Role
Director, Workforce at Samvid Philanthropies
Location
New York, NY
ABOUT SAMVID PHILANTHROPIES
Samvid Philanthropies (SP) is a newly formed philanthropic initiative committed to improving lives and advancing society through innovation in economic mobility, education, and health and wellness. In its team members, SP looks for individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, will thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, and are motivated by the opportunity to create outsized impact. We believe in the value of continuous learning, listening, gathering data, and improving our programming. Samvid Philanthropies offers a positive, collaborative, and fast-paced work culture with thoughtful, competitive benefits and PTO.
In 2025, the Board of Samvid Philanthropies greenlit the establishment of a major economic mobility portfolio to make grants, investments, and operate philanthropic programs. The objective of this new, ambitious effort is to increase economic mobility for Americans from low-income backgrounds. Our work in economic mobility spans multiple areas, including workforce and public benefits access. As Samvid builds this effort, workforce will be a core strategic priority. This role presents a unique opportunity for an exceptional senior leader to shape Samvid’s workforce agenda and to help define how the foundation can drive transformative outcomes at scale across economic mobility.
STRATEGIC ROLE
The Director will be a critical member of the Economic Mobility team. This leader’s focus will be to lead Samvid’s workforce strategy and develop, operationalize, and manage the workforce philanthropic portfolio. The Director will work closely with Samvid leadership to shape the foundation’s approach to workforce-related grantmaking, research, and investments, and will represent the foundation externally across the workforce field. We are looking for an experienced leader who combines rigorous strategy with pragmatic execution, operates with a high degree of independence, and is energized by building from the ground up.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead Samvid’s workforce strategy and develop, operationalize, and manage the workforce philanthropic portfolio
- Independently drive and refine the strategy for Samvid’s workforce philanthropy, including identifying priority issue areas, partners, and interventions with the potential to improve economic mobility at scale
- Source, assess, and recommend grants, partnerships, and initiatives; lead diligence, structure recommendations, and advise leadership on funding decisions
- Manage and grow a high-performing portfolio, working closely with grantees and partners to support execution, monitor performance, capture learning, and drive impact
- Lead research and synthesis, including reviewing evidence on what works, engaging field experts, and identifying emerging opportunities for Samvid support
- Build and maintain strong relationships across the ecosystem, including practitioners, researchers, employers, intermediaries, peer funders, and other field leaders
- Represent Samvid externally with credibility and judgment, including in meetings with grantees, peer philanthropies, and other stakeholders, and help position the foundation as a thoughtful, action-oriented partner in the field
- Support the organization’s PRI strategy, including identifying opportunities, informing diligence, and advising leadership on alignment with the foundation’s strategic goals
- Develop high-quality materials for the Executive Director and Board, including strategy memos, funding proposals, portfolio reviews, board updates, and program performance reporting
- Contribute to the development of systems, processes, and decision frameworks needed to manage the workforce portfolio with rigor, consistency, and accountability
- Partner closely with colleagues across Samvid’s economic mobility work to ensure the workforce strategy is well integrated into the foundation’s broader priorities
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience, with substantial experience in a leadership role driving strategy and execution
- Experience in workforce funding, delivery, and/or research
- Demonstrated track record of independently driving work forward from concept through execution, with strong judgment and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
- Ability to represent the foundation externally with credibility, maturity, and excellent judgment
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving skills, paired with a clear bias toward action and results
- Experience sourcing, evaluating, and managing grants, investments, partnerships, and/or other strategic initiatives
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for executive and Board audiences
- Strong portfolio and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence across a wide range of internal and external partners
- Data analysis and performance management skills, including experience developing and reporting on metrics
- Deep interest in, and knowledge of, economic mobility and workforce issues in the United States
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, business, law, education, or a related field preferred
COMPENSATION
$170,000
INTERVIEW PROCESS
Our interview process will include interviews with team members and a simulation to give candidates visibility into the work you will take on and give us visibility into how you approach work. Please email pam@samvid.ventures with your resume for more details and/or to indicate interest.
Samvid Philanthropies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.