Program Director, Samueli Foundation

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* A great experience starts with you!
* The Samueli Foundation’s mission is to make Orange County a thriving mosaic of community well-being by supporting and uniting catalytic forces whose innovations yield a higher quality of life for everyone. Core to the organization are its values of integrity, gratitude, empathy, curiosity, creativity, and trust.

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Job Title:

Program Director, Samueli Foundation
** Pay Details:
** The annual base salary range for this position in California is $170,000 to $200,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education/training, internal value, peer equity, external market demands, and organizational considerations.
** ABOUT THE SAMUELI FOUNDATION
** The Samueli Foundation, a private family foundation, has recently achieved significant milestones, including an accelerated rate of giving and an ambition to further accelerate, team growth under new leadership, and the establishment of a new mission, vision, and values to guide its grantmaking and organizational culture. Committed to the vision of well-being for all, its mission is to foster community well-being in Orange County by supporting innovative initiatives that enhance quality of life.

Guided by values such as integrity, gratitude, and empathy, the Foundation pursues its mission through investing in catalytic forces, fostering multisector cooperation, and inspiring adaptation. These efforts are underpinned by a dedication to professionalism, energy, and excellence in all endeavors.
** ABOUT THE POSITION
** Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Program Director will help lead the Foundation’s Orange County grantmaking portfolio, overseeing the investment of several million dollars annually across two to three priority and two to three emerging focus areas. The role centers on identifying high-impact opportunities, building trusted partnerships, and ensuring that the Foundation’s resources are strategically deployed to strengthen community well-being.

The Program Director serves as a key thought partner and portfolio manager, ensuring that each grant contributes to the Foundation’s mission while advancing learning, collaboration, and measurable impact. The ideal candidate brings sound judgment, a deep understanding of the Orange County ecosystem, and the ability to translate local insights into strategic philanthropic investment. The Foundation welcomes applicants from diverse professional backgrounds who demonstrate leadership, clarity, and a commitment to Orange County’s long-term vitality.

Read more about our philanthropic approach on our .
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* KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

**** Grantmaking Oversight
*** In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, oversees part of the Foundation’s Orange County grant portfolio, managing multimillion-dollar investments across several priority and emerging focus areas.
* Lead the development of new philanthropic investments by researching community needs, sourcing high-potential opportunities, and conducting due diligence on prospective partners and initiatives.
* Design and implement strategic grantmaking approaches that align with the Foundation’s mission, values, and goals, ensuring resources are deployed where they can achieve the greatest impact.
* Work across teams—including Grants Management, Finance, and Communications—to ensure efficient, transparent, and compliant grant processes.
* Write and refine proposals, investment strategies, and recommendations for Foundation leadership and the Board.
* Monitor and evaluate grantee progress, analyzing data and lessons learned to inform future strategy and strengthen the Foundation’s role as a learning organization.
* Develop clear reports and presentations that communicate portfolio outcomes, insights, and trends for internal and external audiences.
* Apply curiosity and creativity to test new…