Program Director, Mars Snacking Foundation

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

Job summary

Mars Snacking Foundation is seeking a Program Director to lead global philanthropic partnerships, programs and projects, aligning with the Foundation’s mission. You will partner with the Executive Director on strategy, design, and execution, managing a portfolio of grants and communications worldwide.

The role requires experience in global corporate philanthropy, budget oversight, and strong stakeholder engagement. You will collaborate across Mars teams to advance strategic impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 12+ years in global, strategic philanthropy, partnership design and program management, preferably in a corporate foundation.
• Financial acumen, multi-million-dollar budget management, and strong process skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead signature Foundation programs from concept to execution.
• Develop internal and external Foundation communications and manage vendor relationships.
• Participate in design and implementation of grantmaking strategies and future program strategies.
• Identify prospective grant recipients and develop proposals to advance grantmaking goals.
• Review and evaluate proposals and conduct due diligence.
• Monitor grants performance and assist in portfolio evaluation.
• Partner in developing Foundation strategy, annual plans, goals, and budgets; lead annual reporting.
• Stay current on strategic focus areas to guide balanced grantmaking.
• Collaborate across Mars Corporate Affairs and Mars Incorporated to align Foundation programs.

Skills

Global philanthropy

Partnership design

Program management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

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