Strategic Initiatives Lead — Learning & Insights

Denise Smith Consulting; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance

PTO

Holidays

Parental leave

401(k) match

Professional growth wallet

Sabbatical

Gifts program

Job summary

Powell Foundation in Houston seeks a Director of Strategic Initiatives, Learning & Insights to join as a relational, strategic leader. You will integrate qualitative inquiry, design learning frameworks, and act as a cross-functional consultant across programs to translate strategy into initiatives that amplify community impact.

You'll guide learning, evaluation, and reporting, build tools and cadence for data reflection, and partner with the Executive Director and Board to inform direction with

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in strategy, planning, learning, evaluation, program management, or organizational development within a non-profit or mission-driven organization.
• Ability to translate strategy into operating plans, goals, and work plans, using influence rather than direct authority.
• Strong analytical skills and fluency with data; comfort with qualitative and quantitative methods to drive strategy and decision-making.
• Exceptional project management skills and the ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize foundation learning, evaluation, and reporting into clear insights for the Board and external audiences.
• Lead strategic alignment, planning, and continuous learning across programs.
• Serve as an in-house consultant to translate strategy into executable initiatives and improve grantmaking and learning practices.
• Oversee team management for Learning, Insights & Grants Operations and ensure cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Strategy

Planning

Evaluation

Project management

Data analytics

Qualitative methods

Stakeholder facilitation

Communication

Non-profit experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Grants management platform

Job description

Powell Foundation in Houston seeks a Director of Strategic Initiatives, Learning & Insights to join as a relational, strategic leader. You will integrate qualitative inquiry, design learning frameworks, and act as a cross-functional consultant across programs to translate strategy into initiatives that amplify community impact.

You'll guide learning, evaluation, and reporting, build tools and cadence for data reflection, and partner with the Executive Director and Board to inform direction with