Grantmaking and Learning Program Manager, Office of Strategy and Learning

Queens County Bar Association; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ford Foundation is seeking a Grantmaking and Learning Program Manager to support strategy development and enhance grantmaking practices. This role involves facilitating learning initiatives, supporting grantmaking staff, and conducting data analysis, ensuring the Foundation's commitment to social justice principles. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in philanthropy and effective communication skills, embodying a culture of excellence.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in philanthropy/grantmaking;
• Experience with social justice issues in the US and Global South;
• Ability to adapt to ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate onboarding training for new program staff.
• Analyze data to enhance grantmaking practices.
• Produce internal and external communications.

Skills

Data analysis

Facilitating learning for adults

Exceptional communications skills

Education

Baccalaureate degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Job description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ford Foundation seeks a Grantmaking and Learning Program Manager, a newly created opportunity within the Office of Strategy and Learning (OSL). As a central function, OSL has a mandate to work across the foundation to support programs on strategy development, grantmaking, learning, and evaluation. The Grantmaking and Learning Program Manager supports good grantmaking practices and cross-programmatic learning within OSL. This role involves supporting the Grantmaking Effectiveness Officer in refining and supporting "FunderMentals" practices for grantmaking staff, including onboarding, ongoing support throughout their tenure, and exit processes. The Manager will also assist with data analysis to identify areas for improvement in grantmaking and communicate internally and externally about Ford's grantmaking practices.

Additionally, the Program Manager will support OSL's learning initiatives by working with the Deputy Vice President of Strategy and Impact to curate and design learning events and series, such as the Ford Learning Exchange (FLEx) and Strategy Tea Times. This includes engaging staff in testing assumptions, bringing in external experts, and building on existing learning. The Manager will also collaborate with the Deputy Director of Strategy and Learning to document learning for institutional memory and to share with the philanthropic field, while also advancing other OSL learning priorities.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Working closely with the Grantmaking Effectiveness Officer (GEO), develop, refine, and facilitate onboarding training to new program staff, as well as provide ongoing support to those further into their tenure.
• Working with the Data Governance Manager and the GEO, synthesize and analyze data that helps to identify how we might improve our grantmaking practices.
• Produce internal and external communications that strengthen grant-making practice and highlight how social justice principles are embodied in the work we do
• Lead the exit reflection process.
• Working closely with the Deputy VP, organize and curate key learning sessions designed to bring a deeper understanding of the issues and regions we work on
• Help build cross-programmatic learning agendas that allow us to see commonalities in challenges and opportunities across regions and issues.
• Design and create flexible learning sessions that ensure participant engagement and provide actionable takeaways.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director to ensure key OSL-related materials are available and organized for internal and external consumption.
• Work closely with Office of Strategy and Learning team members to advance the team and organization’s mission
• Serve and support ad hoc working groups and other institution-wide efforts

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• At least five (5) years of professional working experience in philanthropy/grantmaking and a strong background in social justice issues in the US and the Global South
• Strong background and experience in facilitating learning for adults
• Data analysis experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Deep understanding of the regional context and cultures, including the geopolitical landscape in which Ford works
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Exceptional communications skills – strong active listening skills, constructive verbal and written skills, strong public presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community of people at work, respecting differences while working toward shared goals
• Comfort with periods of ambiguity, and ability to adapt
• Ways of working and engaging that aligns with the Foundation’s mission, core values and commitment to creating a culture of excellence
• Baccalaureate degree in a related field or relevant and equivalent experience

HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Fluency in a language other than English spoken in one or more of Ford’s regional offices

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.

The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact, [e-mail]

SALARY: The Ford Foundation is committed to practicing salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $120,000 and the maximum is $125,000. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of this range. The final offer is determined by a candidate’s relevant experience and our commitment to internal equity. We review global compensation on a regular basis to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted in alignment with the market.

LOCATION: This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: This is a permanent position.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/resume and a cover letter. The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 7th. We look forward to reviewing your application!