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, grantmaking and 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 Education and Student Success ("Director") to lead the Foundation's grantmaking and beyond-grantmaking activities to strengthen student experiences, educator support, and collaborative efforts to address inequities and set all Rhode Islanders up for educational success, 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 and advances the goals and focus areas articulated in the Education and Student Success community priority area within the Action Plan. This includes collaborating with the GCI team to determine the allocation of funds to support organizations and initiatives that are most likely to advance goals within and across all community priorities. In coordination with senior leadership, the Director is expected to provide substantive leadership in the community that contributes to advancing goals for the Education & Student Success community priority.

Essential functions include maintaining a high level of visibility and leadership, assessing opportunities and challenges related to the Education and Student Success community priority, and managing local, state, and national partnerships that advance grantmaking and beyond-grant making efforts focused on support for an equitable public education system that prepares all students to succeed. 

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.