Sarofim Foundation | Managing Director of Programs

SAROFIM FOUNDATION

Managing Director of Programs

Position Description

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

As an expression of gratitude for the many opportunities he experienced during his lifetime, Fayez Sarofim created the Sarofim Foundation that will exist for perpetuity. The Foundation is rooted in Mr. Sarofim's legacy of generosity. When fully funded, the Foundation will be among the largest in Houston. 

For more than five decades, Mr. Sarofim steadfastly supported education, healthcare, and arts organizations in Houston, across Texas, and beyond. To support the Foundation’s development, the Board and Executive Director are working through a strategic process to define the grantmaking approach and plan for the Foundation’s long-term philanthropic investment in the community. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a “start up with 50 years of experience” as the leadership builds a Houston-based institution intentionally focused on impact.

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Sarofim Foundation (SF) seeks an experienced foundation or nonprofit leader with a proven track record of leading impact in the community. The Managing Director of Programs (MDP) will be a person of high caliber and high character who will take a disciplined approach to building a dynamic, partner-driven organization. The MDP will work with the Executive Director as a senior member of the leadership team to establish and implement the Foundation’s strategy, including distribution of more than $100 million in annual grants. 

In partnership with the Executive Director, the MDP will ensure grantmaking accomplishes the strategic vision of the Board. The Managing Director will build and manage a team of accomplished program professionals and build systems, policies, and practices to drive high impact grantmaking. A successful candidate will embody relentless optimism and humility. This position reports to the Executive Director and is located in Houston, Texas. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Managing Director of Programs role includes the following: 

Establish and Implement the Foundation’s Strategy

• Serve as a trusted partner to the Executive Director as the team creates the Foundation’s multi-year strategy. 
• Develop program areas and portfolios that support the Foundation’s strategy.
• Hire, coach, and manage a Program team that can execute the grantmaking strategy with excellence. 
• Build the systems, policies, and practices to ensure the effective distribution of more than $100 million in annual grants.

Grant Portfolio Leadership 

• Ensure excellence in end-to-end grantmaking execution through all stages, including creation of grantmaking processes, funding decisions, grant approval presentations, strategic support for grantees and measurement of impact.
• Actively work to advance the Foundation's mission through a portfolio of grantees addressing key issues in areas such as education, the arts, healthcare, and human services (this portfolio will evolve as the strategy is defined). This will include:
  • intentionally building and maintaining relationships, 
  • developing criteria and structures for measuring impact,
  • conducting due diligence, 
  • partnering with, and advising, new and existing grantees, and
  • monitoring and evaluating value and impact.
• Proactively cultivate opportunities in the community that unlock impact. 
• Prepare grant recommendations and materials to support the Board’s grantmaking decisions.
• Report on the progress and results of the Foundation’s grantmaking initiatives to various stakeholders, including the board, staff, and community partners.
• Identify learnings, take action, and make adjustments to improve performance and inform the Foundation’s ongoing work.

Learning and Leadership

• Engage with others in the Foundation’s fields of interest to develop and add depth to programming ideas and initiatives.
• Connect grantees, organizations, and colleagues in the sector to share knowledge and impact.
• Establish a results-oriented team culture rooted in accountability, trust, and excellence.
• Lead other projects at the request of the Executive Director; participate in and execute other Foundation duties as assigned to support the team and the organization. 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE DESIRED 

The ideal candidate for the position will have at least 10 years of progressive professional leadership, a demonstrated track record of success, and experience managing a team. 

Specifically, the successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• A strong commitment to the mission of the Sarofim Foundation and passion for the work of the grantees it serves.
• Knowledge and experience in philanthropy and strategic grantmaking, including place-based philanthropy; familiarity with the nonprofit and/or philanthropic sectors within Houston, preferred.
• Ability to express ideas and information clearly and concisely in various contexts across communication types, particularly memos, presentation materials, and meeting facilitation.
• Capacity to be a strategic thinker who can connect the big picture to successful implementation.
• Experience building a positive organizational culture of learning, growth, and continuous performance improvement.
• High emotional intelligence, humility, and listening orientation. Thrives on relationships with optimism, grace, and a sense of humor.
• A willingness to operate with an understanding that no task is too big or too small in service of the Foundation’s mission.
• Strong project and time management skills; ability to think independently and initiate action; must thrive working under deadlines and handling multiple tasks without sacrificing attention to detail.
• An impeccable reputation for integrity and judgment; strong ethics and trustworthiness; ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion. 
• A proven background as a team player who strives to understand and deliver excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Self-awareness and a growth mindset; commitment as a lifelong learner to giving and receiving professional feedback. 
• Comfort working in a formal office environment.
• Familiarity and proficiency in database systems, experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required. 

COMPENSATION

Salary will be set in accordance with the successful candidate’s experience. All full-time Sarofim Foundation employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, vacation, and a retirement savings plan. 

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply here. Letters of interest including cover letter and resume will be received until May 17, 2024. We will contact those candidates who most closely match the requirements. We thank you in advance for your interest.