The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California. The Foundation’s vision is a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically. Since 1937 the Foundation has provided more than $2.1 billion in grants to organizations throughout California, including a record $128.9 million in 2021. We have about 80 staff across our San Francisco and Los Angeles offices. The Foundation is committed, internally and externally, to the values of accountability, curiosity, empathy, equity, nimbleness, partnership, and transparency.

ABOUT THE POSITION

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Assistant will work with the CEO to develop and manage special projects, including alliances and partnerships, to advance the Foundation’s vision of “a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically.”

The Special Assistant will work directly with Don Howard, President and CEO, to manage special executive- and board-level projects. Chief among these are potential partnerships with leading philanthropic, labor, public sector, and business leaders and their organizations. Additionally, this role will assess the potential of early stage investment ideas identified by the CEO. 

This work requires strong relationship-building skills, the ability to create clear and compelling presentation materials, analytic skills, and attention to detail. The Special Assistant will interact with senior leaders and board members at the Irvine Foundation and will join the CEO in meetings with senior leaders of other institutions.

Reporting to a Director of Program Development, the Special Assistant will also work closely with other teams at the Foundation, particularly Program Implementation, Grants Administration, and Communications as well as the Foundation’s Chief of Staff and Planning.

COMPENSATION

$110,000 - $125,000

HOW TO APPLY

Click here for more information or to apply. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples through our website. If you need to submit via regular mail, that address is:

The James Irvine Foundation

Human Resources Department

One Bush Street, Suite 800

San Francisco, CA 94104

Application deadline: Open Until Filled.  Applicants who have previously applied for this role, will be considered and need not reapply.

The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applicants who reflect the diversity of California. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (“FCO”). The Foundation greatly appreciates all interest expressed in our openings.