Director, Peace

MacArthur Foundation • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The MacArthur Foundation is seeking an impactful and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Director of Peace, a new field support program to advance international peace and security at a critical moment for global stability and democracy. Building on more than three decades of grantmaking in peace, international security, and nuclear security, this is a unique opportunity to shape the Foundation's next chapter of work in the field. The program will support both established and emerging organizations while investing in the institutions, leaders, networks, and knowledge that underpin a more peaceful world, alongside exploring innovative ideas to strengthen the future of international peace and security.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Programs, the Director will lead 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. They will build and lead a small, high-performing team, cultivate partnerships across philanthropy, civil society, government, and academia, and represent the Foundation through convenings, publications, and engagement with leaders across the international peace and security community.

This role is time-limited for an initial period of 5 years with the possibility of extension.

Requirements

• 15-20 years of experience in strategy development, program design and implementation, innovation, and collaboration.
• 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.
• Professional experience across at least two sectors (e.g., government, philanthropy, academia, think tanks, or international organizations).
• Grounded understanding of nonprofit and policy environments.
• Humble, curious, and highly collaborative relationship-builder who works effectively across disciplines and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of the program's grantmaking strategy.
• Oversee a portfolio that combines long-term field support with exploratory investments in emerging approaches.
• Build and lead a small, high-performing team.
• Cultivate partnerships across philanthropy, civil society, government, and academia.
• Represent the Foundation through convenings, publications, and engagement with leaders across the international peace and security community.

Benefits

• Generous total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and a comprehensive benefits package to support your life, health, and well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed