The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives. 

Established by prolific US inventor Jerome Lemelson and his wife Dorothy in the early 1990s, and guided today by the Lemelson family, we believe invention can solve many of the biggest economic and social challenges of our time. That’s why we work to strengthen the ecosystems where inventions can take shape, grow, and flourish. For more than two decades we have inspired young people from diverse backgrounds to tackle the world’s most daunting problems, advanced the field of invention education with a goal of reaching all children, and equipped entrepreneurs with the skills they need to start successful invention-based businesses. A private philanthropy, The Lemelson Foundation has investment assets of around $370 million and an annual budget of approximately $18 million. All told, we have provided over $200 million in grants and other investments to hundreds of organizations around the world.

The Position

A new role at the Foundation, the Senor Director of Strategy will serve as a champion of the Foundation’s five-year strategy, a thought partner to the Executive Director, and as a member of the senior leadership team. This role has a keen focus on strategy and its implementation as well as external advisory and partner relationship management. The successful candidate is a talented people leader whose broad sense of accomplishment and professional pride derives from helping others achieve their goals be they subordinates, peers, or superiors.

The Senior Director will support a team of program officers whose initiatives reflect the Foundation’s priority areas and span a range of issues and geographies. The following key responsibilities comprise the Senior Director’s role:

• Team, Strategic, and Operational Leadership
• Relationship Management
• Knowledge Management
• Advisory and Governance Processes Facilitation

The successful candidate is a confident, mature, and seasoned leader with strong interpersonal skills and the humility to set aside ego in favor of mission and team. S/he is adept at situationally balancing both leading and supporting. The Senior Director possesses sound consultative and advisory skills combined with excellent group facilitation skills. A person who leads through influence and is a natural collaborator will excel in this role as will an individual who approaches his/her work with clear-eyed objectivity and a calm demeanor.

View the full position profile here to learn more about the Lemelson Foundation, the ideal candidate, and desired qualifications.

To Be Considered 

The Lemelson Foundation values diversity in all forms and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. A carefully crafted cover letter that articulates your interest in the position and fit for the role, along with a current resume, should be submitted for consideration through Waldron’s candidate web portal.