Program Director, Gender Equality (International)

Ford Foundation • New York, NY

1d • $269,000 - $280,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Ford Foundation seeks a Program Director to lead and oversee its international Gender Equality work and team. Grounded in the Foundation’s commitment to social justice and gender rights, the Director works with Program Officers worldwide to advance gender and sexuality rights across multiple regions. The role provides strategic direction and manages a globally distributed team of Program Officers. The Director reports to senior foundation leadership and represents the Foundation externally on gender justice, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence prevention. The position is fixed-term for an initial three years, with the possibility of renewal up to eight years total. It may be based in Bogota, Jakarta, Johannesburg, Lagos, Mexico City, Nairobi, New Delhi, New York City, or Rio de Janeiro. The role is hybrid, with domestic and international travel expected up to 50%.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant experience advancing gender and sexuality rights, combining policy analysis and implementation experience, with an emphasis on the Global South.
• Exceptional leadership presence and recognition as a leader in the gender field, with extensive engagement with Global South networks.
• Ability to analyze how power and identity intersect globally and a track record of ensuring people most affected by inequality help shape solutions.
• Ability to lead, partner, and build with donors and civil society, with systems-thinking skills and a record of successful collaborations.
• Intellectual agility and ability to analyze evidence, think critically, and understand data relevant to programmatic funding areas.
• Demonstrated people and team management skills, including building, leading, and coaching a globally distributed workforce.
• Strong administrative and fiscal management skills, including budget management experience.
• Strong communication skills, including active listening, constructive verbal and written communication, and public presentation skills in English.
• A graduate-level degree in a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Legally authorized to work in the country or countries where seeking employment; the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in a second language relevant to the regions where Ford works.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee grantmaking strategy and the annual budget for international Gender Equality work across global and regional programs.
• Build, mentor, and manage a geographically dispersed global team of Program Officers, fostering shared learning, an enterprise mindset, and performance delivery.
• Develop strategic partnerships with multilateral institutions, scholars, practitioners, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and donor networks.
• Develop and execute evidence-based funding strategies, using empirical data to guide investments and treating setbacks as learning opportunities.
• Represent and serve as a spokesperson for the Foundation in intergovernmental fora, public discussions, and international initiatives concerning gender justice, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence prevention.
• Guide Program Officers in aligning grantmaking with strategy, applying grantmaking benchmarks and best practices, and reviewing and approving relevant grants.
• Coordinate with colleagues working on domestic gender equality issues in the United States to support cross-learning and institutional alignment.
• Present strategy, progress, and insights to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Lead with transparency, accountability, and respect while cultivating a healthy, high-performing team environment.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies.
• Professional development and opportunities to build expertise and expand networks.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on the first day.
• Personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday, and wellness days.
• Parental leave covering birth, surrogacy, adoptive, and foster parents.
• Backup child and elder care resources.
• Retirement benefits with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%.
• A culture committed to respect, access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Director