Director - Programs

Description

Summary: This Director of Programs role involves leading time-bound initiatives to promote democratic governance, requiring strong field experience and accountability for outcomes and team management. Highlights: 1. Lead initiatives to promote and safeguard inclusive democratic governance 2. Oversee and manage program teams, including external partners 3. Represent the organization externally and grow strategic networks Director \- Programs. Rio de Janeiro. Posting Date: 03/18/2026\. Deadline: 04/02/2026 Role Title: Director, Programs Contract Type: Regular (8 year Opportunity) Reporting To: LAC Managing Director, Programs Program: Programs Location: Rio de Janeiro, Bogota, Mexico City Team Name: Democratic Openings in Latin America and Caribbean Opportunity description This work will focus on promoting and safeguarding inclusive democratic governance in Latin America and the Caribbean. The effort will identify, develop, and support regional and national efforts to advance democracy. Role Purpose Directors are highly accomplished, well\-networked in their field, and bring deep experience in their geographic and/or thematic area of specialty. Director of Programs oversee individual Opportunities, these are timebound programs designed to solve complex problems central to our strategic direction, for their duration and are accountable for delivering on its outcomes as well as for the management of their teams at the highest level of professionalism. Key Responsibilities As Director of Programs, you will:* Accountable for articulating a creative and exciting opening to make impact in the world into a workable project plan for implementation according to established criteria * Evaluate an Opportunity based on established metrics for MEL and ability to pivot to ensure the required outcomes are being achieved * Ensure appropriate financial, risk, and legal management and control are articulated during the planning and implementation phase, and work with all relevant stakeholders to develop mitigation plans * Oversee and manage the Opportunity team, including external partners * Engage with embedded staff from other OSF teams in close cooperation with senior leaders * Articulate budgetary and workforce needs for an Opportunity leveraging internal and external resources, as required * Monitor and regularly report on the progress of an Opportunity to the Managing Director of Programs and other senior OSF leaders * Leverage OSF’s work globally and employing the strategic capabilities of impact investment, strategic litigation, and advocacy to the Opportunity * Represent the given Opportunity and organization externally at all levels, and grow a network accordingly that includes actors beyond the social sector into national and local governments, multilateral organizations, faith\-based groups, grass\-roots organizations, philanthropy, local experts, academia and think tanks, etc. to advance the Opportunity. Depending on the Opportunity this might include developing strong relationships with other funders and bringing them as partners into the Opportunity * Travel is required. Travel frequency depends on the role requirements. People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs Yes Key internal relationships Program Teams; Managing Director Programs; Managing Director Core Partner (\+ teams); Grants Management; Advocacy; SEDF; Comms; Strategic Litigation; Operations; OGC \& Risk Key external relationships External partners, public and private sector leaders The ideal candidate* Prior experience in leading social change and system\- change work in civil society, government, multilateral institutions, and/or the private sector that has resulted in positive societal impact * Extensive expertise in the specific topic area as set out in the “Opportunity Description” above * Prior financial ($20m\+), legal and risk accountability at large\-scale programmatic level * Network across the social sector in national and local governments, multilateral organizations, faith\-based groups, grass\-roots organizations, philanthropy, local experts, academia, and think tanks * Proven people management experience (of individual contributors and external partners) * Prior experience leading programmatic or organizational level change within organizations and/or systems that have gone through significant transformation * Experience in multiple sectors and knowledge of philanthropic tools such as advocacy and communication, strategic litigation, and social impact approaches * Ability to design and plan complex programs/opportunities involving cross collaboration and articulating the time, budget, stakeholder and success measures * Skilled in building strategic external partnerships that promote OSF’s interests and align to its strategic objectives * Able to nurture relationships with external partners whilst exercising considerable discretion * Skilled in drafting and managing a proposal development process * Knowledge of grant making best practices and the field of philanthropy * Ability to build synergies, strengthen movements, and identify and fill capacity gaps across fields * Demonstrate care and concern about partner organizations and the people who work in them Languages:* Fluency in English and Spanish * Proficiency in Portuguese is an asset What we offer* Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts. * Excellent benefits and perks to promote well\-being and a healthy work\-life balance, including: * Generous time off and flexible work arrangements * Employer\-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required). * Exceptional retirement savings plan (non\-contributory for employees) and life insurance. * Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more. * A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact. Who we are Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time\-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems. Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take. Additional information Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. *Competitive rates of pay apply.**Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.**We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.*