The Organization
The William Penn Foundation (WPF) was founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas and today is one of the country’s largest private foundations with over $3 billion in assets, $125 million in annual grants, and a staff of 40. The Foundation is a vital part of the civic life in Philadelphia, one of the country’s largest and most historic cities, with grantmaking that extends to the multi-state region that surrounds it.
WPF’s current core strategies include:
• Creating the conditions that will support and sustain clean water in the four-state Delaware River watershed;
• Increasing the number of low-income children receiving a high-quality education;
• Fostering a vibrant city through support of arts and culture organizations, arts education programs, and great public spaces. The Foundation is governed by third and fourth generation family members and public directors selected for their professional and civic expertise.
More information may be found at https://williampennfoundation.org/
Position Overview
The William Penn Foundation, a $3 billion family philanthropy based in Philadelphia, seeks a Director of its Watershed Protection Program. With approximately $30 million in annual grantmaking, the Program is dedicated to protecting and restoring the water quality of the Delaware River, which is the source of drinking water to more than 15 million residents. The Director reports to the Foundation’s Executive Director and oversees a lean program staff of four in pursuit of three core strategies: A Watershed Wide strategy that addresses four priority threats to the watershed; a strategy focused on Targeted Sub-
The William Penn Foundation, a $3 billion family philanthropy based in Philadelphia, seeks a Director of its Watershed Protection Program. With approximately $30 million in annual grantmaking, the Program is dedicated to protecting and restoring the water quality of the Delaware River, which is the source of drinking water to more than 15 million residents. The Director reports to the Foundation’s Executive Director and oversees a lean program staff of four in pursuit of three core strategies: A Watershed Wide strategy that addresses four priority threats to the watershed; a strategy focused on Targeted Sub-Watersheds of critical importance to the river basin; and a Constituency Building strategy to foster equitable public access to and engagement with the rivers and streams in the watershed.
This important role calls for a seasoned strategic thinker and a results-oriented team leader with a sense of urgency about the Foundation’s work. Very strong communication, thought leadership, and team building skills are required as is a deep, proven commitment to values of equity and inclusion. Candidates should be broadly knowledgeable about environmental and conservation issues and sensitive to the challenges of driving change on the ground. While the direct focus of this grantmaking is regional, its influence on the field is national, and the Director represents the Foundation to partners and stakeholders within the Watershed and well beyond.
As the Watershed Protection Program approaches the end of its current 10-year strategic plan, the new Director will play a key role in stewarding Board and staff through an intensive program review and refinement, setting the stage for the Program’s next decade of impact and influence.
How To Apply
The Foundation is working with the national search firm, Isaacson, Miller on this recruitment. For a full position description and to apply, contact the search firm in confidence at: www.imsearch.com/7843 . The Foundation welcomes and strongly encourages applications from individuals underrepresented in the philanthropic sector, including BIPOC candidates and persons with non-traditional work and educational experience.