North Star Fund is seeking a dynamic, strategic thinker to fill the new position of Deputy Director for Programs and Strategic Initiatives. The Deputy Director for Programs’ overall responsibilities include:

1. creating innovative donor and grantee programming;
2. leading a new initiative to support movement building among community organizing groups;
3. developing foundation partnerships.

The Deputy Director for Programs will supervise a three member team responsible for program and development activities (grant making, technical assistance, donor workshops, fundraising, special events), and the foundation’s print and online communications.

Founded in 1979, North Star Fund is New York City’s community foundation supporting grassroots groups leading the movement for equality, economic justice and peace. Since its founding, North Star Fund has awarded over 27 million dollars to 3700 organizations. As a community foundation, North Star Fund raises the majority of its annual operating and program budget through a network of individual donors, foundation partnerships and an annual special event.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implementing, in coordination with the ED and Development Officer, innovative donor programming that provides learning opportunities for donors from diverse backgrounds, and that expand North Star Fund’s community of support;
• Supervising the Development Officer, Communications Manager and Program Associate to ensure a successful team approach to managing our grants and technical assistance programs for grassroots organizing groups, special events, solicitations, online and print communications;
• Leading the development of North Star Fund’s Collaborative Community Organizing Initiative to increase resources for movement building, including supervision of consultants; recruiting and supporting advisory committees, and cultivating/managing funding partnerships to fund the initiative;
• Coordinate the development of our new foundation partnerships and regranting relationships, including drafting proposals, supervising grant writing consultants and other tasks as needed;
• Represent and act as a spokesperson for North Star Fund in a variety of philanthropic and development forums; assist the Executive Director with supporting the Board of Directors;
• Develop and manage program budgets and, in collaboration with the administrative staff, manage all administrative and reporting requirements associated with North Star Fund’s grants and TA programs.

Qualifications

• A progressive philosophy and political vision compatible with the North Star Fund’s mission to “fund change beyond charity,” and the ability to work with diverse philanthropic and grantee constituencies is essential;
• Five (5) years of senior level experience working with major donors and private foundation staff, either within the progressive philanthropic community or as a senior staff person in the progressive, non-profit sector; knowledge and experience with New York City grassroots organizing groups, politics and issues;
• Experience managing entry level to senior staff;
• Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to cross-class, multi-racial and inter-group issues; creative, strategic thinking, a focus on solving problems, and a good sense of humor are especially important;
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral), particularly in the area of strategic planning and grant writing;
• Strong computer skills and some experience developing innovative web based applications will highly sought for the position.

Compensation

This is a senior position with a competitive salary in the progressive, philanthropic sector. It will be based on experience and qualifications, and includes an excellent fringe benefits package.

The North Star Fund is firmly committed to affirmative action and strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBT, elderly and disabled candidates to apply. We appreciate all applicants but please be advised that North Star Fund is able to respond only to those best qualified for the position.

To apply: Send cover letter, resume, salary requirements, 2 references to:

Email: ddsearch@northstarfund.org with “Deputy Director search” as subject line.

Mail: North Star Fund, Attn: Deputy Director Search. 520 8th Ave, Rm. 2203, NY, NY 10018-6656

Application deadline: rolling with hiring anticipated by late August to September.

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