Director of Public Policy and Networks

 

THIS IS US! 

Maryland Philanthropy Network (MPN) is a statewide nonprofit philanthropy infrastructure organization. Our members are private and community foundations, corporations, donor advised funds, giving circles, public charities and grantmaking intermediaries. MPN’s mission is to build and activate a diverse, informed, and effective network of philanthropists to inspire transformational impact throughout Maryland. 
 
MPN works to engage and elevate philanthropy in Maryland as an integral force in tackling the region’s most pressing challenges. We do this through collaboration and partnership between MPN members, government, business, and nonprofit decision-makers. We function as a catalyst for those partnerships by supporting leadership in the philanthropic community; cultivating a new generation of trustees, donors, and professional staff; engaging a diverse network of partners with philanthropy; and encouraging accessible, efficient, and ethical philanthropic grantmaking practice. As a membership network, our priority is to support the philanthropic aspirations of our members through peer networking, high quality training and education, exposure to new funding opportunities, and technical assistance. Now more than ever, our value is in creating space for relationships to develop and innovation to flourish using an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens in all we do. 

For more information, please visit - www.Marylandphilanthropy.org 

The Position:

The position is responsible for directing member engagement and learning opportunities through member groups; providing specific expertise in the areas of advocacy, public policy, and government relations; and facilitation/coordination of public-private partnerships. The Director manages and directs all public policy and public-private partnerships along with associated staff and consultants. In partnership with the program team, the director is also responsible for coordinating all learning and action activities facilitated by MPN member groups. They will work alongside and report to the Vice President for Programs and Engagement as a key member of the team, playing a critical leadership role in developing organization-wide strategy and goals. 

Responsibilities :

The following responsibilities are based on current practices and programs of Maryland Philanthropy Network. The position can change as we grow and learn, requiring flexibility and personal leadership.  

Advocacy and Public Policy Engagement  

The position leads, with members and staff, strategic convening to deepen member understanding and opportunities for advocacy-focused strategies on critical issues in our region. Responsibilities include:  

• Support members’ growth and capacity to engage in public policy and advocacy. 

• Cultivate strategic, policy-oriented opportunities for current and prospective members and leaders in the broader community to engage in public policy that will positively impact the communities they serve.  

• Maintain a working knowledge of public policy toolkits and recommendations for philanthropy and collaborate with program team to incorporate them into programming as appropriate. 

• Support MPN’s involvement in national and state policy advocacy for the social sector. 

• Represent and elevate the work of MPN to policy makers, government agencies, and other advocacy partners. 

• Provide experienced-based knowledge in support of member developed advocacy and policy efforts in partnership with funder group leaders.  

• Build and maintain relationships with federal, state, and city policy makers, community, and nonprofit leaders.  

• Engage with Maryland Nonprofits Policy Committee and participate in the United Philanthropy Forum’s and Independent Sector policy peer groups. 

• Develop and publish regular member public policy updates and calls to action. 

• Serve as the staff liaison to the Board of Director’s Public Policy Committee.  

Networks 

• Facilitate learning communities within group structures by monitoring and facilitating group listservs, reaching out to members periodically for feedback and ideas, and responding to member requests. 

• Collaborate with group leaders to develop annual goals and program planning, co-design programming, and collaborate across groups on shared interests. 

• Assist group leaders with the planning and implementation of meetings and programs including scheduling, logistics, interfacing with speakers and public sector partners, communications, and follow-up. 

• Nurturing collective action or collaboration among group members and other stakeholders. 

• Act as a general information liaison between MPN and others, maintaining a general knowledge of the organizational calendar, meetings, and programs. 

• Identify promising programs and national funding initiatives to bring to the attention of local funders. 

• Represent MPN at programs, meetings, and events, as needed. 

Operations 

• The position works collegially with all staff to ensure the smooth operation of the organization. Responsibilities include:   

• Playing a critical role in developing organization-wide strategy and goals. 

• Leading and coordinating with team, fundraising efforts in support of strategic programming and convening. 

• Participating in regularly scheduled staff meetings and other organizational planning efforts. 

IS THIS YOU? 

• Minimum of a BA, ideally with a master’s level degree. 

• Minimum five years of professional experience, preferably involving one or more of the following: public policy; group coordination and facilitation; nonprofit or philanthropic organizations.  

• Commitment to individual and organization goals  

• Successful in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. 

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. 

• A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment. 

• Understand and value racial equity as an organizational operating principle. 

• Committed to continued learning and self-reflection on issues related to racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

• Comfortable in a fluid work environment with limited hierarchy requiring good judgment and decision-making ability. 

• Content knowledge in one or more MPN affinity group topics.  

• Ability to prioritize, communicate and set boundaries in support of meeting deadlines. 

• Work with a high degree of independence, flexibility, and minimum supervision. 

Work Environment:

MPN offers a hybrid work environment. The Director will work in-person for the onboarding and initial integration period. A remote work schedule will be negotiated once the position is filled. 

Compensation:

Salary range is from $90,000 to $100,000 annually. Comprehensive benefits include healthcare with vision, dental, retirement, flexible work schedule, and other benefits.