POSITION PROFILE

On behalf of our client, the McKnight Foundation, CohenTaylor Executive Search Services

is conducting a retained executive search for its next

VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES

PROGRAM OFFICER

POSITION PROFILE: VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OFFICER (PO1)

The McKnight Foundation, an internationally recognized family foundation based in Minnesota, advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive.

Established in 1953 by William and Maude McKnight, this fourth-generation family foundation is deeply committed to advancing climate solutions in the Midwest; building an equitable and inclusive Minnesota; and supporting the arts and culture bearers in Minnesota, neuroscience, and international crop research. The Foundation had approximately $2.9 billion in assets at the end of 2019 and on average grants about $100 million a year.

As an early leader of 3M, Mr. McKnight earned a reputation for spurring innovation and recognizing the creative potential in others—practices that live on at the Foundation. Their daughter, Virginia McKnight Binger, then set the standard for the Foundationʼs work with her singular compassion and spirit of generosity. The current governing board includes actively engaged fourth-generation members of the McKnight family as well as community members who bring diverse perspectives.

Today, the McKnight Foundation works across many disciplines, sectors, and geographic boundaries. McKnightʼs work supports communities in its home state of Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and beyond, spanning several continents. Its diverse programs are united in a quest to improve our shared fate. The Foundation envisions a world that recognizes the dignity of every human being, a world where we celebrate the creativity of the arts and sciences and come together to protect our one and only Earth.

In 2019, the Board of Directors approved a new mission statement, a new Strategic Framework, and several shifts in programmatic investments. This included the sunsetting of a few programs, the expansion of its Midwest Climate & Energy program, and the creation of a new program dedicated to advancing an equitable and inclusive Minnesota.

McKnight is a valued philanthropy and community leader in Minnesota, the broader Midwest, nationally, and internationally. Leveraging the organizationʼs track record, its ability to work in partnerships, and its willingness to experiment and explore, the Foundation sees many new impact and leadership opportunities ahead. Recognized for its pragmatism, McKnight aspires to make progress on several complex, ambitious challenges facing us today, in the coming decade, and beyond.

MISSIONThe McKnight Foundation, a family foundation based in Minnesota, advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive.

VISIONWe envision a world that recognizes the dignity of every human being, a world where we celebrate the creativity of the arts and sciences and come together to protect our one and only Earth.

VALUESStewardship – Our deepest responsibility is to use all of our resources for mission impact. We deploy the Foundationʼs resources in a transparent manner and seek to maximize our relevance, credibility, and effectiveness.

Respect – Authentic and mutually accountable relationships matter deeply to us. We equip ourselves with the intercultural competency mindset and skills to help us bridge differences of all kinds.

Equity – We embed an equity approach across the Foundation because we see it as mission critical. We align our policies, practices, and resources so that people have genuine opportunities to thrive locally and globally.

Curiosity – We value ongoing learning, and we look outward and reflect internally to discover opportunities for greater impact. It is only when we act with humility, ask big questions, and practice deep listening that we can open ourselves to new ideas and relationships.

For more information about the McKnight Foundationʼs work, impact, and values, visit www.mcknight.org.

POSITION PROFILE: VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OFFICER (PO1)

PROGRAMSMcKnight advances climate solutions in the Midwest; advances an equitable and inclusive Minnesota; and supports the arts and culture bearers in Minnesota, international crop research, and neuroscience. To realize a future where people and planet thrive, McKnight is increasing its investments in two areas: advancing climate solutions and a more equitable and inclusive Minnesota.

VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIESEquity is one of the four core values in the McKnight Foundationʼs Strategic Framework. It is a value that McKnight challenges itself to uphold in its internal policies and practices, and it is a value that guides McKnight as it imagines the change it wants to see in our broader society. This deeply held value will now anchor the development of a new program focused on advancing a more equitable and inclusive Minnesota. The goal: Build a vibrant future for all Minnesotans with shared power, prosperity, and participation.

To advance this vibrant future, this new program honors and builds upon what McKnight has learned from the work it has supported in the community over many years, while making space for new ideas. When those who have historically been excluded do well, every Minnesotan benefits. Business, community, and government leaders know firsthand, and research shows, that achieving equity enhances the stateʼs civic, cultural, and economic vitality. It strengthens the workforce, ensures that local firms can compete in the global economy, and enhances the quality of life for all communities. McKnight is committed to building bridges across Minnesota to realize our shared fate.

