POSITION AVAILABLE:
DIRECTOR, US PROGRAMS
OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS
January 2012

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, the Foundations build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSF’s grant-making and operational activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Each foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities. In the United States, the Foundations rely on the Board of the U.S. Programs to set the U.S. strategy of the Foundations and to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the programs.

The Open Society Foundations seek a Director of U.S. Programs. For the past decade and a half, the Foundations have conducted a broad range of grant-making and fellowship programs in the United States addressing such issues as civil liberties, criminal justice, drug policy, racial and social equality, electoral reform, immigration fairness, and promoting rational and informed public discourse. Based in OSF’s New York City offices, the Director of U.S. Programs plays a leading role in developing the strategies of the U.S. Programs in collaboration with the Board of the U.S. Programs and the President of the Open Society Foundations. The Director of U.S. Programs is responsible for implementing these strategies as well as for the quality and effectiveness of the programs.

The Director develops and manages a capable, collegial and talented staff, currently numbering more than 60. The Director of U.S. Programs serves as a spokesperson for the Open Society Foundations, articulating the values and mission of the Foundations in dealing with grantees, other funders, academic audiences, journalists and a wider public. The Director also collaborates with OSF colleagues working globally and in countries outside the United States to assure that all activities across the Foundations are well aligned with open society values and the overall priorities of the Foundations. She/he reports to the President of the Open Society Foundations and is accountable to the President and the Board of the U.S. Programs for the quality, effectiveness, and integrity of the programs.

To direct its U.S. Programs, the Foundations seek an experienced manager, organizational leader, and strategic thinker with a deep understanding of public policy development in the United States and a personal commitment to open society values. Candidates should have at least ten years of experience in responsible positions in non-profit organizations, foundations, government or academic institutions. Candidates should have a demonstrated capacity to manage a complex, diverse organization that works in creative partnerships. Candidates should have demonstrated an ability to take and manage risk, communicate effectively in multiple media, coach members of a professional staff, and work successfully as part of a leadership team in both routine and highly pressured contexts. Proficiency in one or more languages spoken in the United States in addition to English is a plus; the ability to travel frequently within the United States and occasionally internationally is essential.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package

Start: Spring 2012

To Apply:
Qualified candidates should send a CV, a two or three page cover letter describing your interests and experience, and one writing sample such as an article, op-ed, or detailed memorandum on a public policy issue with which OSF is concerned, no later than February 13, 2012 to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: USP/DIR

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code USP/DIR
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.