The Director will help translate this understanding into philanthropic investments (grants, research, convenings, technical assistance) that build capacity in our rural communities and show impact for those we serve.  Engaging our team of program officers, this work spans early childhood, early education and K-12 fields with strong complimentary investments in family supports and abuse prevention systems.     

Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Director is a strategic leader responsible for articulating and communicating a compelling vision for programmatic work, fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders, and championing fresh thinking to optimize the impact of foundation resources. The role involves providing leadership across program development, execution, and performance measures, as well as cultivating a high-impact team. The Director role leads efforts in evaluation and learning, creating systems for sharing insights, and representing us in external relationships. The Director will demonstrate expertise in the field of children, youth and families, possess exceptional management skills, and have a passion for our mission. The Director plays a key role in aligning program goals, strategies, and budgets, and works closely with the other program directors to design and execute organizational program strategy. The Director will build on existing work, importantly those tailored to the rural context where we work, guided by local data and community voice and national best practice and research.   

• Manage and support department recruitment, retention and development of the highest quality staff; oversee staffing structure and ensure alignment with organizational strategy.  Directly supervise 6 of 9 CYF staff (including one field-based staff person). 

• Guide and implement the strategic direction set by our Board for the shared organizational strategies while maintaining and extending the legacy of our founders.  

• Lead role in design, implementation and sharing of Foundation’s strategy in support of pre-natal to age 18 children and their families including evaluation internally and externally. Continually support strategy refinements to increase impact.   

• Structure program work to ensure that annual budget allocations are met (approximately $11-12M/annually).  

• Participate as an active member of our senior leadership team and support cross-cutting, collaborative work across the foundation. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with other Foundation departments, including Rural Community Building, Postsecondary Success, and Community Economic Development, to build integration and cross-program initiatives that amplify the Foundation’s impact.   

• Create a positive, respectful, productive work environment, foster teamwork within the program and across departmental teams and shared ownership for results. Work closely with staff to ensure portfolios are advancing strategic goals. Mentor team members to leverage their expertise and provide them with ongoing professional development.  

• Participate in high quality Board learning sessions, keep Board members informed and engaged in program developments and events, respond to Board requests, and plan and prepare department Board book contributions. Engage staff members in the development of Board materials and keep them up to date on Board insights into our work.   

• Represent the Foundation publicly including development of high-quality external communications and fostering strong relationships with the public sector, philanthropic peers, and program partners to coordinate and leverage the Foundation’s work.   

• Support program staff to build and maintain a high level of knowledge on shifting trends, political dynamics, and emerging research in the early childhood, K-12 and family supports fields that could affect Foundation’s strategy or grantees potential impact.