The Organization
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Assistant Director
LOCATED IN: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
BACKGROUND
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is a statewide, private, family foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for all North Carolinians. The Foundation was established in 1936 as a memorial to Z. Smith Reynolds, the youngest son of R.J. Reynolds. For more than eighty years, the Foundation has been engaged in forward-thinking philanthropy with contributions of $608 million in North Carolina.
The Foundation’s current All For NC Grantmaking Framework for Grantmaking and Learning includes the following strategies:
· A State-Level Systemic Change Strategy, to improve state-level systems and structures to remove barriers and create opportunities.
· A Community-Based Strategy, to leverage the unique assets, knowledge, experience, and connections in communities to create meaningful change.
· An Exploratory, Visionary Ideas Strategy, to invest in the bold ideas of North Carolinians.
Alongside these three main strategies, the Foundation has also expressed its commitment to:
- Augment its participation in its hometown of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County.
- Use a racial equity lens to underpin all of its work.
- Continue to be a learning organization.
The intent of the Foundation’s Framework for Grantmaking and Learning is to provide different strategies that meet people and communities where they are, as well as to break down silos, allow more flexibility in our grantmaking, and provide multiple entry points for potential applicants. The Foundation recognizes that not all the work that is funded will fit neatly into these three strategies; rather, there is work that lives in between them. Therefore, the Foundation wants to remain flexible to foster those areas of intersection.
Position Overview
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Assistant Director has responsibility for promoting the mission and core values of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR or the Foundation) by overseeing the implementation of the Foundation’s Framework for Grantmaking and Learning. This includes, but is not limited to, helping Trustees identify programmatic priorities, playing leadership roles within the state of North Carolina and within the broader field of philanthropy, actively listening to and learning from people and communities across the state, and coordinating the programmatic and grantmaking operations of the Foundation as set out below. The Assistant Director supports the Executive Director in matters of Foundation operations, strategic planning, and general management. This person acts as a liaison between the Administrative and Program Staff and provides staff support to Trustee Committees as assigned. The Assistant Director is a pivotal member of the team, contributing to idea generation, strategic thinking, organizational networking, and collaborative team dynamics. The Assistant Director reports to the Executive Director and works cooperatively with all Foundation staff. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Framework for Grantmaking and Learning:
A. Coordinate the implementation of the Foundation’s strategies and commitments and ensure that they are carried out in accordance with the Foundation’s core values;
B. Oversee the overall learning agenda for the Framework, including strategy-specific learning goals, as well as internal process improvements;
C. Alongside the Executive Director, serve as a liaison to Trustees to seek guidance and feedback on the implementation of the Framework;
D. Alongside the Executive Director and Director of Communications, develop and execute external communications plans for the components of the Framework;
E. Help identify potential opportunities to leverage ZSR resources to advance the Foundation’s mission.
2. Strategy and Program Development and Implementation:
An assigned within the Framework for Grantmaking and Learning, serve as a strategy team leader to develop and implement certain initiatives, including the initiatives for the Exploratory, Visionary Ideas Strategy;
Staff designated Trustee Committees focused on supporting the implementation of the Framework;
Participate in meetings, seminars, forums, and educational programs that address the Foundation’s mission, core values and strategies;
Conduct research of subject areas of interest to the Foundation as assigned;
Assist the Executive Director in designing and carrying out strategic assessments/plans;
Support staff in carrying out other programs, as assigned (e.g., Sabbatical program, Non-Profit Internship Program, etc.);
Help design and support new initiatives as they are created.
3. Thought Leadership:
A. Play a leadership role in the state, the nonprofit sector, and the field of philanthropy in furthering the mission, core values and strategies of the Foundation, including but not limited to:
i. Convening and organizing other funders to learn and strategize together and better coordinate and/or leverage their resources; and
ii. Initiating and facilitating conversations within and among both grassroots individuals and traditional opinion leaders to develop responses to important issues facing North Carolina;
B. Promote ZSR across North Carolina and nationally as a thought partner and ally on matters that align with ZSR’s mission.
4. Foundation Operations:
A. Work with the Administrative and Program Staff members to manage various grant compliance matters;
B. Work with the Business Manager and Executive Director on various budget, legal and operational matters;
C. Supervise the ZSR Fellows.
5. Communications and Outreach:
A. Communicate the Foundation’s interests to groups and individuals who are engaged in work related to the Foundation’s interests;
B. Work with the Director of Communications and the Executive Director on various communication matters.
How To Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Armstrong McGuire & Associates, based in Raleigh, NC, is conducting this search in partnership with ZSR’s leadership team. To apply, click on the link to the Z. Smith Reynolds Assistant Director position profile at ArmstrongMcGuire.com/apply. You will see instructions for uploading your cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact beth@armstrongmcguire.com.
The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $170,000 based upon the candidate’s level of knowledge, education, skill, and experience. The Foundation provides an exemplary benefits package.
The deadline for applications is April 19, 2021 with final selection scheduled in May 2021.
Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all races, genders, religions, ethnicities, nationalities, and sexual preferences.