Executive Director, Philanthropy Data Commons

MacAthur Foundation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 254,000 - 310,000; Full time

Job summary

The Executive Director will lead the Philanthropy Data Commons into its next phase of growth, adoption, and long-term sustainability. Serving as both the initiative’s leader and primary external representative, the ED will translate PDC’s mission into greater participation, demonstrated value, and durable sector impact.

The role brings together strategy, coalition-building, institution-building, fundraising, and execution in service of a shared infrastructure across philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Lead PDC’s strategy and execution, translating sector-wide vision into a focused roadmap with measurable goals.
• Drive adoption and build critical mass among funders, changemakers, data platforms, and related partners.
• Serve as PDC’s chief external ambassador and coalition builder to position PDC as trusted infrastructure.
• Ensure PDC delivers tangible value, reducing nonprofit burden and increasing data visibility for funders and organizations.
• Guide PDC through its organizational transition, shaping governance, legal structure, and operating model.
• Build and lead the organization, recruiting talent and creating a high-performing team.
• Strengthen financial sustainability by broadening funding beyond MacArthur and partners.
• Provide strategic leadership on technology and data, aligning priorities with mission and governance.
• Maintain meaningful stakeholder engagement while enabling decisive leadership.

Job description

The Executive Director will lead the Philanthropy Data Commons into its next phase of growth, adoption, and long-term sustainability. Serving as both the initiative’s leader and primary external representative, the ED will translate PDC’s mission into greater participation, demonstrated value, and durable sector impact.

The role brings together strategy, coalition-building, institution-building, fundraising, and execution in service of a shared infrastructure across philanthropy.