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Program Director

Job Summary

The Program Director is a senior leadership role at PSF, responsible for driving the successful execution of the organization’s programs. This role involves overseeing the implementation of PSF’s Strategic Framework, leading a dynamic cross- regional program team, managing grantmaking activities, and fostering strong collaborations with key stakeholders. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Director will play a critical role in advancing PSF’s mission while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and values. The Program Director will lead a rapidly expanding team (currently 6 with plans to expand to 10 over the next 2-3 years).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Oversee the successful implementation of PSF’s Strategic Framework, ensuring alignment across regional and issue-specific grantmaking activities.
  • Regularly review progress toward Strategic Framework goals and champion PSF’s impact to participating foundations and stakeholders.
  • Lead program team contributions to reviews and updates of the PSF Strategic Plan.
  • Support Board learning about and strategic engagement with the program

Program Management

  • Ensure the effective delivery of PSF’s programs, aligning them with organizational priorities and assessing program effectiveness.
  • Oversee the integration of monitoring and evaluation frameworks into PSF’s programmatic work.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of systems and processes for efficient management of program functions by staff.
  • Manage annual budget allocation for programs, ensuring timely spend-down and alignment with strategic goals.

 

Team Leadership

  • Lead and support a growing regional program team, providing coaching, capacity building, and performance management.
  • Foster strategic collaboration across sub-regional and regional teams, aligning strategies with PSF’s overall mission.
  • Actively participate in PSF’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational health and decision-making.

Grantmaking and Partnerships

  • Oversee the development of grant pipelines and portfolios, ensuring alignment with PSF’s strategic goals.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key grantees, allies, and partners, addressing conflicts and fostering collaboration.
  • Lead program team input into organizational systems, including financial, grant, and fundraising management tools.

Stakeholder Engagement and Fundraising

  • Develop and maintain strong networks with donors, partners, and stakeholders to achieve program objectives and enhance PSF’s profile.
  • Support the preparation of high-quality funding proposals, reports, and donor communications.
  • Collaborate with the Outreachs team to ensure effective funder stewardship and reporting.

Sector Knowledge and Advocacy

  • Maintain extensive external networks to stay informed about developments in the plastic and climate action landscape.
  • Represent PSF at conferences, workshops, and meetings, actively engaging with the global community.
  • Commission research and analysis to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the sector.

 

Candidate Profile

Required Skills and Experience

  • Demonstrated expertise in managing complex, multi-regional programs within the philanthropic or nonprofit sector.
  • Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to inspire and develop a diverse team.
  • Proven experience in strategic planning, project and budget management, and operational oversight.
  • Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with grantmaking processes, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and strategic reporting.
  • Strong understanding of the global climate and plastic pollution landscape.

Personal Attributes

  • Commitment to PSF’s core values of equity, humility, trust, active listening, creative collaboration, and daring.
  • Commitment to enabling the leadership and agency of grass roots, marginalized and vulnerable communities
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative leadership style.
  • Agile and adaptable, with a track record of navigating dynamic and complex environments.
  • Innovative thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
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