Head of Strategy

Magic Cabinet•San Francisco, CA

4d•$200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Magic Cabinet ("MC") is a philanthropic foundation that seeks to fundamentally redefine how philanthropy and nonprofits partner for sustainable and thriving communities. We’re looking for a Head of Strategy to lead the ongoing development, refinement and implementation of Magic Cabinets’ program initiatives and will be a thought partner to the Director of Philanthropic Solutions. Reporting to Magic Cabinet’s Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Strategy collaborates with the foundation team to transform strategy and systems into amplified impact. Magic Cabinet's Mission Magic Cabinet shifts philanthropy to center community. Magic Cabinet's Vision We believe that nonprofits, community, and philanthropy can help build a just and equitable world by working in solidarity. Magic Cabinet's Values Ongoing Partnership. We engage in deep, collaborative, long-term relationships through multi-year grants, our investments in nonprofits, and support. Equity. We purposefully and actively redistribute power to weigh community voice. Trust. We support authentic and reciprocal relationships amongst nonprofit peers. Flexibility. We are committed to listening and adapting to ever-changing community needs and contexts. Informed Decision Making. We ground ourselves in data and translate research and feedback into innovative practice. Your role as Head of Strategy responsibilities include: The Head of Strategy will lead the ongoing development, refinement and implementation of Magic Cabinets’ program initiatives and will be a thought partner to the Director of Philanthropic Solutions, while also working with the CEO to support activities that hold all leaders in the organization accountable to meeting stated strategic goals. Applying the principles of entrepreneurial philanthropy to solve the challenging hurdles faced by our partners and investors, the Head of Strategy will require collaboration across multiple sectors to design non-traditional solutions that can be scaled and sustained. The Head of Strategy will shape and manage an investment portfolio that leads to scalable impact. In addition, the Head of Strategy will represent Magic Cabinet as an external voice and thought partner to a wide range of organizations and individuals - corporate, philanthropic, political, nonprofit, and others - to ensure the Foundation achieves its internal and external facing objectives. The Head of Strategy will report to Magic Cabinet’s CEO and manage a team of program and philanthropic solutions leaders in multiple locations.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit or community-based organization. Ideal background leading a complex set of programs and services
Management experience gained in a mission-driven or family-owned organization in philanthropy and foundation funding, with knowledge of private foundation activities and compliance preferred
Experience in program development, implementation, and program evaluation to continuously improve program practice and effectiveness
Experience and success at building sustainable and effective partnerships with funders, other nonprofit partners, and community organizations toward common goals and objectives
Experience and success in building long-range plans and associated strategies that position an organization for growth
Demonstrated effectiveness as a team builder, coach, and mentor with an ability to energize and engage staff
Proven business acumen. Solid background in fiscal management, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue generation, and reporting. Fluent understanding of financial management and federal, state, and local compliance practices for nonprofits. An ability to understand financial reports, apply data to assess business effectiveness and efficiency, and make fiscally responsible decisions.
Proficiency with public speaking and presentations and representing the organization in various community settings
Understanding of leading an organization through change and transition
Commitment to equity and inclusion
Understanding of budget development and management, and financial requirements for private foundations
Knowledge of compliance nuances unique to a private foundation
Experience developing innovative projects focused on systemic change
Strong computer and organizational skills
Experience using cloud based project management tools and Google Drive
Experience working independently and with minimal oversight
Able to establish trust, communicate directly and clearly
A passion for racial, social, environmental and economic justice
Experience working with culturally, economically, and racially diverse groups
Comfortable presenting in front of groups, excellent interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills
Strong internet-based research skills

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in a non-English language(s) is a plus

Responsibilities

Ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with Magic Cabinet’s vision, mission, and goals.
Serve as a strategic leader providing the organizational leadership required to establish processes for team input to strategy while driving positive change and ensuring strategic alignment, integration, and execution across programs and departments.
Set the program strategy, together with the executive team and in coordination with the program director to develop programs, grantmaking and grant management strategies and systems that are effective and aligned with the foundation’s vision/mission and ensure that such strategies and systems are implemented well.
Drive and shape our program investment strategy and opportunities for expansion and development in partnership with the Magic Cabinet board and executive leadership.
Attend board meetings as needed and together with the CEO and COO, provide relevant updates and reports on Magic Cabinet’s program and philanthropic solution initiatives. Work in partnership with the CEO to develop plans for new initiatives and areas for impact.
Monitor trends and stakeholder needs to forecast opportunities and inform strategies.
Cultivate innovative idea to uplift organizational strategic goals.
Contribute/participate in data collection, evaluation and learning toward the mission.
With support of the program and philanthropic solutions directors, ensure integration of Magic Cabinet’s programs and philanthropic solutions processes include supporting, coaching, and developing individuals, and providing course-correcting guidance when necessary.
Lead the team in fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture supported by processes that help drive agile, executive decision-making and reinforce accountability for those directly carrying out strategy.
Routinely assess progress on strategic objectives and communicate that progress to the Board of Directors and staff.
Work in partnership with the COO to monitor and evaluate budgets and ensure financial reports are fiscally and administratively sound.
Ensure cross departmental work is aligned, the Magic Cabinet teams have larger vision and strategic framework at the core, ensuring program, philanthropic leadership, executive team and board are aligned around bodies of work.
Design and implement cross-functional operating models that clarify decision, workflows, accountability across Program, Philanthropic Solutions, Operations, and Executive leadership to align and measure impact.
Stand Up & Represent Program in org convenings: peer learning networks, partner initiatives, and sector eventsPartner with Philanthropic Solutions team to advance innovative philanthropic practices (e.g. trust-based philanthropy, participatory decision-making and collaborative funding strategies).
Steward relationships with existing partners and intermediaries ensuring that grantees have the resources, financial and otherwise, they need to succeed in meeting their goals. Ensure strong organizational relationships and cross-organizational/ cross-movement collaborative approaches are nurtured and/or deepened.
Support relationship development efforts with movement partners and other key stakeholders. Develop and support strategic partnerships to drive innovation, and impact.
Serve as a leader driving and collaborating on national strategies with a wide range of leaders spanning corporate, government and non-profit sectors.
Partner with the Director of Philanthropic Solutions to share the narrative and impact of Magic Cabinet programs with the philanthropic and other supporters. Participate in funding meetings as the organization’s leading program expert.
Represent the Foundation in the community at large; at public and private events, grantee events, public hearings, panels, and various other engagements.
Collaborate with the leadership team on key issues including equity, trustee support, overall well-being of the team, and health of the organization.
Support communications efforts to advance our work and share our learnings internally and externally (including the bi-weekly, grantee communications, etc.).
Serve as a thought partner and support the CEO.