The Synergos Institute – Managing Director, Global Philanthropists Circle

 

ABOUT SYNERGOS

 

Synergos is a global non-profit organization solving complex issues and deeply entrenched societal problems around the world by advancing Bridging Leadership, a style of leadership which builds trust and collective action. Our experience over the last 35 years in more than 30 countries tells us that collaboration, shared vision, and deeper understanding releases more and better solutions.

Today we help create enabling environments across sectors so that communities can better address the most urgent challenges of our time: poverty, social injustice, and climate change.   Our work has employed our Bridging Leadership methodology in a variety of areas:  child safety and education in Bangladesh, leadership development in Ethiopia, agricultural development in Nigeria, youth entrepreneurship in MENA, maternal health in Namibia, small town regeneration in South Africa, non-profit capacity building in Brazil and more.

In addition to our program work, we manage a global network for leading philanthropic individuals and families called The Global Philanthropists Circle (GPC). Members of the GPC use Bridging Leadership approaches to collaborate with and learn from their peers through a rich program of learning events and by participating in Collaborative Communities.  Members share Synergos’ commitment to create a more just, equitable, peaceful and regenerative world.  Leading with inner work, we nurture a deep trust among our members and cultivate a brave space to share challenges and shift perspectives as the role of philanthropy continues to transform.

 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

 

Synergos is seeking an experienced Managing Director, Global Philanthropists Circle to lead our network of philanthropists, a critical and growing arm of our organization. This position is a full-time role reporting to the CEO and is a key member of the leadership team. The Managing Director will manage the Global Philanthropists Circle, a global network with members from 30 countries that supports values-driven philanthropists and social investors to better address systemic causes of poverty and inequity. They will oversee and supervise a global team with functions including planning, project management, budgeting and financial management, staffing, mentoring, resourcing, marketing and evaluation.  The Managing Director will have oversight over relationship management as well as membership initiatives including learning journeys, member meetings, collective action initiatives, and other programs with a goal of attract new members and retain current members

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Strategy and Operations 

  • Lead a process to clarify the value proposition, future strategic direction and sustainable business model of our work with philanthropists.
  • Implement the strategic direction for Philanthropy at Synergos ensuring adequate systems, staffing, and resources are in place to successfully deliver on its ambitious mission and goals. 

Program and Business Development 

  • Working with the Philanthropy team and other Synergos departments, design and execute a strong offering of products, programs, and services, including but not limited to membership networks, collective action initiatives, and advisory service for members that enhance their impact in line with Synergos’ mission, and drives continued/deeper engagement with Synergos over time. 
  • Design and execute a successful business development and resource mobilization strategy, in collaboration with other members of the Synergos leadership team, for the global philanthropy program at Synergos, aligning to Synergos’ overall goals and mission (inclusive of cultivating new members; identifying and forging strategic partnerships; developing strategies for growth and diversification of income streams; etc.) Through membership fees and grants, operate the GPC to provide Synergos with additional unrestricted income to support its other programs and offerings.
  • Leading with humility, serve as a resource on philanthropy and international development trends for members and for other Synergos stakeholders, including the Synergos board.

Team Management 

  • Align the global Philanthropy team around a shared vision, strategy, and workplan, taking into account the diverse contexts and markets in which staff members work. 
  • Assure capture of data on CRM and drive accountability,  evaluation and assessment measures and systems to capture the impact of the Philanthropy at Synergos.
  • Support global team members to achieve portfolio- and market-specific goals through mentorship, team workshops, and/or additional capacity. 
  • Manage departmental budget and ensure responsible use of resources within the team.
  • Serve as a member of the Synergos Leadership Team, providing guidance and leadership in the overall development of Synergos. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 15 years of management experience, with a successful track record of managing and mentoring a global team, as well as executing strategic plans rooted in innovation, impact, and inclusivity. 
  • Exceptional capacity for empathetic listening and authentic relationship building with and across diverse sets of stakeholders. Ability to build trust-based, generative relationships with team members, (U)HNW families, donors, and investors.
  • Significant experience in building, managing, and facilitating action-oriented networks, ideally across public, private, nonprofit sectors and across global geographies. 
  • Exceptional ability to manage and execute complex projects, as evidenced by strong experience in project planning and management, budgeting, and financial management.
  • A nuanced understanding and lived experience of the current opportunities and challenges in global philanthropy and social investment.
  • Experienced communicator and inclusive facilitator. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Fluency in one or more languages in addition to English and experience living and working in more than one country preferable.
  • Familiarity with organizing, community/network building, and inclusive facilitation methodologies. 
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 30%)

 

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree required

TRAVEL: International travel expected (but not guaranteed) up to 30%

COMPENSATION RANGE: $160-180K plus benefits depending on experience

LOCATION: In-person in Manhattan 2-3 days flexible.

 

Synergos offers outstanding benefits that include health, dental, vision and life insurances, short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program, 403(b), generous vacation, personal sick leave, parental/adoption leave, commuter benefits, community service day, and much more.

Synergos is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.  We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex (including gender identity, nonconformity, presentation or expression), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic made unlawful to consider by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Synergos is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.

We’re driven by purpose.  We’re a values-driven organization focused on improving lives around the world. Join us!