The Rhode Island Foundation is our state’s only community foundation, mobilizing generosity and motivating change throughout the Ocean State. By partnering with generous and visionary donors since 1916, the Foundation aligns its fundraising, community investment, convening, advocacy, and capacity building efforts to address Rhode Island’s most pressing issues and the needs of diverse communities. The Foundation is a dynamic, fast-paced workplace. Its dedicated employees are committed to creating meaningful progress in Rhode Island.  

The Foundation is currently seeking a full-time Director of Climate Action & Sustainability ("Director") to lead the Foundation's grantmaking and beyond-grantmaking activities to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and develop real resilience as identified in our Five-Year Action Plan (“Action Plan”). This position works closely with and receives direction from the Vice President of Grants and Community Investments (GCI) and the Foundation’s Office of the President.

The Director is responsible for developing and maintaining a portfolio of grant investments that reflects the goals and focus areas articulated in the Climate Action & Sustainability community priority area within the Action Plan. This includes collaborating with the GCI team to determine allocation of funds to support organizations and applications most likely to advance goals within and across all community priorities and diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. In coordination with senior leadership, the Director is expected to provide substantive leadership in the community that contributes to advancing goals for the Climate Action & Sustainability community priority.

The ideal candidate will serve as primary liaison internally and externally for the Climate Action & Sustainability community priority, and identify key partners and significant strengths, challenges, and opportunities related to the Foundation’s mission and the community priority. Essential functions include maintaining a high level of visibility and leadership, developing subject matter expertise to assess priorities, opportunities and threats, as well as managing local, state, and national partnerships and relationships that advance beyond-grant making efforts focused on climate action and sustainability. 

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably with relevant content and grantmaking experience are requirements for this position. While an advanced degree is preferred, experience in managing a nonprofit organization or other related nonprofit experience may be substituted for an advanced degree. The creative and highly motivated candidate will have the ability to build and steward relationships, with strong professional judgment and decision-making skills, while valuing diversity and input. A prospective candidate will also demonstrate exceptionally strong verbal and written communication, outstanding attention to detail, flexibility and adaptability, and embrace a collaborative work culture that provides high-quality customer service, both internally and externally. 

The Rhode Island Foundation encourages a diverse work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We offer excellent benefits and a salary range of $90,000 to $120,000 for this position.

To apply, please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@rifoundation.org.