Program Director

Thompson Family Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Thompson Family Foundation is seeking a Program Director to design and implement a transformative grantmaking program. You will build out strategy and execution for a new portfolio while ensuring rigorous research, grant design, and evaluation practices.

You will lead a small, engaged team and report to the executive director and board president. You will play a pivotal role in shaping impact across criminal justice, college/career access, and the environment, overseeing program staff and

Qualifications

• The Program Director will develop and execute the grantmaking program and refine Thompson’s approach to research, selection, grant design, and evaluation.
• The role requires both strategy and operations, as well as an ability to facilitate decision-making across a small and invested team.
• The Program Director will work in close partnership with the executive director and board president and will supervise a program associate.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the grantmaking program and refine Thompson’s approach to research, selection, grant design, and evaluation.
• Lead strategy and operational planning for the new program areas and portfolio.
• Collaborate with the executive director, board, and program staff to ensure effective decision-making and accountability.

Skills

Grantmaking

Strategic planning

Operations management

Research and evaluation

Team leadership

Job description

Since 2009, the Thompson Family Foundation has supported Arts, Culture & Public Space, Medical Research, and Community Service. Its founders, Wade and Angela Thompson, were passionate about New York and determined to make lasting contributions to its civic life. The hallmark of our grantmaking has been significant and transformative investments. In addition to funding large capital and endowment grants, Thompson has provided both general operating and project support. We concentrate on institutions that strengthen the city, but also make grants nationally and occasionally internationally. Thompson has been instrumental in revitalizing the Park Avenue Armory and developing innovations in cancer treatment.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Thompson Family Foundation is planning an expansion into new program areas over the next three years. We will double our commitments to $30 million annually across three major categories: 1.) new responses to critical issues; 2.) capital and endowment investments; and 3.) core support to current partners. The Program Director will be charged with building out the strategy and execution of the new responses portfolio. We will begin in three initial areas – criminal justice, college/career access, and the environment – and will dedicate $10-20 million to each over a five-year period. In addition, the Program Director will assist in surfacing, vetting, and selecting new areas in the future.

The Program Director will develop and execute the grantmaking program and refine Thompson’s approach to research, selection, grant design, and evaluation. The role requires both strategy and operations, as well as an ability to facilitate decision-making across a small and invested team. The Program Director will work in close partnership with the executive director and board president and will supervise a program associate. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about building a new model that will allocate dollars effectively while providing our partners with the diverse and flexible support they need to accomplish their goals.