We're on a mission. Will you join us?

HOPE International staff are dedicated to empowering men and women to put their God-given skills to work to provide for their families and communities. We're on a mission to invest in the dreams of families in poverty, and we want you to join us.

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What you'll find at HOPE International

Jobs at HOPE are engaging and meaningful, and our staff culture—described in the PASSION acronym—fosters holistic growth and an atmosphere of belonging. HOPE is committed to reflecting the beautifully diverse community we share in God's Kingdom through our staff, leadership, and board.

HOPE International is committed to reflecting the beautifully diverse community we share in God's Kingdom through our staff, leadership, and board. We are a global body of believers unified by our mission to invest in the dreams of families. We celebrate the unique God-given talents and backgrounds of our staff members, and we invite you to join us.

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Applicant FAQs

Why is HOPE International in Lancaster, PA?

HOPE was founded in Lancaster in 1997 by Jeff Rutt, a local home builder. A vibrant city of approximately 60,000 people, Lancaster has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 reasons we love Lancaster:

  1. Named by Forbes as one of the 10 coolest cities to visit in the U.S.
  2. Close to Baltimore, Philadelphia, D.C., and New York—but without the high cost of living
  3. Great shopping and a vibrant local food scene
  4. Home of the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market
  5. Regular events like First Friday, free concerts in Long’s Park, and more
  6. Scenic location, perfect for exploring the great outdoors
  7. Dynamic art, theater, and music scenes
  8. Downtown Lancaster is unique and authentic
  9. Summer evenings cheering on our very own minor league baseball team
  10. Delicious ice cream and whoopie pies: Need we say more?

What is HOPE culture like?

We like to say that we take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Our culture is something we’re really excited about. So excited that we have a whole section on this page dedicated to talking about it. Learn more about our culture through our PASSION statement, manifesto, and statement of faith.

What does a typical day look like?

There is no typical day at HOPE! Daily responsibilities will depend on your role, but there are some things that you can count on if you are a domestic staff member: staff prayer times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; staff devotions on Tuesdays; and staff meetings every other Thursday. These are times that domestic staff get together and intentionally study the Word, pray, celebrate, and hold one another accountable. We look forward to these times of building relationships with each other and with the Lord.

What do staff members say is their favorite thing about working at HOPE?

If you ask different people this question, you’ll get different responses. Many people cite their passion for HOPE’s mission to alleviate both physical and spiritual poverty. Some love HOPE because they get to make an impact for the Lord while using their gifts and abilities. Others love the culture. Often, people say their favorite thing about HOPE is that they get to pray and worship with colleagues. Many love to see the pride on the faces of those we serve when they use their gifts and passions to provide for their families and communities. It varies, but everyone has a long list of things that bring them back to work each day!

What is the interview process like?

HOPE’s interview process is extremely collaborative. We begin by screening resumes. The next step is an initial phone interview with human resources. Candidates who move beyond the initial phone screen will interview over the phone again, this time with the hiring manager. There is sometimes a third phone screen with an executive team member, and finalists are brought to Lancaster to interview in person with the search committee. Our goal is to complete each hiring process within 120 days.

This process may vary for international roles.

How do I know the status of my application?

After you enter your resume and cover letter into our applicant tracking system, you will receive an email indicating that we have received your materials. You will be emailed again with any relevant information regarding your application. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to answer individual phone calls or email requests for status updates.

How should I apply?

First, check out HOPE’s open positions. If there are any roles that could be a fit, please click on the open position and click on the “apply now” button. You will be directed to enter your resume and cover letter into our applicant tracking system. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to answer individual phone calls or email requests for status updates.

We cannot accept hard-copy materials. Thank you!

General

What does spiritual integration look like on a practical level?

At HOPE, our efforts to love and serve families in poverty are rooted in our allegiance to our Lord and Savior and our desire to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Believing that true transformation can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ, HOPE engages in culturally appropriate discipleship in each of the countries in which we work. HOPE is committed to hiring Christian staff and equipping them to be disciple makers in their communities, and we seek to partner with local churches in each of our areas of operation to provide those we serve with ongoing discipleship and support.

Staff members in the U.S. share in times of prayer and devotions four days a week. Often, individual departments take that a step further. The administration team meets weekly for Bible study and prayer. These are just a few examples of how we encourage one another to grow in our relationships with God.

Can I visit the people HOPE serves?

We offer HOPE Trips throughout the year to several countries of operation, and we’d love for you to join us! Learn more at hopetrips.org.

Where does HOPE serve?

The HOPE network includes HOPE-managed programs and partners in Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Malawi, Moldova, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, the Republic of Congo, Romania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ukraine, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. HOPE also serves in a country in Asia whose name has been withheld for security.

What is Homes for HOPE (H4H)?

Homes for HOPE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that invites members of the building industry to do what they do best—build a home—to help alleviate global poverty. H4H helps builders recruit their trade partners—subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants—to build a Home for HOPE on a largely pro bono basis (donated labor, materials, and consulting services). Builders contribute their net revenue, typically between $40,000 and $300,000, to HOPE once the home is sold.

