Program Director, Samueli Foundation

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Program Director, Samueli Foundation

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OC Sports & Entertainment

A great experience starts with you! Join our team to help create and develop the future of live entertainment and sports in Orange County!

Mission

To enrich the lives in our community through shared experiences, welcoming spaces, and responsible actions.

Vision

We will be the social and entertainment center of Orange County – a place where the cultural kaleidoscope of the region converges and connects. Our vibrant, rich collection of experiences will celebrate the diversity of our community.

Values

Be Safe | Do the Right Thing | Be Generous | Include Everyone | Make it Easy | Be Bold

Job Title

Program Director, Samueli Foundation

Pay Details

The annual base salary range for this position in California is $170,000 to $200,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education / training, internal value, peer equity, external market demands, and organizational considerations.

About The Samueli Foundation

The Samueli Foundation, a private family foundation, has recently achieved significant milestones, including an accelerated rate of giving and an ambition to further accelerate, team growth under new leadership, and the establishment of a new mission, vision, and values to guide its grantmaking and organizational culture.

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Program Director will help lead the Foundation’s Orange County grantmaking portfolio, overseeing the investment of several million dollars annually across two to three priority and two to three emerging focus areas.

Key Responsibilities

Grantmaking Oversight

In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, oversee part of the Foundation’s Orange County grant portfolio, managing multimillion-dollar investments across several priority and emerging focus areas.

Lead the development of new philanthropic investments by researching community needs, sourcing high-potential opportunities, and conducting due diligence on prospective partners and initiatives.

Design and implement strategic grantmaking approaches that align with the Foundation’s mission, values, and goals, ensuring resources are deployed where they can achieve the greatest impact.

Work across teams—including Grants Management, Finance, and Communications—to ensure efficient, transparent, and compliant grant processes.

Write and refine proposals, investment strategies, and recommendations for Foundation leadership and the Board.

Monitor and evaluate grantee progress, analyzing data and lessons learned to inform future strategy and strengthen the Foundation’s role as a learning organization.

Develop clear reports and presentations that communicate portfolio outcomes, insights, and trends for internal and external audiences.

Apply curiosity and creativity to test new approaches and continuously improve how the Foundation learns from its work and adapts to community needs.

Collaborate with peers across Foundation portfolios to identify opportunities for cross-sector learning and integrated grantmaking efforts.

Maintain trust-based relationships with grantees and partners, fostering mutual accountability and respecting the boundaries between Foundation and community work.

Community Engagement

Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with external stakeholders, including non-profits, government agencies, academic institutions, and other philanthropic organizations.

Collaborate with partners to leverage resources, share expertise, and facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders, maximizing impact and scaling innovative solutions.

Serve as a liaison between the Foundation and grantees, community partners, other foundations, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.

Facilitate and participate in community visits, learning sessions, and outreach activities, as well as represent the Foundation at meetings, conferences, and events, serving as a spokesperson and advocate for our programs and initiatives.

Be engaged in the local community, with an eye toward looking for emerging opportunities and leaders.

Operational Support

Partner with the Chief Program Officer and colleagues across teams to ensure that program operations, grant processes, and internal communications run efficiently and effectively.

Support internal coordination by setting clear priorities, ensuring follow-up on key actions, and maintaining alignment across teams and initiatives.

Collaborate with Grants Management, IT, and administrative staff to strengthen systems, streamline workflows, and improve data accuracy and reporting.

Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying process gaps, recommending solutions, and supporting the implementation of best practices.

Qualifications

Eight to ten years of progressive experience in philanthropy, nonprofits, or an adjacent sector.

Deep local knowledge and connections in Orange County, CA.

Brings both a strategic mindset and the drive and willingness to personally execute; thrives on getting things done thoughtfully and efficiently.

Listens with empathy, navigates differences with respect, and fosters a culture of inclusion and encouragement.

Writes and speaks with clarity, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Can balance multiple projects while staying grounded in what matters most; isn’t afraid to ask for help when needed.

Synthesizes complex information, makes informed decisions in uncertain conditions, and leads with curiosity and adaptability.

Exercises good judgment in when and how to say no; protects focus and organizational clarity with diplomacy.

Demonstrates flexibility and a growth mindset; offers inventive approaches to challenges.

Conducts thorough research that leads to actionable recommendations and sound decisions that are aligned with Samueli Foundation values and priorities.

Maintains a high level of organization, punctuality, and follow-through.

Brings dedication and professionalism to work while remaining approachable and self-aware.

Thrives in a collaborative environment and contributes to a culture of mutual respect and shared achievement.

Understands and honors the governance role of the Foundation’s board; adheres to decision-making processes with integrity.

Comfortable with or willing to learn a range of tools, including the Microsoft Office suite, GivingData, and emerging AI-powered technologies.

Compensation, Benefits, and Location

Compensation for this role will be highly competitive. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education / training, internal value, peer equity, external market demands, and organizational considerations.

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, 401(k), and other great discounts and perks.

Work Location : Orange County, California, is required. Staff are currently working in the office a minimum of three days / week.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. We are firm believers that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

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