Portfolio Director
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
Cambridge/Boston, MA, or potentially New York, NY

SUMMARY

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (“the Foundation”), a nationally recognized venture philanthropy fund that provides three-year grants and strategic business support to social entrepreneur-led nonprofit organizations with the potential to create significant, long-term impact on critical social problems, seeks a Portfolio Director to establish its East Coast office.

Since its founding in 2002 by William H. Draper III and Robin Richards Donohoe, two highly respected venture capitalists, and Executive Director Jenny Shilling-Stein, the Fund has grown to $25.5 million and has committed financial and strategic resources to over 32 organizations, including such groundbreaking organizations as Kiva, Room to Read, Education Pioneers and VisionSpring. While many of their portfolio organizations are global in scope, all must be based in the United States and demonstrate innovative and scalable approaches to solving social problems, including but not limited to civic engagement, economic development, education, environment, health, and social justice.

In addition to significant financial support, the Foundation has established a singular reputation for providing outstanding business mentoring to all portfolio organizations. This includes both direct grantee support in addition to a broader, collective network across all current and past grantees, which regularly connect and share ideas, challenges and best practices. The portfolio organizations gather annually, contribute to monthly conference calls focused on mutually identified topics of interest, and share ideas through a communication tool for real-time collaboration and support across the network.

OVERVIEW OF FUNDING PROCESS

Draper Richards Kaplan was founded on the belief that passionate individuals can change the world and a belief in the power of innovation. To achieve this vision, the Foundation uses a rigorous, venture capital-based process to select social entrepreneurs who will receive funding of $100,000 annually for three years. The funds are specifically and solely for entrepreneurs starting new non-profit organizations, and are often their first significant outside investment. Every organization must possess the ability to create significant social change, must be sustainable and scalable, and the founder must possess the skills required to lead and scale a national or global organization. Draper Richards Kaplan grants are highly selective and currently only ten grants are awarded per year, which provides the capacity for significant engagement and support to the portfolio of grantee organizations. With a results-driven approach, each portfolio grantee has a contract, which is based on business plan goals and these targets are used in an ongoing evaluation process to drive organizational growth and programmatic success. In addition to its long track record of funding highly successful social entrepreneurs, Draper Richards Kaplan provides strategic guidance, coaching and support to all portfolio organizations. This is achieved by taking an active role as a board member, with a focus given to fundamentals that build strong and sustainable organizations including governance, fund development and data gathering for long-term evaluation. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

In an effort to continue to bring transformational ideas and organizations to scale, the Foundation seeks an experienced, strategic, entrepreneurial leader to help manage and build its portfolio of bold organizations committed to social change.

In partnership with Robert Kaplan, Co-Chair of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School and former Vice Chairman of The Goldman Sachs Group, the incoming Portfolio Director will be responsible for establishing the East Coast Office. Specifically, s/he will be expected to identify, cultivate, evaluate and support high potential social entrepreneurs and their organizations; actively contribute to overall leadership of the Foundation; help to evolve and execute the Foundation’s strategy and goals; and represent the Foundation externally.

Portfolio Support

• Build and lead relationships with social entrepreneurs and their organizations; Act as a sounding board and advisor to the entrepreneur and her/his leadership team on a broad range of strategic and operational issues

• Help organizations identify and pursue top priorities, particularly to make critical choices and execute against plans to increase impact; develop strategic growth plans, economic models, and metrics; and help to build leadership, governance, and overall organizational capacity

• Serve as an active board member for portfolio organizations and play a key role in board development

• Leverage pro bono resources and facilitate portfolio organizations’ access to the broader Draper Richards Kaplan network

Investment Selection

• Lead screening and diligence for prospective investments; provide support and insight throughout the decision-making process; and assess organizations on leadership, impact, scalability, and overall fit

Fund Leadership

• Cultivate and maintain a network of relationships with stakeholders, community members, investors, philanthropic partners and others interfacing with social innovation and entrepreneurship

• Actively identify opportunities to enhance the Foundation by providing sound leadership and mentoring to staff, identifying ways to enhance business practices, marketing, strategic initiatives, etc.

• Nurture existing philanthropic relationships while cultivating new sources, with an eye toward increasing the overall funding base in order to enhance the foundation’s impact and reach

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will possess the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to Draper Richards Kaplan’s mission through experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • investing in or consulting to early stage, entrepreneurial organizations during a high growth phase

  • working in nonprofits or foundations, ideally having held a leadership role in organizational change, development and/or transformation

  • leadership experience in a high performing, for profit company with a proven interest and understanding of social sector issues

• A successful track record of 10+ years in significant management positions of increasing complexity and responsibility. Experience leading and bringing a solutions-driven approach to complex projects in an entrepreneurial, independent, fast-paced environment

• Broad networks in the social enterprise field. Ability to cultivate and identify thought leaders, innovative thinkers, and “connectors” in order to identify and evaluate high potential social entrepreneurs

• Demonstrated experience building and managing professional relationships and coaching and developing talent. A collegial and team-building approach that puts others at ease and engenders trust

• A proven ability and interest in identifying, pursuing and cultivating compelling funding opportunities, specifically individual donors, in an effort to expand the foundation’s reach and impact

• The ability to actively listen, with an appreciation for nuance in communication; a consultative stance

• Outstanding analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to quickly assess situations, identify trends, develop solutions and translate insights into high level guidance and tactical execution

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent Draper Richards Kaplan and portfolio organizations in a professional, engaging and dynamic manner

• A curious and creative intellect and a style that includes flexibility, levelness and a sense of humor. Relentless customer orientation and an eagerness to “roll-up ones’ sleeves” without a lot of oversight and direction

• Graduate degree; MBA or MPP preferred

The position will be located in Cambridge/Boston or potentially New York City.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

More information about Draper Richards Kaplan can be found at www.DraperRichards.org.

Due to the pace of this search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, and applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), salary history, and where you learned of the position should be sent to: DRK-PD@nonprofitprofessionals.com.

In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) in the subject line of your email.

Interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit applications via electronic mail.

Draper Richards Kaplan is an equal opportunity employer.

(12/27/2011)