Posted on June 5, 2013

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Senior Director of Programs

WDN seeks a Senior Director of Programs. WDN is a national organization of progressive women who multiply their energy, their strategic knowledge, and their philanthropic dollars to build a more just and fair world. WDN offers women philanthropists a supportive community with a collaborative vision for social, economic, and environmental justice. We implement our mission by coordinating the work of an expanding group of approximately 180 members who learn, fund collaboratively, and take action together for greater impact.

We recognize the systemic nature of many of the challenges we face as a society. As such, we are committed to utilizing an intersectional lens – including race, gender, class and sexual orientation – in all of our work, from the issues we work on, to the leaders we highlight, to our own organizational policies and practices.

One of WDN’s nine staff positions is a Senior Director of Programs. The Senior Director is responsible for the conceptual design, planning and implementation of WDN’s national and regional programs and organization-wide initiatives, which take many forms. These translate into an annual calendar of events that respond to members’ interests; implement WDN’s strategic plan goals of building community and developing women’s leadership both within and outside of WDN; and address the important progressive issues of our times.

This position reports to the President & CEO and will work closely with her. A Program Associate and a Program & Communications Manager report directly to the Senior Director of Programs, and several other staff members participate in WDN’s programmatic work under the Senior Director’s overall supervision as well. All staff members must demonstrate a connection with WDN’s mission, have strong personal values and ethics, and want to work as part of a passionate team.

Primary areas of responsibility include:

Design and Implementation of WDN’s Programs (90%)

• Conceptualize a strategic and visionary programmatic strategy that enriches members’ skills and giving and leverages increasing resources for the progressive movement
• Forge meaningful relationships with and develop leadership opportunities for individual members who represent a diverse population of progressive, activist women of wealth
• Work with other staff to develop and produce WDN’s “flagship” event, our Annual Conference
• Envision, plan, and help implement topic-specific national multi-day workshops and retreats
• Provide overall direction and supervision for WDN’s member-led circle activities, which are directly managed by other program staff
• Ensure that all of WDN’s programming is infused with our intersectional analysis and strategy to work toward racial, gender, and LGBTQ justice
• Develop strategic responses to current events and opportunities as they emerge
• Represent WDN and participate on panels at conferences with other organizations
• Design mechanisms to evaluate and fulfill programmatic goals and performance, such as surveys, focus groups, etc.
• Proactively identify individuals and organizations who represent viewpoints that are important for WDN members to know about
• Collaborate with ally organizations on joint projects and initiatives that leverage WDN’s interests and power in pursuit of our shared goals
• Conduct research and analysis for program development
• Work collaboratively with members who share leadership in some WDN activities with staff
• Identify important niches that WDN can fill given its access to resources, activist members, and ability to move nimbly
• Help develop and revise program policies for the organization
• Develop and manage program and event budgets
• Manage grant making/funding initiatives, including vetting organizations, developing dockets, making funding recommendations, and reviewing benchmark documents

Organizational Management (10%)

• Participate as a member of the senior management team to help lead the organization
• Work closely with the President & CEO and the Senior Director of Membership and Communications in strategizing the rollout of programs and initiatives
• Work with the Board of Directors on relevant committees
• Supervise, mentor, and help provide leadership development opportunities for personal and professional growth to staff members on the program team

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS

• Demonstrated values consistent with the mission and vision of WDN
• Creative, strategic, and critical thinking abilities with the skills necessary to analyze problems and define issues
• Demonstrated accountability for delivering high-quality programs within a budget
• Willingness and ability to demonstrate leadership, build consensus, and mobilize support in order to move programs forward
• Strong connections with the grassroots, as well as national organizations, to have a finger on the pulse of the progressive movement and the myriad issues that may be of concern to WDN
• Experience in community organizing and/or policy development, research, and issue advocacy strongly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Enthusiasm to take initiative and work independently as well as a desire to lead and participate in a high-performing team
• Tactful assertiveness and inner strength to manage groups with diverse personalities
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring, leadership development, and team building
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to organize and manage multiple ongoing initiatives in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and a good sense of humor
• Good public speaking ability
• At least ten years of experience working in a nonprofit organization, foundation, and/or women’s organization, with at least five years in a senior leadership role, that includes supervisory responsibilities
• Ability to work well with people who have diverse interests, backgrounds, and skills
• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred
• Willingness to travel

WDN provides highly competitive compensation and excellent health, vacation and retirement benefits. This position is full-time, exempt, and office based in San Francisco, California. Telecommuting for all staff members is encouraged one day per week.

WDN is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of color and all abilities and sexual orientations to apply.

Application Instructions

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, salary history and salary expectations, and four references with contact information to fmay@womendonors.org. No calls please.