Director of Programs

The mission of the Conrad Prebys Foundation is to create an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans.

The Foundation advances excellence and shared opportunity through investments in groundbreaking institutions, ideas, and people so that in San Diego more people are financially secure, healthy and empowered, communities are more uplifted and connected, and the institutions and systems that serve the region can offer equitable access to opportunity. The Foundation invests in four program areas: visual and performing arts, medical research, healthcare, and youth success, and also pays attention to the impact of its work on climate, the region’s character as a border region and advancing a shared vision for San Diego.

The Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County, with $1+B in assets. The Foundation gave $94 million in grants from 2020 – 2022. Over the next two years, the Foundation expects to grant a similar amount and pilot mission-driven impact investments of another $100 million over the next decade.

The Foundation is at a pivotal and exciting point in its evolution and has launched a new impact strategy. The strategy is designed as a three-year learning plan, during which time the Foundation will deepen its relationships in, and understanding of, community across its four program areas and clarify its role and approach to impact. The Foundation’s approach will therefore place a priority on learning and adaptation over the next three years. The Foundation will co‐create grants with partners in the community that align with the Foundation’s issue area goals. This will entail an ongoing grantmaking process rather than set grant cycles. The Foundation will use many different grantmaking tools as appropriate, including open applications, requests for proposals, invitation‐only processes, and community-led grantmaking.

The Foundation currently has a staff of 12, and, as it leans heavily into following the wisdom and expertise within San Diego communities, expects to grow to approximately 22 individuals by December. The organization is expanding its team to engage with the community based on the belief that the best grantmaking emerges from close partnerships and a commitment to shared learning. A robust and grounded team will make those partnerships thrive.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Conrad Prebys Foundation in San Diego, CA is seeking an experienced, equity-driven and collaborative philanthropic leader to serve as its inaugural DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS. The ideal candidate is a strategic, entrepreneurial and highly relational philanthropic leader with direct experience and a deep commitment to addressing issues of equity and opportunity within San Diego’s diverse communities. The Director should have substantive senior-leadership experience in a comparable role, prior philanthropic and community experience, an outstanding track record as an empowering team manager during periods of dynamic growth, and knowledge and passion gained through lived experience and/or work with communities served by the Foundation. Previous experience working in philanthropy and the social sector is preferred. The salary range for the position is $185,000 to $206,000. Excellent benefits included. The position is located in San Diego; the option to be based elsewhere is not available.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for the position is $185,000 to $206,000. Excellent benefits included.