Assistant Director, Democracy & Power Innovation Fund

The Rockefeller Family Fund (RFF) is a U.S.-based, family-led public charity that initiates, cultivates, and funds strategic efforts to promote a sustainable, just, free, and participatory society. Since 1967, RFF has worked at the cutting edge of advocacy in such areas as environmental protection, advancing the economic rights of women, and protecting and sustaining democracy. RFF is known for its creative grantmaking, its role as a catalyst in the nonprofit and funding communities, and its record of public policy innovation.

The Democracy & Power Innovation Fund (DPI Fund) is a special project of the Rockefeller Family Fund. DPI is a community of organizing, philanthropic, and research practitioners committed to learning together to build a progressive multiracial democracy in the United States. Through collaborative study, rigorous research, and analysis of program data, DPI supports innovative strategies, programs, and tools to make the work of democracy-building easier, more equitable, and more effective at delivering material change in people’s lives.

This is a hybrid position, with a strong preference for candidates located in NYC. Periodic travel to NYC and Washington, DC, is required.

Position Summary

The Rockefeller Family Fund (RFF) is seeking an Assistant Director to oversee and manage the day-to-day operational and administrative functions of the Democracy & Power Innovation Fund (DPI Fund). Reporting to the RFF Associate Director for Democracy, the DPI Assistant Director will oversee and manage DPI’s development, grantmaking, financial, and operational systems. In addition, this role will provide support to the Associate Director with strategic planning, advisory board and partner relations, communications, staff and administrative management, and coordination with RFF staff and the broader DPI community.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management and Oversight (75%)

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the DPI Fund to ensure coordination and effectiveness across teams, including managing organizational communication flows and information sharing.
• Oversee management of DPI’s grantmaking operations, contracts, and development strategy including working with RFF grants management team and counsel on compliance issues that arise.
• Manage and oversee DPI’s budget and finance operations, including contributions, expenses, and cash flow, working with project staff and RFF finance and grants staff. This includes managing the process to create and distribute monthly financial reports (income and expenses) for the Associate Director and other stakeholders.
• Develop agendas and programming for internal and community meetings and events, draft operational reports, coordinate advisory board and stakeholder communications, and support advisory board meeting preparation.
• Oversee efforts to update DPI’s brand assets to create uniformity and consistency across the program.
• Cultivate relationships with organizing, research, and funding partners to advance DPI’s mission.
• Lead special projects, as needed.
• Work across other RFF program areas to advance institutional goals and collaboration.

Administration (25%)

• Directly supervise the project’s program staff.
• Work with the project’s program staff and RFF’s grants management team to ensure accurate and responsive provision of technical support to grantees on RFF grants management system, proposal and reporting processes.
• Develop and prepare general memos, proposals, grant reports, and presentations for current and prospective funder partners and allies.
• Work with the project’s program staff to manage and execute logistics of DPI-sponsored program convenings, webinars, and both virtual and in-person meetings.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the non-profit or social sector.
• Prior experience with budgeting, grants management, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Strong leadership skills and experience developing, managing, and nurturing cross-functional teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task in a sometimes fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in strategic and systems thinking.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and project management tools.
• Proven ability to work with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for and/or with state-based civic engagement organizations.
• Basic understanding of the compliance requirements of multi-entity organizations.

Expectations of All Positions

• Commit to RFF’s mission and core values of equity, learning, humility, and collaboration.
• Commit to the work to promote social justice and democracy.
• Understand and support the philanthropic mission of the RFF.
• Respect and value those who partner with or request assistance from the RFF.
• Manage the resources of the RFF in a manner that maximizes the funds available for charitable activity.
• Appreciate the value of diversity and equal opportunity in all work relationships.
• Respect the contribution of each employee of the RFF and support colleagues in fulfilling their individual responsibilities.
• Have a demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community of people at work who respect differences while working toward shared goals, are comfortable with periods of ambiguity, and constructively participate in ongoing organizational development.
• Appreciate differences in perspectives and points of view and work collaboratively with colleagues toward shared goals and objectives.
• Commit time to RFF activities and conversations that strengthen the Fund’s culture and improve its effectiveness.
• Be flexible and exhibit good judgment and discretion.

RFF offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Rockefeller Family Fund provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

RFF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, RFF will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Rockefeller Family Fund is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.