Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) is a nonprofit organization that currently advises on and manages more than $400 million in annual giving by individuals, families, corporations and major foundations. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors accelerates philanthropy in pursuit of a just world.
Continuing the Rockefeller family’s legacy of thoughtful, effective philanthropy, RPA remains at the forefront of philanthropic growth and innovation, with a diverse team led by experienced grantmakers with significant depth of knowledge across the spectrum of issue areas. Founded in 2002, RPA has grown into one of the world’s largest philanthropic service organizations and, as a whole, has facilitated more than $3 billion in grantmaking to nearly 70 countries. RPA serves as a fiscal sponsor for more than 120+ projects, providing governance, management and operational infrastructure to support their charitable purposes. For more information, please go to www.rockpa.org.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Senior Advisor has a portfolio of assigned fiscal sponsorship projects and has the responsibility for developing and
maintaining strategic partnerships with both the leadership of the project and the funders of the project. The Senior
Advisor provides strategic advice [counsel sounds legal at RPA] for assigned client relationships involving frequent
interaction with clients and active support for charitable project outcomes funded by various grants to the project. The
Senior Advisor is the lead on a relationship supported by other team members to handle service transactions and
support and guidance.
ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Lead the guidance and support for the delivery of a group of significant projects within a function, using an appropriate
project management methodology to give assurance that the intended outcomes of RPA team contributions are
identified and achieved.
PROJECT SCOPE DEFINITION
Lead the planning and delivery of a wide range of information gathering and stakeholder consultation activities and
specify, negotiate, and agree on RPA operational deliverables ensuring integration across the program.
PROJECT RISK AND ISSUE MANAGEMENT
Manage identification of risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints associated with the project, escalating these where
appropriate. Where necessary, develop, agree on, and implement solutions to overcome these.
PROJECT TEAM MANAGEMENT
Leads team engagement; defines the guidance required to achieve outcome, coordinates team actions across project
activities; coordinates flow of additional team members’ efforts; and builds the capability of the team through training,
coaching, and mentoring.
BUSINESS ANALYSIS
Interpret the philanthropic need and identify solution recommendations to operational problems at a project unit level.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Support business development opportunities through the cultivation of key external relationships, representing the
organization in desirable networks, and generating proposals and related content as needed.
COMPLEXITY AND PROBLEM- SOLVING
• Uses comprehensive knowledge and skills to work independently while providing guidance and training to
others on planning, organizing, prioritizing, and overseeing activities to efficiently meet business objectives.
• Works at an advanced level to shift into and out of a mental mindset associated with assessing the facts and
circumstances of the current situation and/or environment and making the appropriate/innovative adjustments
to thinking and work habits to thrive in any scenario. Typically works independently and provides guidance.
• Uses comprehensive knowledge and skills to negotiate independently while providing guidance and training to
others on how to help the organization by obtaining consensus between two or more internal or external parties
who may have different interests.
• Works at an advanced level to prioritize components of a project, program, or portfolio work in context with
risks, activities, stakeholders, etc. across the life of the project or program. Typically works independently and
provides guidance.
• Able to work independently or with minimal ongoing supervision, but also able to function collaboratively as
part of a broader client team as needed.
• Contributes meaningful creative insights, original ideas, and strategic counsel that distinguishes the organization
from competitors.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
• Works with full competence to identify, acquire, and manage the resources (physical and human) for the
project. Typically works without supervision and may provide technical guidance.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to Assistants, Associates, and Advisors as needed. Provide directional guidance,
feedback, and training as needed. Coordinate and manage tasks to support projects.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND E XPERIENCE
• A Bachelor’s and graduate work or equivalent experience preferred.
• Previous professional experience in the philanthropic or related field with increasing responsibility and proven
effectiveness in working with Grantmakers, programs, grant seekers, and non-profit organizations in content
creation and or research (7-9 or more years of experience)
• Skills/Knowledge: An understanding of the broad spectrum of private philanthropy, including trends in giving
and key issues.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Must be willing to travel for client work as needed
The incumbent in the role must demonstrate a commitment to RPA’s Mission and Values:
At Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, our mission is to accelerate philanthropy in pursuit of a just world, by providing deep global expertise to make philanthropy more thoughtful, equitable and effective.
o We believe that philanthropy can help create a better world.
o We make decisions that center people and communities.
o We believe philanthropy has a responsibility to pursue equity.
o We uphold the highest standards of integrity and trust.
o We are committed to learning and sharing knowledge.
If our mission resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. You may bring valuable perspectives and experiences that aren’t captured here but could contribute meaningfully to our work. We’re excited to learn what you can offer.
Compensation & Benefits
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement and access to professional development resources.
The salary range is one component of the total compensation package for employees.
- United States Pay Range: $135,000-145,000 USD salary per year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation for employees hired outside the United States will be established in accordance with applicable local market practices, employment laws, and other applicable requirements.
- EU € 92,000 - 127,000 gross salary per year. The applicable compensation range within this range will vary based on the employee’s country of employment and applicable local market practices and requirements.
- United Kingdom Pay Range: £90,000-108,000 GBP gross salary per year.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed as received. In order to be considered, all applications must include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and your resume. The position will remain open until filled.
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors celebrates the uniqueness of our staff, our partners, and the communities we serve. We are committed to inclusion with the goal of cultivating a culture of belonging and acceptance. We strive to embed this value in our philanthropic work to advance a more just, equitable and sustainable world.
RPA is an equal opportunity employer.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree and graduate work or equivalent experience
- 7–9 or more years of professional experience in philanthropy or a related field, with increasing responsibility
- Proven effectiveness working with grantmakers, programs, grant seekers, and nonprofit organizations
- Experience in content creation and/or research
- Understanding of private philanthropy, giving trends, and key issues
- Willingness to travel for client work as needed
What We Do
At Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, our mission is to accelerate philanthropy in pursuit of a just world. We advise established and aspiring philanthropists, foundations, and corporations; manage innovative, early-stage non-profits; and share insight and learning with our clients, our community, and the sector. Tracing our roots back to John D. Rockefeller, Sr., who in 1891 set out to manage his philanthropy with the same professionalism as his business ventures, we maintain our founding belief that philanthropy should not only be thoughtful and effective, but also fulfilling. Our diverse staff draws on its unmatched global expertise, experience, and vast international network to provide tailored services that meet your unique circumstances and needs. By continuing to build on lessons learned over more than a century, our goal is to help define the next generation of philanthropy and to foster a worldwide culture of giving
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