Job Description

Vice President - Programs

The Vice President of Programs oversees all aspects of Rasmuson Foundation’s grant- making, from developing programmatic initiatives to overseeing the annual deployment of about $30 million in grants to Alaska nonprofits, tribes and cities. The Vice President of Programs is responsible for managing activities associated with program development and implementation, including projects of special importance to the Board and President. The Vice President of Programs works closely with the Vice President of Impact and Strategy to manage staff and deploy grantmaking strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversees all grant-making programs and other initiatives as assigned by the President.
• In conjunction with the Vice President of Impact and Strategy, provides strategic leadership to implement the President’s and Board’s programmatic directives.
• Works with Foundation leadership to facilitate a congenial and team-focused environment.
• Works closely with the President to identify and support a variety of channels for Board member engagement. Ensures optimal, strategic use of their time.

Grants and Initiatives Portfolio Management

• Works with the President to set Grants Committee and Board meeting agendas.
• Reviews Letters of Inquiry and makes recommendations on their disposition.
• Assigns grant applications to appropriate program staff.
• Oversees the preparation and distribution of materials for Grants Committee, PRI Committee, and Board review, and prepares Chairs for meetings.
• Approves Tier 1 ($25,000 and under) awards, revisions, extensions, and withdrawals.
• Manages the process for Tier 2 grants that meet the criteria for staff expenditure authorization.
• Works with Grants Management staff to monitor grants awarded, anticipate payout, and conduct other periodic analyses of grants programs.
• Works with the CFO to forecast and track the Foundation’s annual payout.
• Supports the development of the annual Foundation budget and monitors spending.

External Engagement

• Along with other members of the Leadership Team, communicates to stakeholders about Foundation strategy, mission, opportunities and grantmaking.
• Represent the Foundation on national, region and local boards and committees related to the Foundation’s work.

Operations

• Supervises assigned program officers, associates, fellows, and grants management staff.
• Manages a system of information sharing between program and grants management staff and the President.
• Creates and manages annual program team operating and grant budget.
• Works with the VP of Impact and Strategy to allocate staff resources to ensure optimal staffing of programmatic and strategic goals and initiatives.

Evaluation and Execution

• Works with Program Officers, Vice President of Impact and Strategy, and the President’s Office to develop, monitor, and evaluate Foundation programs initiatives.
• Continually evaluates and refines grant-making systems and processes.
• Works with the Vice President of Impact and Strategy to ensure high-level programmatic goals are accomplished.

Board of Directors

• Proactively monitors action items from the Board, Grants and PRI committees.

Special projects

• Other duties assigned by the President.

Qualifications

• Alignment with the Foundation’s mission and vision.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as a core value.
• Deep passion for improving the impact of the Foundation.
• Must be able to facilitate discussion and have solid interpersonal skills. Strong and supportive team player.
• A nuanced understanding and depth of expertise in philanthropic strategy, operations, processes, and knowledge of larger issues and trends in the field is a plus.

Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years overall work experience across a range of sectors including exposure to research and significant experience in either an internal or external consulting role, with experience catalyzing social change within a nonprofit or social impact context highly desirable (foundation, NGO, advocacy organization, government, or other).
• Advanced degree in social sciences, evaluation or related field with substantial experience in research and program evaluation. MPA, MPP, MBA, or PhD preferred.
• Prior experience managing teams with a proven track record of success in a leadership role in philanthropy, not-for-profit, or government setting.
• A track record of directing and managing grants and program-related investments in creative and impactful ways and partnering closely with other funders.
• High tolerance for ambiguity, and ability to adapt to changing priorities, strategic frameworks, and definitions of success.
• Demonstrated flexibility and non-dogmatic approach, including developing and adapting strategic approaches to different organizations and contexts. Able to pivot in response to opportunities and challenges.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Deep sense of curiosity, and demonstrated interest in learning, distilling lessons and turning them into action.
• Recognized innovator and change agent.
• Some travel may be required

COVID Protocol

• Full COVID-19 vaccination, including applicable booster shots required.

Reports to: President

Direct Reports: Director of Programs, Program Officers and Grants Management

FLSA: Exempt

Rasmuson Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and its role in building a more inclusive culture and, ultimately, a more capable organization.

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