ABFE | Raleigh, NC

Social Innovation Director, John Rex Endowment

The Organization

The John Rex Endowment is a private, grantmaking foundation that supports an environment where children and families in greater Wake County live healthy lives. The John Rex Endowment was created in 2000 as the result of the purchase of Rex Healthcare by the University of North Carolina Health Care System. The foundation is governed by a 15-person Board of Directors and managed by a staff of 4 full-time employees. Together, they oversee an operating budget of $800K and financial assets of $75 million. The John Rex Endowment makes grant awards of $2-$3 million annually, with between 30 and 60 grants active at a time.

In early 2018, the board and staff of the John Rex Endowment took on the responsibility of defining the future of the organization. Influenced by the foundation’s 18-year history and experience, plus an assessment of the social determinants of health in Wake County, the resulting Strategic Roadmap identified John Rex Endowment’s priorities and boundaries. The Strategic Roadmap sets the course for the foundation’s ability to reach its desired impact that Wake County children and their families are safe, healthy, and living to their full potential.

The John Rex Endowment is a forward-thinking organization with a new President & CEO and a new Strategic Roadmap to guide its work for the foreseeable future. The Strategic Roadmap confirms the foundation’s role in building the effectiveness of non-profit organizations and shaping policy at the community and system level. The board and staff of the John Rex Endowment recognize that this work necessitates a culture of learning, the establishment of new relationships, collaboration within the community, potential organizational adjustments, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.

To learn more, visit the John Rex Endowment website.

Position Overview

“Social innovation is the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress.”1

The Social Innovation Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the foundation’s direction through the design, implementation, and management of initiatives and programs and the development of relationships that further the mission of the John Rex Endowment. This individual reports to the President & CEO and supervises the Program Officer.

The Social Innovation Director will join a team of professionals who are committed to making a difference through philanthropy. The successful candidate will be a self-starting professional and effective collaborator who works well with small teams and shared decision-making, embraces change, and is excited about the direction of the John Rex Endowment.

Major responsibilities of the Social Innovation Director include (but may not be limited to):

Identify, develop, and foster relationships that position the John Rex Endowment to drive systemic and community change in Wake County. Seek out and actively participate in coalitions, collaboratives, partnerships, civic engagement opportunities, and initiatives that further the mission and impact of the foundation.
Provide thought leadership related to the implementation/roll-out of the John Rex Endowment Strategic Roadmap. Maintain knowledge of Wake County needs, factors and policies impacting the health of children and their families, and local and state efforts underway that will affect them. Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in philanthropy, grantmaking, impact investment, and alternative funding approaches. Take an active role in funder collaboratives and opportunities to work with other foundations.
Develop and implement program strategy in support of the foundation’s priorities. Create program plans, budgets, evaluation criteria, and success metrics. Review and assess program effectiveness and progress against goals and report results to the board, staff, and external stakeholders.

Supervise the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies, processes, and evaluation and learning frameworks.
Build positive relationships with potential and current grantees and foster open lines of communication.
Represent the John Rex Endowment in the community and at strategic partner meetings. Deliver public presentations and provide content for external communications.
Curate relevant information learned and share with staff, board, grantees, and partners as appropriate.
Manage the program staff, consultants, and technical resources required to carry out duties.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND ATTRIBUTES OF THE SOCIAL INNOVATION DIRECTOR

The Social Innovation Director must demonstrate a firm commitment to and passion for the mission of the John Rex Endowment. In addition, the individual should possess the following attributes, skills, and qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. Master’s degree or graduate-level training in public health, public administration, social work, education, or related field preferred.
Minimum of ten years of experience working in foundation, non-profit, human/social services agencies, and/or government entities.

In-depth experience with program development, management, and evaluation.
An understanding of issues and policies affecting children in Wake County and surrounding areas. Knowledge of the agencies and institutions involved in child well-being in Wake County and North Carolina.
An understanding of trends in philanthropy and funding.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines while maintaining the flexibility necessary to adapt, respond, and meet the needs of the organization.
Great attention to detail and a willingness to “get in the trenches” to achieve goals.

The ability to develop positive, productive professional relationships with various stakeholders.
Financial acumen with the ability to develop and manage budgets, and read, interpret, and act on financial reports submitted by grantees.
Experience in a data-driven environment, with the ability to synthesize data into key points for presentation and decision-making.
Entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, while also implementing tactically.
Enthusiastic approach to work, with the humility and attitude to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to team building and culture.

Collaborative and creative nature with an approachable and respectful demeanor.
High standards for confidentiality and personal integrity.
Proven ability to express thoughts, perceptions, and ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to project confidence and knowledge when speaking publicly.
Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Armstrong McGuire & Associates, based in Raleigh, NC, is conducting this search in partnership with the John Rex Endowment. To apply, click on the link to the Social Innovation Director position profile at ArmstrongMcGuire.com/apply. You will see instructions for uploading a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered; failure to do so will remove you from the process. In case of any technical problems, contact staci@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2019.

Salary is commensurate with the requirements of the position. Benefits include medical, dental, life, short and long-term disability insurance; pension and 403(b) retirement plans; accrued vacation and sick time; 10 paid holidays; and a charitable matching program.

The John Rex Endowment actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. The John Rex Endowment is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

How To Apply

APPLICATION PROCESS