Program Director, Economic Opportunity

Boston

Job Description Job Description ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Based in Boston, MA, the Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund diverse programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through investments in nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture, conservation, economic opportunity, education, and medical science. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 60 years. We also support organizations that strengthen the communities in select additional metropolitan areas across the United States.

Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.

Our operating principles since we began nearly six decades ago still guide our grantmaking today: we strive to support our grantees’ long-term effectiveness and build organizational capabilities to better fulfill their missions and serve their constituencies. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity.

One of the Foundations’ priorities is to promote conditions for individuals to achieve upward mobility from poverty and live with agency and dignity, regardless of the circumstances into which they are born. Specifically, the Foundations’ Economic Opportunity Program seeks to improve the wellbeing of individuals, children, and families from historically underserved backgrounds by focusing on the following strategies:

Early Childhood Development : Babies are born healthy, to healthy and prepared parents, and continue to thrive during early childhood.

Youth Engagement : Young people are healthy, engaged, connected, and on a path to economic mobility.

Generational Prosperity : Individuals are creating and building lasting financial stability for the next generation.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Program Director works collaboratively with our trustees to create a vision for the Economic Opportunity program and leads a team of program staff to grow, manage, and evaluate a portfolio of philanthropic investments that align with trustees’ interests and needs in the field. The Program Director proactively drives strategic grantmaking, pipeline planning, and progress against team and Foundation-wide goals. They manage priority projects and initiatives specific to the Economic Opportunity team’s work, including cultivation and oversight of a select portfolio of grantees. The Director also provides support and thought leadership to the President and Executive Team of the Foundation, as appropriate.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Grantmaking and Evaluation

Develop and define impact goals and grantmaking strategies that align with trustees’ interests.

In collaboration with Foundation leadership, regularly engage with trustees to ensure alignment on Program strategy and grant projects.

Plan and manage the Economic Opportunity program, including carrying a personal portfolio of grantees, making program officer assignments, and overseeing all activities.

Oversee multi-step grant-making process for all recommendations: from grantee cultivation through due diligence and write-ups, to rigorous internal reviews with staff and trustees.

Write clear, concise grant recommendations, and prepare engaging meeting presentations for Board and Executive Team as needed.

Work with Strategy & Impact team to set and monitor grant impact and evaluation metrics, and to conduct targeted research as needed.

Build and maintain meaningful relationships with practitioners, partners, and experts to stay abreast of challenges facing the field and inform potential investment opportunities.

Support the President and Vice President of Programs on special projects and trustee requests as appropriate.

Foundation-wide responsibilities and goal setting

Develop annual team goals aligned with overarching Foundation priorities and manage the team to hit internal targets and metrics.

Engage in multi-year strategic planning and other Foundation-wide initiatives.

Partner with colleagues from across the Foundation on cross-sector grant opportunities as appropriate.

Team Building

Lead, manage, and mentor a team of program staff to execute the Economic Opportunity grantmaking in alignment with defined goals, strategies, and targets.

Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development to enable high performance.

Foster a strong team culture aligned with the Foundations values.

Determine optimal resources and staffing structure for Economic Opportunity portfolios and initiatives.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

The Program Director requires a highly collaborative and collegial team player who listens and communicates well. Strong candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

A minimum of 15 years of related Economic Opportunity work experience as a nonprofit leader and practitioner.

Prior experience in philanthropy is required, preferably working with or as part of a family foundation.

Prior experience working with or in nonprofit organizations that focus on programmatically related work is strongly preferred.

Demonstrated prior success in leading and managing teams and driving a strong, positive culture in alignment with an organization’s values and goals.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present, in writing and in live presentations, engaging and concise project previews, descriptions, and recommendations.

Analytical skills and experience, particularly in conducting due diligence for organizations and projects; ability to assess information and consider long-term implications.

The ability to think strategically, comprehend complex ecosystems and patterns, and develop effective goal-oriented, systems-level solutions.

Financial acumen – the ability to analyze financial statements and core financial performance metrics; the ability to use financial analysis to draw insights regarding business operations.

The ability to translate complex and voluminous information into clear, concise written project previews, descriptions, and recommendations.

Exceptional relationship-building and management skills

Strong service orientation, and ability to pivot, multi-task and work flexibly within a changing and complex environment.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality.

This position is based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule with a weekly requirement to work in-person with colleagues; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.