About the position
The Director, Strategy, Planning and Management, and Chief of Staff, People Team, (DSPM/CoS) supports the Chief People Officer (CPO) in leading a high-impact, inclusive, and globally connected People function. This role leads and shapes strategy development and refinement, sets business rhythms, advances leadership priorities, strengthens internal and external engagement, and supports the CPO’s leadership of the function and participation in foundation-wide efforts. You will also oversee high-impact, cross-foundation initiatives—such as Partnerships for Impact (P4I)—that supports how we work with partners to achieve enduring outcomes. The ideal candidate thrives in both ambiguity and complexity, skillfully moving initiatives from concept to execution, and adapting implementation as needed. The DSPM/CoS develops a team and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the People Team’s work is integrated, effective, and aligned with the foundation’s mission and values. The DSPM CoS will also regularly represent the CPO and the People function’s perspective on complex issues in cross-foundation forums.
Responsibilities
- Provide critical support and counsel to the CPO across a range of issues including meetings, events, trips, strategy, and grant/contract reviews.
- Ensure the CPO voice is used internally and externally to align collaborators and support the achievement of division goals and impact.
- Oversee preparation, follow-up, and strategic framing for the CPO’s engagements.
- Represent the CPO and the People Team in cross-foundation efforts, forums, and external engagements.
- Translate CPO and division priorities and direction into an actionable plan to enhance effectiveness and track progress against goals.
- Lead strategy development and refinement, including scenario planning, investment incubation, and KPI tracking.
- Design and manage systems for setting, tracking, and communicating strategic and operational KPIs.
- Lead business planning and key processes to ensure efficient and aligned operations.
- Develop and lead a team to support delivery of high-visibility, complex team initiatives through project management.
- Strengthen communication channels to ensure alignment and shared understanding of strategy, priorities, milestones, and updates.
Requirements
- Advanced degree with 15+ years of experience, or equivalent experience.
- 15+ years of experience in roles of expanding scope, responsibility, and demonstrable results.
- Demonstrated success in planning, business operations, and performance management in complex, global environments.
- Track record of inclusive people management and talent development.
- Excellent people leadership skills with demonstrated experience in coaching and developing talent.
- Ability to foster equitable and inclusive practices to create a work environment where everyone can do their best work.
- Skilled at navigating confidential and politically sensitive matters with diplomacy, sound judgment, and discretion.
- Shown ability to influence and build coalitions without formal authority.
- Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic, and operational situations.
- Expertise in leading pivotal initiatives, cross-functional projects, and change management efforts.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working in Africa, Asia, or global contexts highly preferred.
- Experience supporting or leading within People, Human Resources, Talent, or DEI function.
- Foundation knowledge and experience preferred with previous roles in strategy, planning & management (SPM) experience.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.
- Generous paid time off.
- Paid family leave.
- Foundation-paid retirement contribution.
- Regional holidays.
- Opportunities to engage in several employee communities.
