Program Director

Erol Foundation US (Erol US) is a 501(c)3 private operating foundation with a mission to invest in effective organizations and courageous leaders with the potential to move our world to a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future. Erol US is partly supported by NextWorld, an integrated capital organization where philanthropic, cultural, and investment teams work in parallel with shared values, systems, and offices. Operating in the same ecosystem as NextWorld’s investment advisory organizations provides exposure and engagement with a broad network of investors and the business community that benefit Erol US and expand its impact.

Our work culture is rich, supportive, dynamic, transparent, and results-oriented. We are a small, thoughtful, and collegial team. We are hopeful. We are impatient.  We know that systemic change can take years, even decades. We also see that the time to act is now.

About Our Philanthropy

Erol US is committed to addressing the global climate crisis through two primary program areas:

• Climate Action: We focus on the US and support organizations working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions swiftly and significantly over the next few years to limit warming to 1.5°C.  A priority goal is building public support to urge policymakers and the private sector to implement positive and equitable climate action. Erol US supports growing the US climate movement and empowering the public with the tools, training, and infrastructure to accelerate action in tackling climate change.

• Regenerative Food Systems: The global food system is responsible for up to 37% of greenhouse gas emissions annually and is the leading cause of forest and biodiversity loss. By supporting communities in their efforts to build diverse, regenerative food systems, we can reduce emissions and improve the livelihoods and resiliency of the communities bearing the brunt of climate change. Erol US believes that a stable and equitable food future requires protecting ecosystems on both land and water while catalyzing the transition to regenerative food production.

About the Job

Reporting to the Managing Director of Philanthropies, the Program Director will focus on growing the depth and reach of Erol US’s two philanthropic program areas by refining their strategies, overseeing grantmaking programs, ensuring impactful implementation and evaluation, strengthening relationships with partners, and developing new opportunities. The responsibilities of this multi-faceted role will include the following:

Strategy, Sourcing, and Program Oversight

• Lead high-impact implementation through direct grantee engagement and support for the Erol US team to build an environment of co-creation and support for grantees and partners.
• Lead strategy evolution – work with team members to periodically review and refine the foundation’s strategy and grantmaking priorities.
• Scope and develop an impact investing program (in the Food Systems area).
• Track and analyze trends and emerging topics for other like-minded nonprofit organizations to consider and collaborate with Erol US.
• Oversee program financial flows, reporting, and annual foundation budgeting.
• Oversee impact evaluation of Erol US’ programs and apply the learnings to guide the evolution of programmatic work.

Peer Networking and External Communications

• Articulate the vision and goals of programs to key internal and external audiences.
• Oversee all external communications.
• Liaise and collaborate with experts and leaders in the field.
• Build a network of peer funders with which to co-create and co-fund.
• Develop and lead convenings and thought leadership gatherings.

Staff Management and Development

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a 2-person program team.
• Foster a trusting, communicative, empowering, and learning-focused team culture.

About You

Erol US seeks a creative “do-er” with demonstrated hands-on programmatic experience in the non-profit and/or private sector. You thrive in a team-oriented approach, have an instinctive ease for creating good collaboration, and are energized by creating impact at scale and as quickly as possible. You believe climate and food systems challenges can be resolved through economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive outcomes. You are an open-minded, engaging self-starter who thrives in a small team environment. You are very comfortable in a culturally diverse environment and are able to engage equally with your colleagues as well as foundation, business, and community leaders.  

You will have all or most of the following:

• 10-15+ years of professional, managerial-level, relevant experience
• Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred
• Demonstrated impact and deep knowledge of climate, food systems, or related environmental and community issues
• Experience leading high-impact teams; implementing campaigns and/or programs, including working with diverse communities
• Experience in developing, leading, and implementing a strategy
• Demonstrated experience in successfully building programs to scale and budget oversight
• Experience managing profit and loss for an organization
• Understanding of capital markets and company financials to assess impact investing opportunities (in the Food Systems program area)
• Strong and compelling communication; ability to tell a story and convey ideas clearly, credibly, and with energy to motivate others to pursue a common objective
• Awareness and understanding of emerging issues within philanthropy and environmental, social, and economic justice movements
• Diplomatic skills to foster relationship networks strategically and integrate differing perspectives to achieve big-picture goals
• Professional experience working in an international and/or multicultural environment
• Team player with a strong partnership orientation and collaborative style
• High integrity and transparency

Compensation and Location

Erol US offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary range of $160,000-$220,000 commensurate with experience.

This full-time position is located in the Jackson Square area of San Francisco, California, one block from the Transamerica Pyramid Building. Your work environment will be full of natural light and rotating art and is co-located with the 836M arts organization and gallery. We are in the office four days per week, one day remote, with frequent opportunities to attend cross-discipline, after-hours events.

Travel for meetings and site visits will be required (intermittently/quarterly) and will include both domestic and international opportunities.

To Apply

CEA Recruiting is assisting the Erol US Foundation with this search. To be considered for this position, interested candidates should follow the link below to submit a resume, thoughtful cover letter, and salary requirements through CEA’s job portal. Please direct all applications and inquiries to our Search Lead, Eileen Ashton. This position will remain open until filled.

https://job.ceaconsulting.com/jobs/program-director-san-francisco-ca-107209

Erol US is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse candidate pool. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.