Dr. Seuss Foundation
Director of Operations and Impact
Dr. Seuss Foundation, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Senior Director, Executive Search & Recruiting at Blair Search Partners | Certified Diversity & Inclusion Recruiter
Base pay range
$120,000.00/yr - $140,000.00/yr
WHO WE ARE The Dr. Seuss Foundation (DSF) is a catalyst for early literacy development in all its forms through strategic community partnerships and investments that inspire learning, spark imagination, and expand opportunities for all children. Inspired by the boundless imagination and enduring legacy of celebrated author, Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), the Dr. Seuss Foundation is dedicated to unlocking the potential in every child by serving as a powerful catalyst for improved literacy, broadly conceived, through strategic partnerships and investments.
Since 1958, DSF has gifted more than $300 million to philanthropic causes. Based in San Diego, DSF supports nonprofit efforts that ensure children have the foundation needed to develop a lifelong love of reading. Working with the local community, DSF primarily invests in early literacy initiatives, with a recognition of the importance of social‑emotional development, playful learning and experiential activities that integrate arts, music, and the environment. While the organization was established over 60 years ago, we have recently embarked on a strategic plan that will support growth, increased community engagement and impact.
LEADERSHIP & CULTURE DSF fosters a culture built on collaboration, innovation, and trust. The organization is led by Katie Rast, who joined the Board of Directors in January 2024 and was appointed CEO in September 2025. DSF is a small team, and the newly created Director of Operations and Impact position will directly manage the Programs and Administration team, including the Administrative Services Manager, Program Manager, and external service providers, including HR and accounting.
BENEFITS & FEATURES
Salary – $120,000 - $140,000 DOE
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account
401(k) with 4% employer match
PTO: 10 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, 12 Paid Holidays
LOCATION This role will be hybrid, with the ability to attend in‑person meetings in San Diego, CA, required.
POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Operations and Impact (Director) will serve as the critical link between strategy and execution, overseeing operational infrastructure and ensuring impact. The Director will be responsible for aligning internal priorities with strategic organizational goals and impact objectives related to grantmaking, translating strategy into actionable plans with key performance indicators.
Bringing expertise in the development of operational infrastructure and grantmaking to the role, the Director will serve as an experienced leader, providing knowledge in philanthropic best practices and community impact. This role will provide leadership and direction to a growing team, with oversight over key departmental areas, including Programs/Grants and Operations/Administration. This role provides supervision and support to direct reports: the Administrative Services Manager and the Program Manager, and acts as a management point‑of‑contact to external service providers, including HR and accounting. The Director will collaborate closely with the CEO to drive organizational effectiveness.
Year One Priorities
Work collaboratively to direct the development of a clear annual operating plan that the team can manage and implement.
Conduct an analysis of existing operational infrastructure and create a development plan in support of robust, efficient processes that ensure operations, grantmaking, and financial systems are integrated.
Direct the development of impact goals and a related framework to guide grantee data collection and assessment in preparation for the development of an annual impact report.
Lead the development of a risk management assessment and annual compliance calendar to ensure important deadlines and deliverables are being met.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Operations
Provide direction for the Programs/Grantmaking and Operations/Administration team, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for a small but impactful group to thrive.
Direct the development and refinement of organizational systems and processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and alignment with the Foundation’s values.
Provide departmental budget oversight, ensuring compliance in partnership with finance and accounting partners.
Coordinate with HR service provider to ensure HR functions are included in team practices and professional development.
Ensure operational policies, governance documents, and records meet legal and best‑practice standards.
Provide expertise that guides the development of content that informs Board of Trustees meeting agenda topics.
Philanthropic Programs and Grantmaking
Provide expertise in philanthropic best practices to inform the grantmaking strategy, ensuring it supports organizational goals and financial plans.
Develop written and visual content that is well‑informed, compelling, and succinct, in support of the development of memos, slide decks, and writing that is appropriate for a CEO, Board, or public presentation.
Bring your knowledge of the local nonprofit landscape and experience addressing relevant community needs to support and inform internal decision‑making.
Engage with grantees and community partners in a collaborative manner that is representative of principles that guide trust‑based philanthropy.
Provide strategic direction to the Programs/Grantmaking and Operations/Administration staff and support to the CEO through subject‑matter expertise.
Collaborate with staff to align grantmaking operations with strategic priorities.
Impact, Strategy, and Evaluation
Manage the annual strategy and goal‑setting process, working in collaboration with the CEO and Board to develop plans that ensure rigorous objective setting, thoughtful resource allocation, and a clear path toward long‑term mission fulfillment.
With input from the CEO, co‑develop and manage frameworks for measuring, evaluating, and communicating the Foundation’s impact.
Produce impact data and provide analysis that is appropriate for a Board‑level audience.
Lead internal learning initiatives to ensure data and insights inform strategy and grantmaking.
Build relationships with grantees and partners to co‑create meaningful, community‑centered impact metrics.
Direct the production of reports, dashboards, and storytelling materials that demonstrate progress and outcomes.
Lead efforts to align internal actions to organizational goals.
Leadership and Culture
Serve as the primary liaison between internal operations and external grantmaking, ensuring that strategic goals drive day‑to‑day execution and that execution data informs ongoing strategy.
Contribute to a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a thought partner to the CEO in strategic planning and organizational development.
Represent DSF externally with professionalism and respect.
BACKGROUND PROFILE
The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of management experience in philanthropy and grantmaking organizations, preferably supporting early literacy, education, social services, or aligned issue areas.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or public administration preferred.
Knowledge of the San Diego County region and nonprofit community.
