Global Director, Gender Equality & Social Justice

Ford Foundation; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 269,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The Ford Foundation seeks a Program Director to lead its Gender Equality program and global team. You will shape strategy, steward grantmaking, and drive alignment across regions to advance gender and sexuality rights.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will build partnerships with international actors, guide program officers, and ensure evidence-based funding that advances social justice and equity in the Global South and beyond.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of gender and sexuality rights work with Global South focus.
• Strong leadership presence internally and externally with Global South engagement.
• Proven track record of shaping policy and program outcomes in Global South.
• Ability to lead, partner, and build with donors and civil society.
• Analytical and data-driven approach to program funding.
• People management of globally distributed teams.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Excellent English written and spoken communication.
• Graduate degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee grantmaking strategy and annual budget for international Gender Equality work.
• Mentor and manage a global team of Program Officers across regions.
• Foster strategic partnerships with multilateral institutions, scholars, practitioners, governments, NGOs, and donor networks to drive impact in gender equality.
• Develop and execute evidence-based funding strategies.
• Serve as external representative for the Foundation in intergovernmental fora and international initiatives.
• Guide Program Officers in aligning grantmaking with strategy and benchmarks.
• Coordinate with US domestic gender equality efforts for cross-learning.
• Present strategy, progress, and insights to leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Skills

Gender justice

Global South experience

Strategic leadership

Policy analysis

Team management

Budget management

English fluency

Public speaking

Education

Graduate degree

Job description

The Ford Foundation seeks a Program Director to lead its Gender Equality program and global team. You will shape strategy, steward grantmaking, and drive alignment across regions to advance gender and sexuality rights.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will build partnerships with international actors, guide program officers, and ensure evidence-based funding that advances social justice and equity in the Global South and beyond.