About Sompo Foundation
The Sompo Foundation was created late in 2023 to unify and focus the company’s philanthropic activities. The company has made a commitment for a $100mn impact over 10-years. While a US domiciled foundation, the Foundation seeks to have an impact in the geographies where Sompo has employees and clients globally.
Over the past year, the framework for the Foundation has been developed. The mission is focused on education, health and wellness. Additionally, the Foundation will respond to certain disasters, depending on the magnitude and geography. The Foundation’s activities will include both grants and employee engagement programs in cooperation with the company’s HR team. While many building blocks for the Foundation have been set, there is significant work ahead to build out our vision and programs.
Learn more about Sompo Foundation at http://sompofoundation.org/.
The Opportunity
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the head of the Sompo Foundation, providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to fulfill the foundation’s global mission and goals. The ED is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, overseeing grantmaking and philanthropic initiatives, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring alignment with the corporate values and broader business objectives of the parent organization, especially employee engagement goals.
The ED will work with the Board and Leadership Team to ensure the Foundation remains aligned with the charitable goals of Sompo. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Direct the strategic philanthropy and day to day administration of the Foundation.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Leadership Team to follow established priorities, goals, and measurable outcomes for the Foundation.
- Participate in and provide materials for all Board of Director and Leadership Team meetings.
- Act as a thought leader, staying informed on trends in corporate philanthropy, nonprofit management, and social impact, with an emphasis on education, health & wellness.
- Collaborate with HR on employee engagement activities that blend the activities and goals of both groups.
Program Development and Grantmaking
- Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of grantmaking and disaster response programs, ensuring they effectively address community needs and align with the Foundation’s mission and community investment goals.
- Follow established policies and procedures for grant administration, ensuring transparency, equity, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Build and maintain relationships with nonprofit organizations, grantees, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of Foundation investments in its target mission areas and geographies.
- Develop a global presence for the Foundation, work with engaged employees throughout the Company.
- Build and maintain a database of peer foundation activities (e.g. giving patterns, programs) to help determine Sompo’s level of activity relative to other companies.
Financial and Operational Management
- Manage the Foundation’s annual budget and investment portfolio in collaboration with the Finance and Investment teams respectively.
- Ensure prudent fiscal oversight and recordkeeping, including monitoring grant disbursements, operational expenses, and investment performance.
- Monitor and encourage additional funding opportunities, such as matching gifts, to empower employee charitable engagement.
- Procure and manage systems and services to support the Foundation’s activities.
Employee Engagement
- Implement employee engagement program in tandem with the Human Resources team, including the company’s matching gift and volunteer recognition programs and activities.
- Track engagement and financial reports to be used in annual Foundation reports and storytelling initiatives.
- Align and adjust employee engagement program to annual and future employee goals.
External Relations and Advocacy
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the Foundation, representing its mission and achievements to internal and external audiences.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, mission related associations and other foundations.
- Promote the Foundation’s work through public speaking, media engagements, and corporate communication channels.
- Provide support for leadership engaging in public speaking initiatives.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead and inspire the Foundation Board, Leadership Team, and individual committees to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Work with the Foundation President along with Board and company HR Team to oversee leadership recruitment, development, and performance to ensure the Foundation has the skills and capacity to meet its goals.
- Promote professional growth and leadership opportunities to enhance expertise in philanthropy and social impact.
In addition, strong candidates will offer:
- Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, or corporate social responsibility.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, grantmaking, and partnership development.
- Bachelor’s Degree or professional designation in related field.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of corporate philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, including governance and compliance.
- Proven track record in financial oversight and budget management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Familiarity with systems and services available to support foundation activities.
- Passion for community impact and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $200,000 - $275,000 with a generous benefits package.