Human Rights Program Director; HSF

Position: Human Rights Program Director (HSF)
Unlocking Knowledge, Opportunity, and Possibilities

The Heising-Simons Foundation is a family foundation that works with its many partners to advance sustainable solutions in climate and clean energy , enable groundbreaking research in science , enhance the education of our youngest learners, and support human rights for all people. The Human Rights program at the Foundation is focused on two main issue areas: criminal justice reform and immigrant rights in the United States.

Mark Heising and Liz Simons each grew up with a tradition of giving, learning about the importance of the communities that surrounded them, and of the value of philanthropy. In 2007, they established the Foundation, and were joined on the Foundation’s Board by their daughter, Caitlin Heising.

The Foundation operates with the following core values:

• Humility:
We recognize that we don’t have all the answers, and we seek to be open-minded and responsive as we continually learn.

• Courage:
We do not shy away from tough issues. We stand with our grantees and partners and speak out on the issues we care about as a foundation.

• Justice:
We believe all people should be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

• Opportunity:
We believe all people deserve the chance to live up to their full potential.

• Sustainability:
We commit to long-term progress and solutions.

• Innovation:
We believe in creativity and novel approaches driven by curiosity, research, and strategic collaborations. We are willing to take risks on potentially breakthrough initiatives.

• Relationships:
We care about the people we work with and support. We seek to build relationships in which our partners will be open with feedback and hold us accountable as much as we do them.

• Integrity:
We believe in honesty, transparency, and living up to these values.

The Foundation’s Board and over 30-person staff feel incredibly fortunate to work with, and support, great leaders and organizations in vital endeavors. In 2017, the Foundation awarded more than $75M, of which $9M was for Human Rights. The 2018 Human Rights grantmaking budget is $12M, and significant future growth is anticipated. Since its first grant in 2007, the Foundation has awarded more than $338M.

The Foundation is based in Los Altos, CA, and is in the process of opening offices in San Francisco, CA.

For more information on the Heising-Simons Foundation, please visit  .

The Opportunity

The Foundation is seeking a Human Rights Program Director (Director).

The Human Rights program is rooted in a belief in the inherent dignity of all people. In the United States and around the world, too many people are denied full and equal rights and participation in the political, social, and economic institutions that shape their lives.

In its grantmaking, the Foundation works toward achieving a more just world where people are equally valued regardless of gender, race, class, or citizenship. The Foundation feels a sense of urgency to be responsive to human rights abuse and inequity in the United States, particularly around the issue areas of criminal justice reform and immigrant rights. They believe that long-term change requires sustained commitment, investment in those closest to the problems, and working together toward solutions.

Their grantees serve communities directly and build power to improve lives.

The Director will work with members of the Board and the Human Rights team, which currently consists of two Program Officers and a Program Associate, to establish and implement a creative vision for grantmaking and activities. There is a clear plan for significant growth of both the program budget and team capacity.

The Director will report to the President and CEO, Deanna Gomby, and can be based in Los Altos or San Francisco, CA.

Primary Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of Human Rights grantmaking strategies and initiatives, including the development of a strategic plan for the program. They will manage and grow the Human Rights program team and serve as an essential member of the Foundation’s senior leadership team.

Other specific responsibilities include,…