Senior Manager, Executive Projects & Initiatives

Senior Manager, Executive Projects & Initiatives

Office:
Office of the CEO & SVP of Enterprise Strategy

The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914 as the world’s first community foundation, continues to shape the future of place-based philanthropy more than a century later. With $4 billion in assets and a legacy of bold leadership, we are driven by a commitment to improve the lives of everyone who calls Greater Cleveland home, today and for generations to come.

Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that blends history-making impact with forward-looking innovation. Our vision is a vibrant Northeast Ohio where no Clevelander is left behind. Every team member plays a key role in advancing this vision by tackling Cleveland’s most critical issues, championing opportunities for all, and helping unlock the full potential of our region.

Our headquarters in the heart of Mid Town places us at the center of a historic neighborhood and growing district, surrounded by partners, community leaders and residents who are reimagining what’s possible for our city. Here, you’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment designed to spark creativity, deepen relationships, and accelerate change.

At the Cleveland Foundation, you can be part of building a stronger future for every Clevelander.

You are passionate about making a difference in your community and excited by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. You thrive when working collaboratively with diverse groups to solve complex challenges, and you have a proven ability to lead with integrity, foster inclusiveness, and innovate under pressure. You bring a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to equity to everything you do, always ensuring your work drives social impact and results in tangible, positive outcomes.

Your best results come from thinking strategically while staying grounded in practical, results-oriented action. You analyze business trends and integrate insights to inform decision-making, identifying long‑term opportunities and developing plans to seize them. As an excellent communicator and trusted partner, you can listen actively, seek to understand different perspectives, and apply innovative ideas to drive change. You possess a growth mindset, excel in team dynamics, and have a track record of applying entrepreneurial spirit to problem‑solving, all while upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

You prefer working in a fast‑paced, high‑output environment. You are proactive by nature, anticipating needs, flagging issues early, and you don’t wait to be asked. You care more about the results than the credit and are willing to do whatever it takes to help the business succeed. You have a genuine curiosity about how the business works and where it is going.

The Senior Manager, Executive Projects & Initiatives, is a high‑visibility role leading across the Cleveland Foundation and externally on behalf of the CEO and the SVP of Enterprise Strategy. Sitting within the Executive Office, this person serves as a key member of the Executive Office, coordinating executive priorities, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring timely follow‑through on key commitments and relationships.

This position is designed for an early‑to‑mid‑career professional who combines strong organizational judgment and creativity with genuine intellectual curiosity and a can‑do mentality. This leader must be equipped to move fluidly between a high‑stakes leadership meeting and developing a detailed project plan.

The right candidate will be comfortable operating with ambiguity, earn trust quickly across all levels of the organization, and find deep satisfaction in enabling others to do their best work. In return, this role offers unparalleled exposure to senior leadership, strategic decision‑making, and the full breadth of the Cleveland Foundation and the Community.

• Own a portfolio of high-priority projects and initiatives on behalf of the CEO and SVP, from initial scoping through execution and close‑out
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and accountability…