Managing Director; SF

Solidago is a nimble and creative philanthropic foundation that supports social justice organizations. “Solidago”, the botanical Latin term for the goldenrod plant, means, “to strengthen and make whole.” Inspired by this widespread and strong-rooted plant, the Foundation seeks non-traditional and creative approaches to deep-rooted social problems that address institutionalized disparities. Since launching its work in 1996, Solidago has promoted justice, equity, sustainability, and enfranchisement for all through its charitable grantmaking.

It has joined with progressive funding partners across the country to support work for fundamental, transformational social change.

Solidago is a 501C3 charitable foundation. Its sister organization, the See Forward Fund, is a C4, with similar goals and programs focused on supporting work on independent political power and progressive governance. See Forward is operated by the Solidago staff, as is the Frances Fund, an endowed private family foundation that supports Solidago.

The primary beneficiaries of support are progressive community-based organizations and networks that represent low-income communities of color. Solidago has helped to build capacity and empower community infrastructure and institutions, while also creating economic development strategies and policies that have helped to reverse the growing gap between wealth and power.

As a progressive philanthropic organization, Solidago has offered a range of support, from general operation support to technical assistance, applied research and leadership development. The organization has played a critically scarce funding role, enabling many grassroots organizations to thrive and have greater impact.

The board has long positioned the organization to sunset after 25 years, so it will spend down its endowment by 2023. Through a recent strategic planning process, the Solidago Board of Directors concluded that, at this critical moment in history, the timing is right to maximize its impact. With this in mind, the organization has narrowed its focus over the next three years on supporting work on civic engagement and representative government.

With two experienced program staff and a small administrative support team, Solidago enters its final three years with a sharp focus and clear intentions. Solidago is led by a small board of directors and has a dedicated staff of six. The organization’s annual budget is $3 million.

Solidago’s new Managing Director will have the unique opportunity to shepherd the final phase of an organization with a national reputation within progressive philanthropy for its longstanding history of funding grassroots organizing and movement building. The Foundation is poised for the right leader to support its programs and its public visibility. The Managing Director will join a highly functional organization with an experienced, astute board and skilled staff.

Led by Board President Linda Stout, the Board of Directors of Solidago expects to realize significant impact over the three years ahead. Through its intensive strategic and financial planning efforts, Solidago is poised for a remarkable closure to its decades of historic accomplishments.

Over the next three years, Solidago Foundation expects to accomplish the following:

This position requires a skilled nonprofit leader who will be both collaborative and directive. Solidago seeks a Managing Director who is experienced as a facilitator, and who brings…