The Organization
A renowned entrepreneur and co-founder of The Home Depot, Arthur M. Blank is now recognized for his values-based Blank Family of Businesses (BFOB) and as one of America’s leading philanthropists through AMBFF. After 25 years and more than $800 million in giving as of July 2021, AMBFF has committed to significantly escalating the impact of its philanthropy over the next 10+ years. This milestone coincides with deeper participation among the next generation of Blank family members on the board and in advisory capacities, partnering around their shared core beliefs, including the Jewish value of tikkun olam (“heal and repair the world”), and seeking a fuller realization of American ideals.
Position Overview
The Board is embarking on a journey of deeper learning and strategy setting for its new collective areas of giving, which include: Youth Development, with a focus on workforce development and economic mobility; Democracy, with a focus on Voting Rights and Journalism; and Environment, with a focus on Conservation and Climate Resiliency. Across these portfolios, the Blank Family Foundation will look for opportunities to address the growing crisis of disconnection in our nation. Geographically, much of the work will continue to prioritize Georgia (with a focus on Atlanta) and Montana, while also considering the potential for greater national impact and influence.
The Foundation is now building the leadership team with Managing Directors for each of the collective giving areas and a Managing Director overseeing Effective Philanthropy for the Foundation. These new leaders will help shape AMBFF’s future and will work in concert with the President, other Managing Directors and the Foundation’s Finance and Operations leads to set a new course for the Foundation with respect to programs, operations and culture in advancement of AMBFF’s mission. In addition to the Managing Director, Youth Development, the Foundation invites nominations and applications for the roles of Managing Director, Democracy & Public Policy Advisor and Managing Director, Effective Philanthropy.
As a new role on the Foundation’s leadership team, the Managing Director for Youth Development will report to AMBFF’s new President, Fay Twersky, and partner with the Board of Directors, staff and other stakeholders to build on Arthur Blank’s longstanding commitment to helping youth far from opportunity fulfill their potential. Recognizing, particularly in our growing economic climate, how critical untapped, diverse talent is meeting the nation’s employment needs, the Managing Director will lead efforts to design and implement a strategy to support new pathways for young people to achieve their dreams, have thriving careers and successful adulthoods. This strategy should also position the BFOB to play a central role in leading and convening other employers to participate in partnerships that support work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, and more. Through leveraging AMBFF’s investments and influence, the Managing Director will help to connect and catalyze key players who can foster larger systems change and help high performing organizations to scale their programs and impact. While the portfolio will initially focus on Atlanta, the strategy will also extend to Montana and potentially nationwide, as momentum and support around youth workforce development grows. The Managing Director will also serve as an advisor to staff on AMBFF’s Founder Initiative team who are managing long-term relationships with existing grantees, such as First Tee and Outward Bound.
The successful candidate will have a track record of building bridges across sectors and drawing on the best ideas to strengthen, align and scale youth workforce development innovations. A youth development content expert and strategic thinker, the Managing Director will have deep knowledge of effective strategies to connect youth who are far from opportunity to meaningful employment, the key life skills that support economic mobility and the shifts that are necessary to make youth serving systems more effective, equitable, and sustainable.
TO APPLY
More information about the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation may be found at: blankfoundation.org
AMBFF is partnering with Katherine Jacobs, Cara Pearsall, and Emily Wexler of NPAG on this search. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website.
Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is an essential component of the Blank Family Foundation’s work to advance equity. Candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://npag.com/current-searches-all/ambff-mdyd