McKnightʼs Vibrant & Equitable Communities program fosters shared power, prosperity, and participation through four strategies: Accelerate Economic Mobility, Build Community Wealth, Cultivate a Fair and Just Housing System, and Strengthen Democratic Participation. Within these strategies, we seek to achieve systemic improvements in individual, community, and societal outcomes. We look to the ingenuity of people working together across Minnesota to craft solutions that meet community-defined needs, address local context, and shift policies, practices, and institutions in lasting ways.

• Accelerate Economic Mobility. We aim to ensure that individuals can achieve and sustain increased income and wealth, build durable skills that create pathways to quality work, and position themselves to succeed within a rapidly changing economy.

• Build Community Wealth. We aim to reduce wealth gaps in Minnesota through increased local control of capital and more democratic ownership structures.

• Cultivate a Fair and Just Housing System. We aim to expand equitable housing opportunities across all Minnesota communities so that everyone can live in a safe, quality, and affordable home.

• Strengthen Democratic Participation. We envision a Minnesota in which all residents have a voice in determining our shared future. We aim to increase the statewide infrastructure and capacity to build power, engage diverse people in advancing our shared prosperity, and create platforms for broader participation in movements to realize vibrant, equitable communities.

To learn more, visit: https://www.mcknight.org/vibrant-and-equitable-communities/

POSITION PROFILE: VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OFFICER (PO1)

MIDWEST CLIMATE & ENERGYThe Midwest Climate & Energy program envisions a thriving, carbon-neutral Midwestern economy by transforming the energy system—through clean power, electrification of transportations and buildings, and carbon sequestration. Its work engages the regionʼs public and private leaders, decisionmakers, and residents in building low-carbon communities and economies that are vibrant, equitable, and resilient. In September 2019, McKnight announced an expansion of this program and a new goal to take bold action on the climate crisis by dramatically cutting carbon pollution in the Midwest by 2030.

ARTS & CULTUREThe McKnight Arts & Culture program believes that Minnesota thrives when its artists and culture bearers thrive. We recognize the myriad forms through which artists and culture bearers illuminate experiences, inspire joy, express the cultural diversity of communities, and advance justice—enriching the vitality and vibrancy of our state. The program funds organizations and individuals across many artistic disciplines and cultural practices.

INTERNATIONALThe Collaborative Crop Research Program works on two continents to improve access to local, sustainable, nutritious food using collaborative research, adaptive learning, and knowledge-sharing with smallholder farmers, research institutions, government, and development organizations.

NEUROSCIENCEThe McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience is an independent charitable organization established by the McKnight Foundation that works to bring science closer to the day when diseases of the brain and behavior can be accurately diagnosed, prevented, and treated.

POSITION PROFILE: VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OFFICER (PO1)

THE ROLEReporting to the Program Director of Vibrant & Equitable Communities, the Program Officer will oversee and build significant grant portfolios and partnerships with intermediary funders and actively collaborate with McKnightʼs Impact Investing team and the Midwest Climate & Energy program team. The V&EC program uses itʼs philanthropic funding to foster shared power, prosperity, and participation so that all Minnesotans can thrive.

This role presents an exciting opportunity for thought leadership around philanthropic interventions, through four strategies. Within these strategies, the program officer will work on a team aimed to achieve systemic improvements in individual, community, and societal outcomes.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPSThe Vibrant & Equitable Communities Program Officer will report to the Vibrant & Equitable Communities Program Director.

In addition, this role will have opportunities to collaborate with staff members in other amplifying functions day-to-day, including other program teams, Impact Investing, Integration, Grants & Information Management, Learning, and Communications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESThe Vibrant & Equitable Communities Program Officer is responsible for the following:

STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATIONProvide expertise in one or more of the core program strategies to Accelerate Economic Mobility, Build Community Wealth, and Cultivate a Fair and Just Housing System.

• Manage a portfolio of grants to Accelerate Economic Mobility, Build Community Wealth, and Cultivate a Fair and Just Housing System.

• Develop and maintain relationships with existing grantees and new prospects to learn from current work, explore emerging opportunities, and build new concepts.

• Actively engage with McKnight colleagues in Impact Investing and the boardʼs Mission Investment Committee to identify and analyze mission and program related investments that advance statewide program goals.

• Lead for impact investments strategies, including activating and coordinating public and private sector capital to advance program goals, partnering with our Investment Team to assess opportunities and deploy resources, including but not limited to guarantees, recoverable grants, Program Related Investments, Employee stock Ownership Plans, etc.

