, or reports on Zakat best practices and innovations in Islamic philanthropy.
  • Stay updated on emerging trends in Islamic philanthropy, financial inclusion, and digital transformation in nonprofit organizations.
  • Train and provide support to internal teams on best practices for Zakat administration and policy implementation.
     

Qualifications and Competencies:

  • Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Nonprofit Management, Islamic Giving, Social Sciences or a related discipline is required, a Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but not essential.
  • Extensive knowledge of Islamic finance principles, particularly Zakat, and experience in Zakat administration.
  • Must possess effective interpersonal and oral communications skills. Effective written communications skills should include some exposure to generating reports and narratives.
  • Proven experience in donor engagement, campaigns, and program development within a nonprofit or philanthropic organization.
  • Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret and apply Zakat policies effectively.
  • Ability to self-manage multiple priorities that are complex in nature.
  • Proven ability to exhibit cultural competence and sensitivity to work with a wide array of ethnicities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring compliance and impact measurement.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.



At Islamic Relief USA we are committed to safeguarding and protecting all individuals we come into contact with through our work. IRUSA representatives must adhere to its organizational values: Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice, and Custodianship. In accordance with these values, IRUSA operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Code of Ethics, and Anti-Harassment and Discrimination.