How did the partnership between HOPE and Esperanza begin?

After researching opportunities in the Dominican Republic, HOPE decided to partner with an existing organization, Esperanza International, in May 2005. Though structurally distinct organizations, HOPE and Esperanza are like-minded in our commitment to holistic development with a special emphasis on church partnerships and spiritual growth. Many HOPE supporters experience Christ-centered economic development firsthand through a HOPE Trip to visit the men and women Esperanza serves in the Dominican Republic.

How do HOPE’s partners benefit from being a part of the HOPE network?

In many countries, we partner with other organizations to effectively minister to physical and spiritual poverty in underserved areas. We believe that like-minded partnerships can maximize resources, avoid unnecessary duplication, and glorify God. All HOPE-network partners benefit from access to funding, strategic planning, technical assistance, leadership development, capacity building, lateral learning opportunities, spiritual integration guidance and accountability, and prayer support.

Is HOPE tied to a particular church or denomination?

No. We are a non-denominational, Christ-centered nonprofit organization that works in collaboration with many different churches and church denominations.

Business practices

What is a typical loan size in the HOPE network?

Loan sizes vary significantly by country. HOPE typically provides loans ranging from $100 to $2,000, a catalyst that can help people develop a small business that can provide their families with food, schooling, and housing. Some HOPE programs also provide larger small-and-medium-enterprise (SME) loans to entrepreneurs with a strong repayment history who are ready to scale their businesses. These loans range from $5,000 to $40,000 and help men and women create jobs and provide quality goods and services to their communities.

How does HOPE combine discipleship and poverty alleviation?

HOPE’s commitment to discipleship begins with our staff. Believing we cannot share what we do not have, HOPE is committed to hiring women and men with a demonstrated personal relationship with Christ. Opportunities for continued discipleship—such as regular times of prayer, devotions, and spiritual retreats—help our staff grow as disciples. Because most HOPE-network staff members are local to the areas they serve, they are aware of appropriate, culturally effective ways to share the Gospel. Each program or partner develops intentional strategies for deepening relationships with the men and women they serve and looking for opportunities to meet their needs. As they deepen relationships, HOPE-network staff share the Gospel as the Holy Spirit allows. Programs also develop intentional strategies to encourage those who are already believers to grow in faith and obedience and to equip them for greater impact in their communities. Throughout this process, HOPE is committed to working in partnership with the local church, believing that ongoing spiritual formation and discipleship is best done in relationship with the local body of Christ.

What are some typical businesses of the men and women HOPE serves?

Because HOPE invests in dreams, the people we serve invest in business ideas based on their own creativity, passions, and local know-how. Typical business activities include running small restaurants or grocery stores; growing crops and raising animals; selling produce, clothing, small electronics, or baked goods; and providing services like sewing, haircuts, and car repair.

What are some of HOPE’s greatest challenges as an organization?

One of HOPE’s organizational values is to operate in places underserved by other organizations or institutions. This value comes with inherent complications, whether it be ongoing conflict, a high cost of living, currency devaluation, corruption, or underdeveloped infrastructure. Operations don’t always function as smoothly in these conditions, but we believe these are the places God has called us to serve.

Where will HOPE expand in the future?

Before we consider expanding, we first want to ensure that HOPE-network programs are centered on Christ and operating with quality. Within countries where we already serve, HOPE seeks to grow in a responsible manner that capitalizes on our knowledge of the working environment and the culture of a given area. When we do consider entering new countries, we prioritize areas underserved by Christ-centered financial services, and we look for like-minded church partners or local ministries, which are essential to HOPE’s model. Because of the number of inquiries we receive, we are unfortunately unable to respond to individual requests for partnership.

How do you decide who receives a loan?

The process varies across programs and partners. In group lending programs, HOPE relies on social collateral, in which groups of people cross-guarantee each other’s loans. As a result, people form groups with those they believe are capable and trustworthy. Loan officers provide training on how to manage a loan, and they work with the group to review a variety of factors in the approval process. For those receiving individual loans, loan officers work with that individual to review business plans, amount requested, the current economic market, repayment history, etc. In savings groups, where members save their own money together, the group decides if and when to loan to one another from their pooled savings.

HOPE provides loans to people in poverty regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. There is no financial benefit or preferential treatment associated with conversion to faith in Christ.

What ministries does HOPE support?

Once HOPE-managed microfinance institutions (MFIs) become operationally self-sufficient, with local income covering local operating costs, they tithe 10% of proceeds to support local programs for children and youth. As much as possible, the MFI selects children’s programs carried out in collaboration with the local church. This commitment began with the Tomorrow Clubs. More than a quarter of a million children have heard the Gospel through the Tomorrow Clubs.

Do people repay their loans from HOPE?

