Executive Director – Tandem Philanthropies

THE OPPORTUNITY. Tandem Philanthropies, a private, mission-driven philanthropic venture, is seeking its inaugural Executive Director to guide the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. Founded in 2020 by a husband-and-wife team based in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City, Tandem Philanthropies is committed to advancing progress in priority areas across the United States, including K-12 education, climate, democracy, and other evolving interests. To date, Tandem Philanthropies has been supported by a part-time external philanthropic advisor and part-time, contract-based operations support. Now at a pivotal inflection point, the Principals believe the time is right to bring a hands-on, strategic Executive Director to lead and scale the work in close partnership with them.

THE ROLE. This is a true partnership role. The Executive Director will help shape and refine the foundation’s grantmaking strategy to align with the Principals’ evolving interests, values, and capacity as newer philanthropists. The Executive Director will manage day-to-day operations, oversee grantmaking across all focus areas, offer thought leadership across domains, lead engagement with grantees and field partners, learn new issue areas as necessary, and represent the organization externally alongside the Principals.

CANDIDATE PROFILE. This is a unique opportunity for a creative thinker, seasoned grantmaker, and operational leader with experience in K-12 education philanthropy, a collaborative approach, and a track record of entrepreneurial initiative. Candidates must have 1) at least ten years of relevant experience in senior roles within private or family philanthropy, philanthropic advising, and/or social impact consulting; 2) demonstrated experience working closely with principal donors in lean family philanthropy settings; 3) deep experience in K-12 education-focused philanthropy and an interest in and curiosity for working more broadly on other issues.

LOCATION. This is a remote position with a very strong preference for candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Occasional travel as needed is expected.

COMPENSATION. The target starting salary for this position is $275,000 to $350,000 per year, depending on experience. A competitive benefits package is also provided.

TO APPLY. Martha Montag Brown & Associates, LLC has been retained to conduct this search. Interested and qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to the candidate application portal here. All correspondence will remain confidential. Questions about the search and application process should be directed to search@marthamontagbrown.com.