Program Director, Education

JOB TITLE: Program Director, Education

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Programs

POSITION SUMMARY

Houston Endowment Inc. (the “Foundation”) is an organization known for its dynamic culture and team of talented individuals who are deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission of a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive. We seek an experienced leader to join our team as an Education Program Director to lead a team of Education Program Officers, represent our Foundation in the community, and transform our grantmaking impact across Houston.

We are looking for an experienced and strategic leader who seeks opportunities to support and grow Houston Endowment’s current educational strategy to provide all Houston area students with access to effective educators and the opportunity to achieve post-secondary success. The Education Program Director will also partner with leaders working across the community in developing initiatives to support such opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, Planning, and Leadership

• Work with the Vice President to inform and implement the Foundation’s Education strategies, consistent with the direction approved by the Board of Directors (the “Board”)
• Provide leadership, through mentoring and developing both high-performing individuals and teams, and oversee professional development for the Education program officers team
• As a senior leader, model our values of being courageous, committed, connected and high performing

Education Strategy Expertise

• Direct the execution of the Education strategy by seeking and analyzing information, trends, and best practices
• Create and execute new K12, postsecondary and workforce programs to increase impact and address gaps in the field
• Prepare strategy papers, presentations, and other written materials for the Foundation’s executive leadership and Board
• Participate in educational and related activities including regional, statewide and national convenings to build knowledge and understanding of issues and opportunities
• Build trusting relationships and impactful partnerships with key Houston area K12, postsecondary, workforce, civic and philanthropic leaders and peers

Community Engagement

• The Education Program Director develops and maintains strong relationships with peer foundations, other funders, philanthropic organizations, and community stakeholders and leaders
• Represent the Foundation’s Education goals and programs at regional, state and national meetings
• Lead coordination across grantees, funders, and other community organizations with conferences, meetings, and issues of mutual interest to create “win-win” philanthropic opportunities
• Cultivate a network of philanthropic and education peers in the field as a potential source of new ideas and/or strategies the Foundation may want to pursue such as collaborative or aligned grantmaking, public-private partnerships and pooled funds

Grant Assessment

• Manage a multi-million dollar annual portfolio that includes active grantees in K12 and postsecondary education
• Oversee the identification of grants with the potential to advance the Foundation’s goals and leverage outside resources to increase impact
• Manage grant recommendations to executive leadership and the Board
• Oversee due diligence of applying organizations, and ensure funding strategies address community needs and align with Foundation goals
• Ensure analysis of grantee reports to maintain appropriate level of grantee engagement according to the risk and/or strategic significance of related investments
• Endeavor to build sustainability and increase leverage with all grantee organizations
• Share knowledge gained from the evaluation process to inform future grantmaking through dashboards and other reporting materials
• Manage collaboration with Grant Management and Finance to ensure that grants are processed in full compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, and internal processes

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree required
• A minimum of 10 years of education, postsecondary, workforce and/or nonprofit experience
• Philanthropic experience preferred
• Demonstrated leadership ability and executive presence
• Executive / senior leadership experience at a function level is desirable, but not required
• Strong presentation skills. Exemplary writing and conceptual skills with impeccable attention to detail. Ability to think independently, strategically, analytically and critically, with agility to translate ideas and insights into action through coherent and viable approaches. Adept in problem-solving and launching of complex strategies.

VALUES

We believe it is both an honor and a great responsibility to work for Houston Endowment, so we are committed to our values and seek colleagues who share our commitment.

• High Performing: We bring our best every day so we:
  • Hold high standards and drive for excellence
  • Challenge ourselves and show determination in pursuit of our collective goals
  • Pursue continuous improvement, even when we have achieved our intended outcomes
  • Stay curious to do our best work
• Courageous: We know bold action matters so we:
  • Hold an audacious vision for what we can accomplish together
  • Work proactively, take risks, and make difficult choices when necessary
  • Choose optimism, show resilience, and stay engaged in challenging situations
• Committed: We care deeply about the organization so we:
  • Prioritize and commit to the mission of the organization
  • Seek and act on feedback on our work, and devote energy to our own development to be at the top of our field
  • Gather diverse perspectives and expertise in service of better results
• Connected: We care deeply about each other so we:
  • Build relationships with one another to create a highly effective team
  • Start with trust, assume others have good intentions, and practice generosity of spirit
  • Address issues directly to resolve conflict or misunderstanding
  • Embrace inclusion and adapt as appropriate when partnering with others

COMPENSATION

Salary will be set in accordance with the successful candidate’s experience. In addition to salary, the candidate will be eligible for the Foundation’s comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health, dental, and vision plans, time off, life insurance, short- and long-term disability as well as matching 401(k) and pension retirement plans.