HOPE-network microfinance institutions have a loan repayment rate of 97% over the past five years.

Does HOPE only work with Christians?

HOPE serves people living in poverty regardless of their race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. There are no financial benefits or preferential treatment associated with conversion to faith in Christ.

Does HOPE charge interest?

Yes, HOPE-network programs and partners charge an interest rate that will eventually enable each microfinance institution (MFI) to become self-sufficient—ensuring that we’ll be able to serve entrepreneurs for the long term. Interest rates reflect their local context and are competitive and appropriate for HOPE-network areas of operation. When a HOPE program reaches self-sufficiency, it first contributes 10% of profits to local children’s ministries, then invests in reaching more men and women or innovating with products to serve people better, including lowering interest rates whenever possible.

Giving

How can I donate to HOPE?

You can donate online via credit card through HOPE’s secure donation page, or you can send a check made payable to HOPE International to 227 Granite Run Drive, Suite 250, Lancaster, PA 17601 Attn. Donor Care. You may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly from your bank account by calling our donor care team at 717-464-3220, ext. 290. In addition to one-time donations, you can also choose to donate monthly, committing to regularly partner with HOPE and the families we serve worldwide.

HOPE also accepts in-kind donations. Contact the finance department by emailing donorcare@hopeinternational.org for more information.

How can I update details for my monthly gift to HOPE International?

Unfortunately, we do not currently have an online portal for updating monthly giving details. If you would like to make a change to your monthly giving commitment, please see below:

• If you’d like to update your monthly gift amount or payment method, you can do so here.*

*Please note: When making a gift by credit card, this form will automatically process your gift. If your existing monthly gift was already processed in the current calendar month, you may be charged twice this month. Please contact Carol Blair, donor care specialist, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 717.464.3220, x290, for additional assistance.

• If you would like to make a new monthly commitment, you can do so here.
• If you would like to make a one-time gift, you can do so here.
• If you would like to update your ACH payment, please use this form.

For assistance related to another monthly gift question or other questions about giving to HOPE International, please contact Carol Blair, donor care specialist, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 717.464.3220 x290.

Why does HOPE allocate 10% of my gift for administrative expenses?

HOPE has received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating 16 years in a row—something fewer than 1% of U.S. nonprofits achieve—and is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. To best steward HOPE’s resources, it is our board-approved policy to allocate up to 10% of designated gifts toward administrative expenses if needed.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

We suggest consulting a tax accountant to accurately determine the extent to which your donation is deductible. HOPE International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all gifts to HOPE are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

How much of my contribution goes directly to program costs?

HOPE spends less than 20% of its funds on general and administrative expenses and fundraising. Read HOPE’s most recent annual report for a more detailed breakdown of how HOPE puts your donation to work. HOPE is a member of the prestigious Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and has received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating 16 years in a row, placing HOPE in the top 1% of rated nonprofits in terms of resource management.

How is HOPE funded?

The main sources of HOPE’s funding are individuals, churches, private or family foundations, and the Homes for HOPE program. HOPE does not solicit government funding. See our Form 990 for details.

Still have questions? Read more frequently asked questions.

Caring for each other

*Some benefits may vary based on location.

At HOPE, culture matters. We sum up the attributes we seek and celebrate in the acronym PASSION. Do you have PASSION?

Prayer

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done (Matthew 6:10)

Allegiance

We will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)

Service

We'll wash feet (John 13:14)

Stewardship

To whom much is given … (Luke 12:48b)

Innovation

We find solutions (Genesis 1:27)

Optimism

Strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Nurturing

Love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34)

Who we are

Our brand manifesto grounds and inspires us, reminding us in compelling, relatable language who we are and who we hope to be.

We are HOPE International.

We are bankers, pastors, and development workers—concerned with both body and soul.
We are the friend who encourages "Don't give up!"
We are a push in the right direction.
We are hard work coming to fruition.
We are dignity affirmed.
We are partners in effecting change.
We are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to a world in need.
We are HOPE International.

What we believe

Rooted in Christ, HOPE adheres to the following statement of faith, adopted from the National Association of Evangelicals.

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.

We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.

We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

HOPE's hiring process

This guide will help you to understand where you are in the process and what to expect next.

  1. PRAYER

    We start each posting with prayer that God would prepare and lead the right person to this position and that we would make a wise choice.

  2. COMMITTEE

    A small group of relevant people connected to the open position is formed to discuss the needs and requirements.

  3. POST & REVIEW

    The job description is posted, and we review all applicant resumes.

  4. SCREEN & INVITE

    We review and screen candidates for skill, culture, and mission fit and then invite them to an initial interview.

  5. SECOND INTERVIEW

    We will then pass along qualified candidates to the hiring manager for a second-round phone interview.

  6. FACE to FACE

    We will select several top candidates to bring in for face-to-face interviews.

  7. At that point we will make a decision. Our process typically takes about 120 days but of course varies depending on the role and candidate pool.

Get to know HOPE before you apply.