Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives

About Us Blue Meridian Partners is a pioneering philanthropic model for finding and funding scalable solutions to the problems that limit economic mobility and trap America’s young people and families in poverty. We know solutions exist, but even the most promising strategies cannot reach far enough, fast enough without significant, long-term investment. We bring an innovative investor mindset backed by a decades-long track record to the pursuit of upward economic mobility for individuals and communities. By pooling resources, our Partners can unlock substantial philanthropic capital and invest effectively and efficiently. Anchored by our tested and continuously improving, performance-based investing approach, Blue Meridian makes strategic, long-term investments across multiple portfolios aimed at boosting economic mobility from cradle to career. We support nationwide and place-based strategies to amplify impact across the country and within specific communities. We identify visionary social sector leaders who address key drivers of poverty and invest the flexible, upfront capital they need to dream bigger and exponentially expand their reach, influence, and impact. We are constantly learning, exploring, and seeking out new collaborations in relentless pursuit of creating lasting impact at scale that can change the life trajectories of millions of young people and families in America. Blue Meridian is staffed by an experienced team of results-focused leaders, and we welcome other mission-driven champions to join us. ‎ Position Profile The Founder and Executive Chair for Blue Meridian Partners is seeking a senior, trusted partner to work closely with across a range of innovation and strategy projects aimed at strengthening the field of philanthropy. These projects include designing and testing new models for aggregating and deploying capital and supporting philanthropists to unlock more resources for economic and social mobility in America — including how technology and AI can accelerate that work. In addition to these field-focused initiatives, the Founder and Executive Chair holds ongoing responsibility for Blue Meridian’s board governance and capital aggregation and remains engaged in select aspects of Blue Meridian's organizational strategy; the Senior Director will support this work as well. The Senior Director is a highly entrepreneurial role for a leader who thrives in a start-up environment — someone who is energized by building from the ground up, moving between vision and execution, and navigating complexity with calm and confidence. You’ll be a strategic thought partner, project driver, and trusted operator that brings ideas to life and ensures that high-potential initiatives move forward with clarity and momentum. While this position is closely connected to Blue Meridian, it is not embedded in the organization’s day-to-day operations. Instead, you’ll work directly with the Executive Chair to advance a portfolio of special initiatives — including efforts to design next-generation capital aggregation vehicles, strengthen philanthropic infrastructure, and enable philanthropists and partners to give collaboratively, confidently, and at scale. ‎ Primary Responsibilities Career Path Classification M2 Position Type Exempt Position Location New York City. Hybrid working arrangement allowed. Primary Responsibilities The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Strategic Leadership & Execution Partner with the Founder, Executive Chair on high-priority projects that explore new ways to unlock, aggregate, and deploy philanthropic capital — conducting research, framing ideas, drafting strategies, and coordinating work across collaborators and funders. Translate early-stage concepts into actionable frameworks, proposals, and roadmaps that move initiatives from vision to execution. Lead or coordinate cross-functional workstreams, ensuring alignment, accountability, and timely follow-through. Prepare materials for key conversations — from concise briefing notes to strategy memos and board-level presentations. Bring curiosity and fluency around technology and AI — helping explore how new tools, data, and platforms can strengthen philanthropic collaboration and capital flow. Operate with high independence and sound judgment, anticipating needs and identifying opportunities to advance the work. Operational and Organizational Support Serve as a central organizing force for a fast-moving and evolving portfolio of projects — managing priorities, tracking decisions, and ensuring momentum. Handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion and integrity. Build lightweight systems that bring order to complexity and ensure smooth coordination across multiple projects and relationships. Move fluidly between strategic and tactical tasks — from advising on content to managing key meetings and follow-up. Relationship Management Serve as a thoughtful and professional liaison to internal and external partners, including philanthropists, board members, and senior leaders. Interact effectively with high-net-worth individuals and other influential stakeholders, exercising exceptional discretion, warmth, and professionalism. Qualifications Required Aligned with Blue Meridian's mission and core values. At least 15 years of professional experience in strategy, philanthropy, consulting, operations, or a related field and a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Proven ability to translate high-level vision into actionable strategies and executable plans. Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with minimal supervision. Strong strategic thinking combined with exceptional execution skills and attention to detail. Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and bring structure to ambiguous or evolving work. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with ability to synthesize complex information and adapt tone for varied audiences. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion. Comfort and ease interacting with senior leaders, board members, and high-net-worth individuals. Demonstrated ability to effectively use AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity and work quality. This includes experience with AI tools for tasks such as research, content generation, data analysis, problem-solving, or workflow automation. Demonstrated understanding of AI capabilities and limitations, including the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs, apply appropriate judgment when using AI assistance, and integrate AI tools effectively within their work processes. Low ego, high emotional intelligence, with humility and professionalism in all interactions. Strong interpersonal skills with a professional and genial demeanor, and the ability to work with people with different backgrounds and experiences. Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn new software quickly. Willing to travel as needed. Preferred Background in innovation, philanthropy, capital markets, impact investing, or social sector strategy desirable. Experience working in start-up or entrepreneurial environments preferred. Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or related field) desirable. At Blue Meridian, we value building a diverse, inclusive workplace. Even if your experience does not fully align with our preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply. Hiring Salary Blue Meridian Partners aims to provide a comprehensive and competitive total compensation package. The hiring salary for this position is $317,000. In addition to the base salary, each member of Blue Meridian is eligible to receive a performance-based variable incentive bonus. Blue Meridian also provides generous benefits, including: Employer contributions to a retirement savings plan Medical, dental and vision coverage with minimal employee contribution Life and disability insurance Paid time off including vacation/personal days, paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and week-long office closures in the summer and winter Internal and external professional development opportunities Home Office set-up allowance Tuition reimbursement Hybrid work arrangement ‎ This position description is a guide to the primary duties and functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and may be revised to meet the changing needs of Blue Meridian Partners at the sole discretion of management. Blue Meridian Partners is committed to equal employment opportunity, without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. These opportunities include all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, including (but not limited to) recruiting, hiring, job assignment, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotion, and termination. Blue Meridian Partners is a pioneering philanthropic model for finding and funding scalable solutions to the problems that limit economic and social mobility for America’s young people and families in poverty. We know solutions exist, but even the most promising strategies cannot reach far enough, fast enough without significant resources. Hence, we bring philanthropists together to pool capital and scale solutions that target drivers of poverty from cradle to career.