JPB’s vision is to build the power of those who have been denied it to challenge and change oppressive systems, and advance visions of a more just, democratic, and sustainable world. We are dedicated to long-lasting, systemic change. That means we commit to our partners for the long haul, trusting in the strength and vision of the organizations we support to address some of our country’s most entrenched problems.
JPB was founded in 2011 by Barbara Picower, the current president of the Foundation and Chair of the Board with funds bequeathed by her late husband, Jeffry. In April 2023, JPB announced the selection of Deepak Bhargava as its next President, succeeding Picower, who will transition into a President Emerita role in February 2024. Over the last 10 years, JPB has grown to be one of the largest US foundations, awarding over $300 million in grants each year.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The targeted starting salary range for this position is $375,000 – $425,000 annually, based on experience. JPB offers an extensive and generous benefits package including health insurance (with 100% of the premiums paid for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and qualified family members), paid time off (including last week of the year), 401(k) retirement plan with 12% employer contribution, and access to an inclusive family building reimbursement plan. JPB provides up to $5,000 annually for professional development and the ability to recommend an annual grant to the nonprofit of your choice.
WORKING WITH JPB
We believe that diversity is critical to our mission, and we value an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences related to our programs and applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The JPB Foundation is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate in employment based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age or sexual orientation.
The JPB Foundation is based in Manhattan, NY. JPB staff operates on a hybrid schedule and currently works from the NYC office 3 days weekly, with the flexibility to work remotely two days weekly. Strong preference is for candidates based in New York, but willing to accept applicants from other parts of the country, with a requirement to travel to New York frequently, in addition to other travel around the country.
Position Overview
The JPB Foundation seeks an experienced social justice leader to serve as its Senior Vice President, Program Strategy and Management, a newly created position in a period of transformation under new leadership. The SVP, Program Strategy and Management plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the foundation’s programmatic strategies. They will work closely with the President, other SVPs, and key stakeholders to align resources, cohere grantmaking theories and tactics, and ensure the effective implementation of plans and strategies. They will also manage a new Research and Evaluation function to drive continuous learning and back theories with rigorous assessment across programmatic areas. The ideal candidate will possess a deep fluency in social movements and theories of change, high strategic acumen, and a proven track record of managing diverse fields of practice to achieve impactful outcomes. This role requires a systems thinker who can navigate complex ecosystems and foster a learning culture within the organization.
Reporting Relationship and Structure
The SVP, Program Strategy and Management reports to the President and supervises the other SVPs.
We aim to have a flexible and fluid senior leadership structure to promote cross-sectoral strategizing and minimize siloization. We expect portfolios to change, so that a candidate hired into one role would be expected, over time, to step into another senior role (including the SVP, Program Strategy, and Management role) in order to benefit from changing perspectives and fresh ideas.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: In partnership with the President, provide overall strategic direction and guidance for the foundation’s programs, ensuring alignment with the Board and President’s mission and values. Serve as the right-hand strategic partner to the President, ensuring his vision is reflected in programmatic plans and strategies, and engaging him on key strategic questions.
- Program Development and Management: Directly supervise SVPs, ensuring effective allocation of resources, sound programmatic plans and strategies, and adherence to ethical grantmaking principles. Hold the whole of the foundation’s strategic process, including setting goals, allocating budgets, defining measures of success, and monitoring progress. Ensure program areas meet deadlines and standards for annual budget cycles, reports to the Board, and ongoing evaluation of plans and budgets. Create structures to foster deep integration across different program areas, ensuring cohesion of strategic plans and cross-pollination of ideas and best practices.
- Research and Evaluation Management: Manage a new Research and Evaluation function for the foundation, ensuring programmatic strategy is built on sound research, proven theories of change, and best practices. Support SVPs in developing their programs in consultation with Research and Evaluation to glean lessons and hone impact. Work with the Director of Research and Evaluation (newly created position) to disseminate relevant learnings inside and outside the foundation to elevate grantmaking practice and support learning in movements.
- External Engagement: Represent the foundation externally, building strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including grantees, peer funders, and other prominent thought leaders to advance shared goals. Work with Board members on advancing programmatic strategy and convene or participate in strategic tables to resolve major questions or align efforts.
- Learning and Equity Culture: Promote a culture of innovation and learning within the organization, setting up structures to learn from external perspectives, institutionalize intellectual pursuits, and apply new learning practices to enhance program effectiveness. Champion equity in all programmatic efforts, ensuring a meaningful and transformative approach. Develop and implement organizational strategies, policies, and procedures to combat siloization, promote fluidity, and enhance integration in program areas.
Qualifications:
- Significant senior-level leadership experience for social justice organizations and initiatives in the field that have resulted in major impact
- Highly capable strategist with a demonstrated track record of utilizing research to inform, re-evaluate, and back strategic plans
- Effective operational executor who can bring together diverse and complex systems into coherence and alignment
- Proven track record in program development, implementation, and management, with a focus on achieving measurable impact
- Ability to navigate changing political realities and adapt strategies accordingly
- Strong relationships and a diverse and respected peer network in the social justice field
- Strong interpersonal communications skills, an effective and strategic relationship-builder
- Flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment
- Brings a sense of joy and humor to their work
- Low-ego; committed to advancing the whole rather than themselves
- Experience in managing and mentoring teams, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture
- Deep fluency in social justice and equity principles, with the ability to integrate these principles into programmatic strategies and operations
- Academic background or equivalent practical experience conducting research and evaluation of movement work is a plus, but not required
- Grantmaking experience is a plus, but not required.
Priority will be given to applications submitted by August 15, 2023.
The targeted starting salary range for this position listed below is based on experience:
Position pay range
$375,000—$425,000 USD
How To Apply
Interested applicants apply on the link below.