Job Description
About Plastic Solutions Fund
Plastic Solutions Fund (PSF) is a global philanthropic organization committed to addressing the critical challenges posed by plastic pollution and its impact on climate change, biodiversity, health & human rights. Guided by our core values of equity, humility, trust, active listening, creative collaboration, and daring, we work with civil society organizations, communities, and strategic partners to catalyze systemic change. Our mission is to support a vibrant ecosystem of transformational change makers and foster innovative solutions to end the plastic crisis.
WHAT WE DO
Through grantmaking, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, PSF seeks to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and advance equitable, sustainable solutions. We aim to lead by example, building inclusive and agile frameworks that drive collective impact.
ROLE
Program Director
LOCATION
Remote
SALARY
Competitive
Job Summary
The Program Director is a senior leadership role at PSF, responsible for driving the successful execution of the organization’s programs. This role involves overseeing the implementation of PSF’s Strategic Framework, leading a dynamic cross- regional program team, managing grantmaking activities, and fostering strong collaborations with key stakeholders. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Director will play a critical role in advancing PSF’s mission while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and values. The Program Director will lead a rapidly expanding team (currently 6 with plans to expand to 10 over the next 2-3 years).
Key Responsibilities
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
- Oversee the successful implementation of PSF’s Strategic Framework, ensuring alignment across regional and issue- specific grantmaking activities.
- Regularly review progress toward Strategic Framework goals and champion PSF’s impact to participating foundations and stakeholders.
- Lead program team contributions to reviews and updates of the PSF Strategic Plan.
- Support Board learning about and strategic engagement with the program
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
- Ensure the effective delivery of PSF’s programs, aligning them with organizational priorities and assessing program effectiveness.
- Oversee the integration of monitoring and evaluation frameworks into PSF’s programmatic work.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of systems and processes for efficient management of program functions by staff.
- Manage annual budget allocation for programs, ensuring timely spend-down and alignment with strategic goals.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
- Lead and support a growing regional program team, providing coaching, capacity building, and performance management.
- Foster strategic collaboration across sub-regional and regional teams, aligning strategies with PSF’s overall mission.
- Actively participate in PSF’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational health and decision-making.
GRANTMAKINGANDPARTNERSHIPS
- Oversee the development of grant pipelines and portfolios, ensuring alignment with PSF’s strategic goals.
- Build and maintain relationships with key grantees, allies, and partners, addressing conflicts and fostering collaboration.
- Lead program team input into organizational systems, including financial, grant, and fundraising management tools.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND FUNDRAISING
- Develop and maintain strong networks with donors, partners, and stakeholders to achieve program objectives and enhance PSF’s profile.
- Support the preparation of high-quality funding proposals, reports, and donor communications.
- Collaborate with the Outreachs team to ensure effective funder stewardship and reporting.
SECTOR KNOWLEDGE AND ADVOCACY
- Maintain extensive external networks to stay informed about developments in the plastic and climate action landscape.
- Represent PSF at conferences, workshops, and meetings, actively engaging with the global community.
- Commission research and analysis to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the sector.
Candidate Profile
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated expertise in managing complex, multi-regional programs within the philanthropic or nonprofit sector.
- Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to inspire and develop a diverse team.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, project and budget management, and operational oversight.
- Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
- Familiarity with grantmaking processes, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and strategic reporting.
- Strong understanding of the global climate and plastic pollution landscape.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Commitment to PSF’s core values of equity, humility, trust, active listening, creative collaboration, and daring.
- Commitment to enabling the leadership and agency of grass roots, marginalized and vulnerable communities
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative leadership style.
- Agile and adaptable, with a track record of navigating dynamic and complex environments.
- Innovative thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.