Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives

Blue Meridian Partners • New York, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Blue Meridian Partners is a pioneering philanthropic model focused on finding and funding scalable solutions to problems that limit economic mobility and trap individuals and families in poverty. They employ an innovative investor mindset and a performance-based approach to make strategic, long-term investments aimed at boosting economic mobility. The organization supports nationwide and place-based strategies and invests in visionary social sector leaders to expand their reach and impact. Blue Meridian is staffed by experienced, results-focused leaders and seeks mission-driven individuals to join their team.

The Founder and Executive Chair is seeking a senior partner to collaborate on innovation and strategy projects focused on strengthening philanthropy. This includes designing new models for capital aggregation and deployment, supporting philanthropists in unlocking resources for economic and social mobility, and exploring the role of technology and AI. The Senior Director will also support the Executive Chair's responsibilities in board governance and capital aggregation, as well as organizational strategy. This is a highly entrepreneurial role for a leader who thrives in a start-up environment, is energized by building from the ground up, can bridge vision and execution, and navigates complexity with calm and confidence. The role requires a strategic thought partner, project driver, and trusted operator who can bring ideas to life and ensure initiatives move forward with clarity and momentum. While closely connected to Blue Meridian, this position is not embedded in daily operations. The Senior Director will work directly with the Executive Chair to advance special initiatives, including next-generation capital aggregation vehicles, philanthropic infrastructure, and collaborative giving at scale.

Requirements

• Aligned with Blue Meridian's mission and core values.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in strategy, philanthropy, consulting, operations, or a related field and a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to translate high-level vision into actionable strategies and executable plans.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with exceptional execution skills and attention to detail.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and bring structure to ambiguous or evolving work.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with ability to synthesize complex information and adapt tone for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with sound judgment and discretion.
• Comfort and ease interacting with senior leaders, board members, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity and work quality. This includes experience with AI tools for tasks such as research, content generation, data analysis, problem-solving, or workflow automation.
• Demonstrated understanding of AI capabilities and limitations, including the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs, apply appropriate judgment when using AI assistance, and integrate AI tools effectively within their work processes.
• Low ego, high emotional intelligence, with humility and professionalism in all interactions.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a professional and genial demeanor, and the ability to work with people with different backgrounds and experiences.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn new software quickly.
• Willing to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Background in innovation, philanthropy, capital markets, impact investing, or social sector strategy desirable.
• Experience working in start-up or entrepreneurial environments preferred.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or related field) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Founder, Executive Chair on high-priority projects that explore new ways to unlock, aggregate, and deploy philanthropic capital — conducting research, framing ideas, drafting strategies, and coordinating work across collaborators and funders.
• Translate early-stage concepts into actionable frameworks, proposals, and roadmaps that move initiatives from vision to execution.
• Lead or coordinate cross-functional workstreams, ensuring alignment, accountability, and timely follow-through.
• Prepare materials for key conversations — from concise briefing notes to strategy memos and board-level presentations.
• Bring curiosity and fluency around technology and AI — helping explore how new tools, data, and platforms can strengthen philanthropic collaboration and capital flow.
• Operate with high independence and sound judgment, anticipating needs and identifying opportunities to advance the work.
• Serve as a central organizing force for a fast-moving and evolving portfolio of projects — managing priorities, tracking decisions, and ensuring momentum.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion and integrity.
• Build lightweight systems that bring order to complexity and ensure smooth coordination across multiple projects and relationships.
• Move fluidly between strategic and tactical tasks — from advising on content to managing key meetings and follow-up.
• Serve as a thoughtful and professional liaison to internal and external partners, including philanthropists, board members, and senior leaders.
• Interact effectively with high-net-worth individuals and other influential stakeholders, exercising exceptional discretion, warmth, and professionalism.

Benefits

• Employer contributions to a retirement savings plan
• Medical, dental and vision coverage with minimal employee contribution
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off including vacation/personal days, paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and week-long office closures in the summer and winter
• Internal and external professional development opportunities
• Home Office set-up allowance
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior