The Organization
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies refers collectively to two grantmaking entities, Margaret A. Cargill Foundation (MACF) and Anne Ray Foundation (ARF). The two foundations have separate, but overlapping boards and investment portfolios and share a common mission of providing meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment.
Position Overview
Inspired by the opportunity to partner for lasting community impact, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) is seeking applications and nominations for the role of Vice President of Programs (VPP). The VPP provides leadership to the Philanthropies’ grantmaking activities and to the alignment of program strategies across domains towards MACP’s mission to provide meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment. Reporting to the President and CEO, the VPP serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contributes to the strategy and implementation of the organization’s priorities. The VPP’s scope ensures alignment with the Philanthropies’ values, Philosophy of Grantmaking, donor intent, and is rooted in the organization’s vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Through the leadership of Terry Meersman, MACP’s program team has grown to a talented staff of over 50, overseeing on average more than 400 grants and totaling more than $300 million. MACP is now poised to welcome a new VPP who will lead its programmatic work to meet the evolving needs of communities across the globe.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
- A minimum of 15 years related experience to include extensive experience in a complex management and leadership role with success building and motivating teams, leading internal change efforts, structuring, and aligning resources, and building and fostering a high-performance organization.
- Sophisticated management skills, with an understanding of the importance of setting priorities, instituting effective process and practice, working cross-functionally and instilling discipline in shaping sound, strategic decisions.
- Capacity to prioritize and implement a broad strategic plan that engages buy-in from all key constituencies.
- Demonstrated experience in grantmaking across a range of interests and in ways that leverage philanthropy’s contribution with larger societal, governmental, or community objectives.
- Deep awareness of systemic racism and resulting inequities; ability to lead teams and organizations through the operationalization of equity, inclusion, and diversity into organizational programs, strategy, operations, and relationships.
- Ability to generate innovation, engagement, and empowerment by listening to staff and communities and reflecting their thinking in solutions and practices.
- Strong relational skillset and ability to work in partnership with President & CEO, Board, and senior staff, as well as in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills paired with a relational style and ability to adapt messages and modes as called for in a dynamic environment.
- Graduate level academic degree in a human services field, non-profit leadership, or related field or equivalent level of experience preferred. Minimum requirement is an undergraduate degree with relevant experience in areas which could include non-profit management, human services, organizational development, community development, collective impact, or philanthropy.
Travel: Up to 30%, domestic and international
ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE
Our community of more than 100 employees brings expertise from a variety of professional and personal experiences. We are inspired by a common mission, shared values, and the difference we can make by working together.
We are proud to offer a welcoming workplace that supports our employees’ careers, health, and overall wellbeing. We supplement that environment with activities throughout the year that promote collaboration, learning, and fun. Reflecting our investment in staff wellbeing, we have deepened our commitment to flexible work schedules and will be implementing an innovative new approach to work arrangements in 2022. All MACP staff have a reduced work week, with half-day Fridays, year-round, and upon our return to the office, the option of working remotely up to two days per week.
MACP’s home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota is a foundational aspect of our identity, reflecting an organizational commitment to sustainability, balance, and collaboration. In spring 2016, MACP completed a major building
expansion focused on sustainable design practices. The original building renovation earned LEED Gold certification, and for the expansion, MACP earned LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Eden Prairie is part of the Twin Cities metro area including Minneapolis and St. Paul, which have over 3 million residents and together make up the 14th largest metropolitan area in the country. A unique blend of small town and major cosmopolitan hub, both urban cores boast a thriving business atmosphere. Saint Paul, as the state capital, is home to state government and has a more historical vibe. Minneapolis is the larger and more commercial of the two cities. Both cities share a common root of being river towns – and the great outdoors are still a major attraction for residents and visitors alike.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The compensation range for the VPP role is $375,000 – 425,000. Actual starting salary of candidate will be commensurate with years, breadth, and depth of relevant experience, education, certifications, credentials, special skills, accomplishments, and other factors relevant to the position. Additionally, MACP provides a generous benefits package.
Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, MACP is currently assessing its return-to-work plans. When staff do return to the office, MACP policy currently requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to confirm a negative COVID-19 test result within the previous seven days. COVID-19 protocols continue to be reviewed.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AND ACCESSIBILITY
We know that engaging, building trust, and making a difference relies on the collective wisdom and strength of a truly diverse organization. With this in mind, and as an equal opportunity employer, we encourage and strongly welcome candidates of all identities, lived experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
How To Apply
For more about Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, please visit: www.macphilanthropies.org
This search is being led by Linh Nguyen, Allison Kupfer Poteet, Cara Pearsall, and Britni Russell Bianchi of NPAG. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website.