Director of Programs; BP

The role of program staff in a philanthropic intermediary like Borealis Philanthropy is different than that in an endowed foundation. While program staff are deeply involved in grantmaking, they also have a role in fundraising and donor relations

Report to:Vice President of Strategy and Programs

Staff Supervision

• Supervise the lead staff of designated funds (Black-led Movement Fund, Transforming Movements Fund, Communities Transforming Policing Fund, Fund for Trans Generations & Community Advocacy for Bail Reform) and senior grants manager, including provision of regular, on-going feedback and check-in with direct reports.
• Support professional development and training of direct reports.
• Conduct annual performance evaluation of all direct reports.

Grantmaking and Grants Management

• Manage off-cycle grantmaking procedures, including grant write-ups recommendations for board online approval.
• Coordinate board participation and board approval for grantmaking meetings.
• Attend and provide support for all fund meetings with direct reports.
• Work with Senior Grants Manager and finance team to oversee grants administration and due diligence procedures.

Evaluation and Capacity-Building

• Work with VP of Strategy and Programs and Director of Impact and Learning to oversee grantee evaluation and capacity-building programs.

Organizational/Programmatic Planning and Systems

• Work with VP of Strategy and Programs to develop annual work plans for funds and projects and coordinate monthly program staff meetings to increase coordination, collaboration, and peer learning.
• Work with VP of Strategy and Programs on both the process and implementation of the strategic plan.
• Work with President and VP of Strategy and Programs to plan and implement annual staff and board retreat activities.

Borealis Donor Relations and Field Building

• Work with the President and each of the respective Fund's program officers to strategically identify and cultivate new donors.
• Provide presentations to current and prospective donors as needed.
• Serve as an effective public spokesperson for Borealis and raise the visibility of the organization’s work by presenting and writing in diverse forums.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with funder colleagues, grantees, and other key partners.

Communications and Development

• Work with Communications Officer and VP of Strategy & Programs to implement communications plans for the organization and for each fund.
• Provide content and feedback to RFPs, donor proposals/reports, and other fundraising-related communications.

Other duties

• Work with Borealis team to address organization-wide needs.
• Provide support for additional Borealis Philanthropy activities.

Director should ideally possess the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

• 10 or more years’ experience in philanthropic and/or nonprofit management.
• A deep commitment to the core values and principles of Borealis.
• Depth and breadth of knowledge of grantmaking and capacity-building approaches
• Strong familiarity with the issues, communities, and movements we support through our collaborative funds.
• Significant experience working in or with, philanthropy serving organizations. Experience managing donor collaboratives is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to involve and work collaboratively and effectively with peers in joint and shared efforts
• Organization savvy and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Highly developed and demonstrated personnel and project management skills.
• Experience with grants management systems a plus.
• An ability to perform effectively under pressure and to practice strong organizational skills when faced with multiple time-sensitive priorities.
• Excellent writing and public…