Program Director, Peace

Qualifications

• 15-20 years of experience in strategy development, program design and implementation, innovation, and collaboration, including 7–10+ years of senior leadership, supervision, and management experience.
• Strategic, visionary, and process-oriented leader with a track record of designing and implementing complex, innovative, and collaborative initiatives with meaningful impact for communities and institutions.
• Deep expertise in peace, international security, and/or international affairs, including knowledge of relevant research, theory, policy, and practice, with professional experience across at least two sectors (e.g., government, philanthropy, academia, think tanks, or international organizations).
• A grounded understanding of nonprofit and policy environments.
• Humble, curious, and highly collaborative relationship-builder who works effectively across disciplines and stakeholders and demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Leading the design, development, and implementation of the program's grantmaking strategy, overseeing a portfolio that combines long-term field support with exploratory investments in emerging approaches.

Building and leading a small, high-performing team.

Cultivating partnerships across philanthropy, civil society, government, and academia.

Representing the Foundation through convenings, publications, and engagement with leaders across the international peace and security community.

Requirements

The role is time-limited for an initial period of five years with the possibility of extension.

Skills

Strategic, visionary, and process-oriented leadership skills.

Experience in strategy development, program design and implementation, innovation, and collaboration.

Expertise in peace, international security, and/or international affairs.

Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

The MacArthur Foundation offers a generous total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and a comprehensive benefits package to support your life, health, and well-being.

Pay

The annual salary for this role will start at $210,100.

Schedule

The role is hybrid and based in Chicago, Illinois. The ideal candidate must be willing to travel frequently.