The North America Team develops and executes policy, advocacy, communications and government relations strategies to build political support and advance domestic and global programmatic priorities that are funded by, or executed within, the United States, Canada, and the United Nations. Maintain relationships with decision makers, influencers, and national coalitions at the federal level in the U.S. and Canada, and within the UN, in support priorities. This role will also guide the team in the management of portfolios of foundation investments (grants and contracts). As part of this responsibility, this role will handle relationships with grantees, contractors and key partners to achieve the foundation's desired impact, provide project briefings and updates to foundation leadership.
- Guide team members in the management of portfolios of foundation investments (grants and contracts) and work with external partners to drive progress in support of decision maker engagement in the U.S. federal government, Canada and the UN.
- Facilitate development of annual investment plans and budgets, develop, modify and implement strategy under the leadership of the Director.
- Leads the day-to-day management of the foundation’s government relations efforts, including executing engagement strategies in the U.S., Canada and UN.
- Maintains relationships with federal decision makers core to the foundation’s global and domestic issues in the U.S., Canada.
- Work with foundation leadership as requested to address cross-cutting issues and improve functions and performance.
- Accountable for the identification and assessment of key portfolio risks, and the development and management of mitigation/contingency plans at the portfolio level.
- Advise, mentor, and support colleagues within the foundation and their grantees in the design, improvement, and execution of projects, initiatives and engagements. Manage partnerships and grantee relationships to achieve impact, for example, by conducting site visits, convening meetings of key partners, monitoring and evaluating components of grants.
- This role may lead people and may be responsible for hiring the talent needed to achieve our goals, ensuring successful employee onboarding, communicating performance expectations, building goal alignment, integrating project and change management, giving and seeking feedback, providing mentorship, measuring progress and holding people accountable, supporting employee development, and recognizing achievement and lessons learned.
- Shown ability to lead and influence others. Demonstrated ability to work with efficiency, diplomacy, and flexibility particularly as part of a team. Experience working on teams with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Knowledge of international development and U.S. education policy issues at the federal level.
- Experience in strategic planning and strategy implementation.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills, and experience advocating and communicating with a broad and diverse audience.
- Experience in a role requiring teamwork in a complex organization and working with external organizations.