Director of Programs Job Opening at Third Wave Fund | Lead Gender Justice Philanthropy

Now Hiring: Director of Programs at Third Wave Fund

Third Wave Fund, a leading funder of youth-led, intersectional gender justice activism, is currently accepting nominations and applications for the role of Director of Programs.

This is a leadership opportunity for an experienced professional in philanthropy to help guide and evolve a participatory, justice-centered approach to funding gender justice movements.

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About the Role

Reporting to the Co-Executive Directors, the Director of Programs will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the development and implementation of Third Wave Fund’s various program areas
• Streamlining funding processes for community organizations and activists
• Collaborating on grantmaking strategies and execution with the Executive Directors
• Maintaining relationships with all stakeholders
• Building team cohesion and operational clarity

This role requires a visionary leader who understands philanthropy as a space for reparative justice and not just charity.

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Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• Have a minimum of seven years’ professional experience, with at least five years in philanthropy (including regional, national, responsive, and participatory models)
• Be a proven team manager with a collaborative and generative leadership style
• Be experienced in supporting movements led by:
  • BIPOC communities
  • Queer and trans individuals
  • Sex workers
  • Immigrants
  • Disabled people
• Have a demonstrated ability to apply an intersectional, disability justice-informed lens in their work

Applicants with lived experience outside the gender binary and those intimately impacted by gender oppression are highly encouraged to apply.

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About Third Wave Fund

Third Wave Fund sustains youth-led gender justice movements through responsive and participatory grantmaking. They define gender justice as a movement to end:

• Patriarchy
• Transphobia
• Homophobia
• Misogyny

Because gender oppression intersects with other systems of oppression—including capitalism, racism, ableism, and more—Third Wave Fund believes true gender justice can only be achieved when all forms of oppression are dismantled.

They fund grassroots movements that are:

• Multi-issue
• Community-led (led by those directly impacted)
• Unapologetically queer, trans, intersex, and sex worker-led

Third Wave Fund is fiscally sponsored by the Proteus Fund, which partners with donors and organizations to advance democracy, human rights, and peace.

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Key Responsibilities

Partner with Senior Leaders

• Collaborate with Co-Executive Directors on overall organizational and grantmaking strategy
• Support the development team in sustaining and expanding funding partnerships
• Participate in Directors Team meetings
• Oversee grantee data systems and strategic planning

Supervise & Collaborate with the Programs Team

• Communicate strategy, vision, and goals to the team
• Manage program budgets
• Develop transparent and consistent funding strategies
• Co-develop:
  • Grantmaking rubrics and protocols
  • Best practices with staff and stakeholders
• Facilitate team retreats and regular planning sessions
• Translate goals into actionable work plans

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and advisors
• Gather and analyze feedback from grantees and partners
• Establish effective communication and engagement practices

Team Development & Cohesion

• Collaborate on aligning personal and teamwork plans with organizational strategy
• Lead program retreats and team evaluations
• Model authentic, creative, and collaborative communication
• Promote continuous learning and accountability

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Qualifications

Ideal candidates will bring:

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience, including 5 years in philanthropy
• Experience managing small, remote teams with inclusive and equitable practices
• A deep commitment to:
  • Disability justice
  • Racial and gender equity
• Expertise in:
  • Participatory grantmaking
  • Grants management systems
  • Community partnerships
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Respect for team autonomy and lived experiences
• Comfort mentoring junior staff
• A problem-solving mindset with strong emotional intelligence
• A sense of humor and flexibility

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Compensation & Benefits

• Starting Salary: $110,000 (non-negotiable to maintain pay equity and internal parity)
• Work Schedule: 32-hour work week
• Benefits include:
  • Medical & dental coverage (for employee and dependents) starting Day 1
  • 401(k) with organizational contribution
  • FSA/HSA Card
  • Life insurance
  • Discounted pet insurance
  • Generous paid time off:
    • 3 weeks vacation (4 weeks in subsequent years)
    • 15 sick days per year
    • 3 personal days per year
    • 12 paid holidays + 3 floating holidays
    • Paid family leave
  • Annual stipends for:
    • Professional development
    • Wellness
    • Home office setup
    • Coworking space
    • Cell phone & internet reimbursement

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Location & Travel

• Fully remote (U.S.-based only)
• Travel is voluntary and flexible based on personal circumstances
• If travel is feasible, expect 5–10% travel for:
  • Internal retreats
  • Conferences
  • External engagements
• Hybrid participation options available for events requiring off-hour engagement

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How to Apply

Third Wave Fund has partnered with Monday Morning Consultants to manage this search.

Please send nominations or your application—including a cover letter and resume—to:

apply@mondaymorningconsultants.com

For questions, contact:

• Erica Nicole Griffin: ericanicole@mondaymorningconsultants.com
• Jamie Joanou: jamie@mondaymorningconsultants.com

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For more opportunities, visit the Opportunities for Youth‘s website.