Grantmaking and Learning Program Manager, Office of Strategy and Learning

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ford Foundation seeks a Grantmaking and Learning Program Manager, a newly created opportunity within the Office of Strategy and Learning (OSL). As a central function, OSL has a mandate to work across the foundation to support programs on strategy development, grantmaking, learning, and evaluation. The Grantmaking and Learning Program Manager supports good grantmaking practices and cross-programmatic learning within OSL.  This role involves supporting the Grantmaking Effectiveness Officer in refining and supporting "FunderMentals" practices for grantmaking staff, including onboarding, ongoing support throughout their tenure, and exit processes. The Manager will also assist with data analysis to identify areas for improvement in grantmaking and communicate internally and externally about Ford's grantmaking practices.

Additionally, the Program Manager will support OSL's learning initiatives by working with the Deputy Vice President of Strategy and Impact to curate and design learning events and series, such as the Ford Learning Exchange (FLEx) and Strategy Tea Times. This includes engaging staff in testing assumptions, bringing in external experts, and building on existing learning. The Manager will also collaborate with the Deputy Director of Strategy and Learning to document learning for institutional memory and to share with the philanthropic field, while also advancing other OSL learning priorities. 

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Working closely with the Grantmaking Effectiveness Officer (GEO), develop, refine, and facilitate onboarding training to new program staff, as well as provide ongoing support to those further into their tenure.

• Working with the Data Governance Manager and the GEO, synthesize and analyze data that helps to identify how we might improve our grantmaking practices. 

• Produce internal and external communications that strengthen grant-making practice and highlight how social justice principles are embodied in the work we do

• Lead the exit reflection process.

• Working closely with the Deputy VP, organize and curate key learning sessions designed to bring a deeper understanding of the issues and regions we work on 

• Help build cross-programmatic learning agendas that allow us to see commonalities in challenges and opportunities across regions and issues. 

• Design and create flexible learning sessions that ensure participant engagement and provide actionable takeaways.

• Work closely with the Deputy Director to ensure key OSL-related materials are available and organized for internal and external consumption.

• Work closely with Office of Strategy and Learning team members to advance the team and organization’s mission 

• Serve and support ad hoc working groups and other institution-wide efforts

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• At least five (5) years of professional working experience in philanthropy/grantmaking and a strong background in social justice issues in the US and the Global South

• Strong background and experience in facilitating learning for adults

• Data analysis experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods

• Deep understanding of the regional context and cultures, including the geopolitical landscape in which Ford works

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

• Exceptional communications skills – strong active listening skills, constructive verbal and written skills, strong public presentation skills

• Demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community of people at work, respecting differences while working toward shared goals

• Comfort with periods of ambiguity, and ability to adapt 

• Ways of working and engaging that aligns with the Foundation’s mission,  core values and commitment to creating a culture of excellence 

• Baccalaureate degree in a related field or relevant and equivalent experience 

HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Fluency in a language other than English spoken in one or more of Ford’s regional offices

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position