Job Title: Program Director
Organization: Grantmakers for Education
Location:
Salary:
FT Regular
Job Description:
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Program Director
ORGANIZATION: Grantmakers for Education
LOCATION:
Organizational Overview: Grantmakers for Education (GFE) is philanthropy's
knowledge source for achieving results in education. Its mission is to
improve the knowledge, networks and impact of education grantmakers to help
them improve student achievement and opportunities.
Founded in 1995, GFE is a national network of over 250 foundations,
corporate giving programs, and individual donors; its members represent a
diverse and experienced cross-section of grantmakers working to strengthen
programs, systems and institutions from pre-kindergarten through higher
education. GFE is committed to bringing philanthropic attention and
resources to bear on the most urgent educational issues confronting our
nation. One important way that GFE can help funders be effective is by
proactively and deliberately bringing diverse perspectives and experiences
to the table in discussions about possible strategies and solutions.
GFE provides professional development, information, and networking to help
foundations and donors enhance the results of their grantmaking, including:
workshops and convenings, from web seminars to its highly-rated national
conference; information sharing, including a regular electronic newsletter,
GFE-sponsored case studies, research, and reports; member-driven study
groups and briefings; and networking through GFEs web-based member
directory; research, and consultation. GFE believes that attention to the
diversity of people and organizations involved in GFE helps foster a
learning environment that leads to greater analysis, deeper reflection and
better decision-making by grantmakers.
Position Overview: Leading the program staff team, managing the work of
consultants, and providing staff support to GFEs Program and Conference
committees, the Program Director will ensure program quality and growth in
response to member needs. She/he will work with GFEs Executive Director,
staff team, board members, and volunteers to manage strategic initiatives
and develop programs and services, including GFEs annual conference. The
Program Director plays a vital role in developing and managing all of GFEs
programming, designing thoughtful and provocative meetings and seminars
where grantmakers can explore new trends in education and identify the best
leverage points for their work as grantmakers.
Based in
Director and, as a senior leader of GFE, help to shape the vision and future
direction of the organization. With a dedicated staff of five, the
contributions of each team member to the organizations mission are
essential to the overall success of GFE. Thus, the successful candidate will
be a self-starter with a collaborative approach to leadership, deep
commitment to GFEs mission, and an open, inclusive work style.
This position is a unique opportunity to be part of an entrepreneurial, fun,
and collaborative team that is enhancing the impact of education
philanthropy.
Responsibilities include:
Program Development and Management: Lead the GFE program team, overseeing
staff and consultants executing programs. Provide quality control and
oversight, using program evaluations and member input to strengthen GFEs
program and identify new opportunities. Work with GFEs staff and Program
Committee to develop and implement programs and services for education
funders across the country to help strengthen their effectiveness as
grantmakers. Work collaboratively with planning committees and with partner
organizations to develop provocative and engaging learning and networking
opportunities.
Annual Conference: Direct all aspects of GFEs annual conference
including managing decisions and staff regarding site selection, program
theme and design, budget development and management, fundraising, volunteer
coordination, marketing, and site management.
Strategic Initiatives: Work with the Executive Director to guide
strategic initiatives, ensuring that they are responsive to current trends
in education philanthropy and well-integrated with other GFE activities.
Provide project management for selected high-priority initiatives.
Operations Planning and Coordination: Develop an annual operating plan
for GFE to coordinate programs across the organizations major work areas
and identify synergies across activities. Oversee GFEs member survey
administration and analysis, identifying opportunities for organizational
improvement.
Staff Management:
on progressive levels of responsibility and ownership. Assist Executive
Director in organizational strategy and development.
Knowledge Gathering and Dissemination: Gather, synthesize and analyze
emerging knowledge about education philanthropy and integrate it into GFEs
programming.
Qualifications:
At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience,
including knowledge and experience in the fields of education and/or
philanthropy; experience in an entrepreneurial nonprofit environment
preferred.
Passion for and commitment to the mission of GFE and the success of its
member organizations.
Friendly, flexible attitude that enables people to bring their whole
selves to the work environment; commitment to honoring diversity in its
various forms; interest in learning from others.
Comfort working and leading in a non-hierarchical, team-based environment
where all employees contributions are highly valued.
Exceptional management skills, with the ability to motivate and bring out
the best in others.
Strong background in program design, with experience designing and
facilitating group processes.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability
to work independently and as part of a small team to manage competing
priorities simultaneously.
Outstanding relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with a high
degree of cultural competency.
Strong judgment, with the ability to decide and act independently while
also ensuring alignment with the organizations values and priorities.
Experience in and excitement about constituency services.
Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective facilitator of groups
and/or
committees.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrated high
level of attention to detail.
Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required; Masters
degree in
education, policy, or related field preferred.
Ability to travel nationwide to attend GFE programs and meet with members
(averaging 7-9 trips per year).
Driven by a passion for expanding educational opportunity and recognizing
that deep achievement and attainment gaps exist between students of
different races/ethnicities and different means, GFE believes that a
commitment to diversity can better help the field identify ways of improving
educational equity and excellence for all students. Identifying, attracting
and recruiting candidates from a variety of personal and professional
backgrounds is a high priority for GFE.
Compensation:
GFE offers competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package
(including fully paid health insurance and a generous employer retirement
contribution).
To Apply:
Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your
skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating
how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, and addressed to
Chris Tebben, Executive Director, at
http://jobs.cgcareers.org/application.aspx?id=1224.
Applications will be
reviewed on a rolling basis.
About Commongood Careers: Grantmakers for Education has partnered with
Commongood Careers to conduct the search for a Program Director. Commongood
Careers is a nonprofit search service that connects talented individuals to
organizations that are dedicated to creating positive social change. Founded
and staffed by nonprofit professionals, Commongood Careers offers
personalized, engaged services to jobseekers and organizations throughout
the hiring process, as well as access to a wealth of knowledge about
nonprofit careers. Learn more about nonprofit jobs at Commongood Careers.
How to Apply:
To Apply:
Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your
skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating
how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, and addressed to
Chris Tebben, Executive Director, at
http://jobs.cgcareers.org/application.aspx?id=1224.
Applications will be
reviewed on a rolling basis.
About Commongood Careers: Grantmakers for Education has partnered with
Commongood Careers to conduct the search for a Program Director. Commongood
Careers is a nonprofit search service that connects talented individuals to
organizations that are dedicated to creating positive social change. Founded
and staffed by nonprofit professionals, Commongood Careers offers
personalized, engaged services to jobseekers and organizations throughout
the hiring process, as well as access to a wealth of knowledge about
nonprofit careers. Learn more about nonprofit jobs at Commongood Careers.
Organization Web Site: http://www.cgcareers.org/findajob/jobdetail/1224/
Email replies to: apply@cgcareers.org