Program Director, Mars Snacking Foundation

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars seeks a Program Director to lead strategic philanthropic partnerships and programs globally, reporting to the Executive Director. You will design and manage grants, budgets, and performance reporting across Mars Foundation focus areas and coordinate cross-functional teams.

This role requires 12+ years in global philanthropy, strong financial acumen, and the ability to translate social impact into business language. You’ll drive communications and partnerships with stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 12 years of global philanthropy/partnership design and program management experience.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Ability to Lead with humility and empathy to inspire teams.
• Excellent communications and stakeholder collaboration across all levels.
• Experience translating social impact concepts into business language.
• Strong measurement and reporting for impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead signature Foundation programs from concept to execution.
• Develop compelling internal and external Foundation communications and manage vendor relationships.
• Contribute to organizational development, strategic planning, and financial management.
• Participate in grantmaking strategy design and planning of future programs.
• Identify prospective grant recipients and assist in developing proposals.
• Review and evaluate proposals and conduct due diligence.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Grantmaking

Budget management

Communication

Due diligence

Measuring impact

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Description:

The Program Director will be a new role within the Mars Snacking Foundation leading strategic philanthropic partnerships, programs and projects globally to further the Foundation’s mission and strategy. The PD will partner with the Foundation’s Executive Director in strategy and program design and execution, internal and external communications and managing a portfolio of partnerships and grants within the Foundation’s strategic focus areas. The PD will have broad responsibilities and direct accountability for research, grant review and monitoring, problem-solving, managing approvals and budget process, managing and analyzing grant-related data and delivering related reports. The successful candidate will have experience working in a global role within a multi-national organization and understand the complexities of global corporate philanthropy

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least 12 years of direct experience in global, strategic philanthropy, partnership design, and program management, preferably within a corporate foundation
• Financial acumen, experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and strong process management skills are required
• A track record of leading with humility and empathy to inspire teams through trust, inclusion, and shared success.
• Ability to cultivate collaborative working relationships with people at all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate others without authority
• Ability to understand shared value development between business and communities and negotiating them accordingly and consistently
• Ability to translate social impact concepts into business language
• Solid experience with measurement and reporting for organizational and program impact
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Ability to deliver under tight deadlines and demonstrated ability to effectively resolve issues and implement solutions
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs and priorities

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead signature Foundation programs from concept to execution
• Develop compelling internal and external Foundation communications and manage vendor relationships as appropriate.
• Experience in organizational development, strategic planning, capacity building, and/or financial management
• Participate in the design, implementation, refinement and/or adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategies; assist in the design of new initiatives
• Identify prospective grant recipients and work with prospective grant recipients to develop proposals that advance grantmaking strategies
• Review and evaluate proposals
• Conduct background research and due diligence, prepare grant recommendations and grantee reports, and respond to inquiries internally and externally
• Monitor the performance of grants, including research and the implementation of grant strategies; participate in evaluating the grant portfolio
• Partner in developing the Foundation’s strategy, driving the development of annual implementation plans, including goals, workplans, and budgets; lead the annual reporting process; complete special projects as assigned
• Keep up with current events, developments, and issues relative to strategic focus areas in order to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grantmaking.
• Partner internally across the global Corporate Affairs function and broader Mars Incorporated enterprise to align and deliver Foundation programs and goals

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

LI-KS1

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 169,840.00 - USD 233,530.00