Director, Policy & Public Affairs

The Director, Policy & Public Affairs reports to the President & CEO and is responsible for the management and implementation of PFC’s public policy, thought leadership, evidence-based advocacy and media relations. These important outward-facing organizational activities are driven by the Director, Policy and Public Affairs, and co-developed in partnership with PFC team members, its Board, its members and its stakeholders. Their goal is to engage governments, sector leaders, civil society partners, media, and other influencers to ensure effective enabling environments for foundation philanthropy, charities and not for profits towards a more just, equitable and sustainable world. 

The Director is responsible for devising and implementing coherent evidence-based PFC policy agenda on issues related to the effectiveness, impact and regulatory framework for foundation philanthropy. This includes leading government relations, eliciting broad membership and community engagement, developing strategic insights, and contributing to robust, timely and effective strategic communications and outreach efforts. 

Policy and Public Affairs: 

• Develop with the President & CEO (and update as required) a coherent, ambitious and evidence-based Board approved policy agenda for PFC. 

• Partner with the President & CEO and staff team to maintain and enhance the organization’s public image and relationships with key stakeholders. 

• Collaborate with President & CEO in building and maintaining trusting relationships with policymakers, thought leaders, partners, and other sector-colleague organizations. 

• Work with the President & CEO as the principal advisor guiding the organization’s thought leadership and managing all public affairs issues. 

• Oversee key messaging for PFC and for the President & CEO, as the organization’s primary spokesperson, to ensure quality, timeliness and alignment with strategic priorities.  

• Supervise the research and knowledge dissemination required to support PFC policy agenda 

• Lead the policy, public affairs and related research functions, working with the team in ensuring they are effectively incorporated across program areas and operations. 

Management and Operations 

• Serve as an active member of the senior management team, contributing to organizational decision-making, strategic planning, policy development, and program direction. 

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Public Affairs and Research function, including responsibility for budgeting, resource allocation, performance measurement, and continuous improvement. 

• Supervise and support an experienced Lead Researcher, ensuring effective delivery of research activities and alignment with organizational objectives. (Note: the lead researcher supports all of PFC programs not only policy) 

• Lead the development and tracking of organizational performance indicators, evaluation frameworks, and reporting mechanisms to measure progress against strategic priorities. 

• Oversee the procurement and management of professional service contracts, ensuring value, quality, and successful outcomes related to their portfolio. 

• Foster a high-performing, collaborative work environment that supports organizational effectiveness, accountability, and achievement of PFC’s strategic goals. 

Compensation and benefits: 

• Full-time permanent position, with an excellent benefits package, as per PFC’s HR policy. The position band is from $90,000 to $120,000. 

• Five weeks of holidays to start (three weeks, plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and six extra Fridays before long weekends, when our offices are closed).

Application

Please send your resume and cover letter here by October 14th, 2026. Only applications received by email will be considered.

We want the successful candidate to start in late November or early December at the latest. If you believe that your profile meets our needs, kindly forward your résumé with a cover letter. All information received will be treated in the strictest confidence. Review of applications will begin on October 14^th. The position will remain open until filled. 

We know the greatest ideas come from a diverse mix of backgrounds, minds and experiences, and are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We are actively seeking a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from communities underrepresented in philanthropy.