POSITION PROFILE: VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OFFICER (PO1)

EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS• Manage key partnerships with funding intermediaries and oversee new and expanded investments in and through these partners.

• Convene and collaborate with advocacy organizations, foundations, academic institutions, regulators, and policymakers to support cross-sector collaborations that reinforce program goals.

• Serve as a representative of the Foundation in communities of learning and practice, helping to shape the fieldʼs response to and support of advancing program goals.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY• Represent the Foundation and the V&EC program to external audiences and provide leadership in our efforts to achieve program goals.

• Serve as a resource on technical and policy issues relating to rebuilding efforts. Track market and political trends to identify high-leverage opportunities for philanthropic intervention.

• Stand as a trusted voice on the interdependence of racial, economic and climate justice efforts.

FOUNDATION-WIDE• Participate in Foundation-wide meetings and events.

• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and retreats.

• Participate in cross-functional work groups as appropriate.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATEThe McKnight Foundation is seeking a proven, confident program officer with a passion and vision for building a vibrant future for all Minnesotans with shared power, prosperity, and participation. The ideal candidate will be energized by working in a dynamic, changing environment, adept at leading teams through change, and willing to dig in and “roll up their sleeves” when necessary.

CORE COMPETENCIES• Experience shaping strategy in partnership with senior leadership and other program officers with the ability to translate strategy into priorities and goals.

• Ability to take a broad view when approaching issues, including using a global lens.

• A thorough understanding of how to leverage best practices in collaboration to achieve program alignment across an organization.

• Capacity to implement impactful programs and effectively communicate conceptual program frameworks to grantseekers, partners, stakeholders, and trustees.

POSITION PROFILE: VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OFFICER (PO1)

• Comprehensive understanding of program development, systems, and networking.

• Ideally have demonstrated experience in innovative grantmaking practices, including and especially program learning and evaluation, strategic alignment, and grantee communication.

• The knowledge and sensitivity to effectively work with and support communities, including appreciation for historical context, discernment of relationship nuances and power dynamics, and understanding of social, racial, and ethnic realities.

• Demonstrated ability to create a climate in which people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives, including collaborating with stakeholders to inspire and manage a high-performing team.

• Ability to advance the Foundationʼs commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, excellence, and purpose.

• Exemplary public communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to take on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm and the ability to manage ambiguity and operate effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.

• Foundation-wide competencies: Collaborates, Communicates Effectively, Manages Complexity, Builds Networks, Being Resilient, Drives Results, Strategic Mindset, Instills Trust.

QUALIFICATIONS OF AN IDEAL CANDIDATE• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with a variety of people and groups, particularly nonprofit organizations, community leaders, private sector/business, governmental groups, and research institutions or universities.

• Ability to analyze, question and identify key issues and use data to support conclusions.

• Ability to view issues and challenges from multiple dimensions and apply intellectual energy and creativity.

• Ability to prepare clearly written summaries and analysis.

• Ability to engage others and influence shared outcomes.

• Knowledge of governance and operations of nonprofit organizations.

• Ability to communicate effectively interpersonally and in group presentations.

• Ability to handle heavy workload and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated track record of building strong relationships with allies and across lines of difference. Capacity to navigate the complexity of diverse environments and stakeholder groups, seeking to understand and drive towards common goals from competing perspectives.

• Highly developed emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to use interpersonal skills and political acumen in respectful, collaborative, and diplomatic ways.

POSITION PROFILE: VIBRANT & EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OFFICER (PO1)

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, listen, synthesize, and analyze information, compose documents, and present data in a clear and concise manner to appropriate personnel, including top management, program staff, and Board of Directors.

• Exceptional analytical skills and an ability to influence change in highly nuanced contexts.

• Proactive and forward-looking to follow trends and anticipate changes and potential impacts to the organization.

• Demonstrated tolerance for ambiguity, with the ability to work independently yet seek input as needed.

• Clear organization and prioritization skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with multiple and competing demands. Ability to switch from strategy development to daily execution with ease.

• Genuine desire to listen to and learn from others, operating from respect for grantees and creating an environment of continuous learning with partner organizations and sector experts.

• Ability to develop trusting relationships up, down, and across the organization. Cultural sensitivity and cultural competence are essential.

• Knowledge of or personal ties to Minnesota and its people preferred.

• Frequent off-site and evening meetings and events as well as statewide and national travel is required.

The McKnight Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity.

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.