Leeway is hiring!

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Job Posting

Organizational Description

The Leeway Foundation is a private foundation founded in 1993 by painter Linda Lee Alter. Leeway's mission is to support individual women and trans artists, focusing on the greater Philadelphia region, in order to help them achieve individual and community transformation. We envision a world where art is recognized as an essential part of the human experience; where it is employed and respected as a powerful catalyst for personal and social change; and where women and trans artists are honored as role models, mentors, and leaders.

Job Description
The Program Director is responsible for administering the Leeway Foundation's grant programs in accordance with its mission and grantmaking criteria, and for managing relationships, both internally and externally, which sustain and promote these programs. The Program Director collaborates with staff and board as appropriate and reports to the Executive Director.


Specific/Key Responsibilities

Program Development, Coordination and Evaluation

  • Contribute creative vision and leadership in all areas of programming.
  • Coordinate all elements of grant program, including:
  1. Applications and guidelines (changes/revisions to existing materials and developing new materials as needed which includes working with Communications Director on developing design concepts, and production and mailing schedules)
  2. Application processing and applicant support
  3. Panel processes, including identifying and recruiting panelists, and policy discussions
  4.  Participatory program evaluation, assessment and modification
  5. Creation of program-related content for written materials, e.g. brochures, press releases and website
  6. Development of program-related training materials
  • Support design and implementation of program evaluation framework, ensuring regular evaluation of program impact.


Management

  • Develop annual operations plan for grants program, in alignment with organizational and strategic plan.
  • Recruit, train, supervise, support leadership development of grants program staff.
  • Manage grants program budget development, modifications, and monitoring.
  • Prepare grants program reports for the Board of Directors.
  • Participate in organization strategic planning, Board Committee work, and staff retreats, as appropriate.


Communications and Advocacy

  • Work closely with the Communications Director to maintain visible public presence of Leeway and its grantees, including effective representation and dissemination of information about Leeway's grant programs and mission.
  • Develop relationships with key individuals and peer organizations in Leeway's field, locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Represent and serve as an advocate for art and change in key philanthropic and other networks to support the strategic goals of the foundation.


Qualifications

  • Demonstrated success in project development, management, and evaluation.
  • Highly organized with proven ability to work independently
  • A strong interest in and commitment to the Foundation's mission and current grants program.
  • Ability to build teams and relate effectively to applicants, community partners, staff, board, volunteers, and consultants.
  • Excellent facilitator and communicator, comfortable with public speaking and working with diverse audiences.
  • Excellent written and analytic skills and demonstrated track record of developing creative solutions.
  • An enthusiastic and collaborative approach to work, a good sense of humor, the ability to communicate well across cultures, and a willingness to learn and be open to new ideas.
  • English proficiency required, proficiency in a second language related to grantmaking desirable (e.g. Spanish.)


Experience

  • Minimum of 5 years experience leading design, management, and evaluation of strategic programs.
  • Minimum of 5 years management and supervision experience.
  • Substantial knowledge and experience working in the arts.
  • Knowledge of and experience in philanthropy and grantmaking, preferably social justice or arts related. Experience in social justice or arts organization a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience with and commitment to art and social change work and/or anti-oppression organizing that integrates race, gender, social, and economic justice.
  • Experience facilitating small and large groups.


Computer Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Internet-savvy and skilled with technology
  • Experience with database software (e.g. FileMaker Pro or MS Access)


Salary: Commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vacation. Position based in Philadelphia, but candidate must be willing to travel throughout the six-county Philadelphia region.

Hours: 40 hours per week (On average; may work more hours around events, application deadlines and panel meetings. Some evenings and weekends.)

Interested candidates should send:

  • A 1-page letter indicating why they are interested and qualified for the position;
  • A resume;
  • A 1-2 page writing sample (maximum 1500 words) that tells us more about their experience with and/or interest in art and social change; and
  •  Names of 3 professional references with contact information


Please submit your materials on or before Friday May 30, 2008 at 6PM EST via regular mail or email to:

Leeway Foundation
Attn: Program Director Search
The Philadelphia Building
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 832
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Email: jobs@leeway.org

No phone calls, please. All letters will be acknowledged.

The Leeway Foundation is committed to the principles of equal opportunity employment at every level without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expression, age, non-job related disability, or political affiliation.



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