Demonstrated expertise in foundation operations, finance, and organizational effectiveness.
Strong background in impact measurement, evaluation, and/or learning systems.
Exceptional project management and problem‑solving skills; comfortable balancing big‑picture strategy with operational detail.
Strong organization and prioritization skills and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously, with exceptional attention to detail and initiative‑taking. Motivated, with a positive approach and excellent follow‑through.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community‑centered philanthropy.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Project Management
Industries Non‑profit Organizations
Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Dr. Seuss Foundation by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr
WHO WE ARE The Dr. Seuss Foundation (DSF) is a catalyst for early literacy development in all its forms through strategic community partnerships and investments that inspire learning, spark imagination, and expand opportunities for all children. Inspired by the boundless imagination and enduring legacy of celebrated author, Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), the Dr. Seuss Foundation is dedicated to unlocking the potential in every child by serving as a powerful catalyst for improved literacy, broadly conceived, through strategic partnerships and investments.
Since 1958, DSF has gifted more than $300 million to philanthropic causes. Based in San Diego, DSF supports nonprofit efforts that ensure children have the foundation needed to develop a lifelong love of reading. Working with the local community, DSF primarily invests in early literacy initiatives, with a recognition of the importance of social‑emotional development, playful learning and experiential activities that integrate arts, music, and the environment. While the organization was established over 60 years ago, we have recently embarked on a strategic plan that will support growth, increased community engagement and impact.
LEADERSHIP & CULTURE DSF fosters a culture built on collaboration, innovation, and trust. The organization is led by Katie Rast, who joined the Board of Directors in January 2024 and was appointed CEO in September 2025. DSF is a small team, and the newly created Director of Operations and Impact position will directly manage the Programs and Administration team, including the Administrative Services Manager, Program Manager, and external service providers, including HR and accounting.
BENEFITS & FEATURES
Salary – $120,000 - $140,000 DOE
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account
401(k) with 4% employer match
PTO: 10 Vacation Days, 12 Sick Days, 12 Paid Holidays
LOCATION This role will be hybrid, with the ability to attend in‑person meetings in San Diego, CA, required.
POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Operations and Impact (Director) will serve as the critical link between strategy and execution, overseeing operational infrastructure and ensuring impact. The Director will be responsible for aligning internal priorities with strategic organizational goals and impact objectives related to grantmaking, translating strategy into actionable plans with key performance indicators.
Bringing expertise in the development of operational infrastructure and grantmaking to the role, the Director will serve as an experienced leader, providing knowledge in philanthropic best practices and community impact. This role will provide leadership and direction to a growing team, with oversight over key departmental areas, including Programs/Grants and Operations/Administration. This role provides supervision and support to direct reports: the Administrative Services Manager and the Program Manager, and acts as a management point‑of‑contact to external service providers, including HR and accounting. The Director will collaborate closely with the CEO to drive organizational effectiveness.
Year One Priorities
Work collaboratively to direct the development of a clear annual operating plan that the team can manage and implement.
Conduct an analysis of existing operational infrastructure and create a development plan in support of robust, efficient processes that ensure operations, grantmaking, and financial systems are integrated.
Direct the development of impact goals and a related framework to guide grantee data collection and assessment in preparation for the development of an annual impact report.
Lead the development of a risk management assessment and annual compliance calendar to ensure important deadlines and deliverables are being met.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Operations
Provide direction for the Programs/Grantmaking and Operations/Administration team, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for a small but impactful group to thrive.
Direct the development and refinement of organizational systems and processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and alignment with the Foundation’s values.
Provide departmental budget oversight, ensuring compliance in partnership with finance and accounting partners.
Coordinate with HR service provider to ensure HR functions are included in team practices and professional development.
Ensure operational policies, governance documents, and records meet legal and best‑practice standards.
Provide expertise that guides the development of content that informs Board of Trustees meeting agenda topics.
Philanthropic Programs and Grantmaking
Provide expertise in philanthropic best practices to inform the grantmaking strategy, ensuring it supports organizational goals and financial plans.
Develop written and visual content that is well‑informed, compelling, and succinct, in support of the development of memos, slide decks, and writing that is appropriate for a CEO, Board, or public presentation.
Bring your knowledge of the local nonprofit landscape and experience addressing relevant community needs to support and inform internal decision‑making.
Engage with grantees and community partners in a collaborative manner that is representative of principles that guide trust‑based philanthropy.
Provide strategic direction to the Programs/Grantmaking and Operations/Administration staff and support to the CEO through subject‑matter expertise.
Collaborate with staff to align grantmaking operations with strategic priorities.
Impact, Strategy, and Evaluation
Manage the annual strategy and goal‑setting process, working in collaboration with the CEO and Board to develop plans that ensure rigorous objective setting, thoughtful resource allocation, and a clear path toward long‑term mission fulfillment.
With input from the CEO, co‑develop and manage frameworks for measuring, evaluating, and communicating the Foundation’s impact.
Produce impact data and provide analysis that is appropriate for a Board‑level audience.
Lead internal learning initiatives to ensure data and insights inform strategy and grantmaking.
Build relationships with grantees and partners to co‑create meaningful, community‑centered impact metrics.
Direct the production of reports, dashboards, and storytelling materials that demonstrate progress and outcomes.
Lead efforts to align internal actions to organizational goals.
Leadership and Culture
Serve as the primary liaison between internal operations and external grantmaking, ensuring that strategic goals drive day‑to‑day execution and that execution data informs ongoing strategy.
Contribute to a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a thought partner to the CEO in strategic planning and organizational development.
Represent DSF externally with professionalism and respect.
BACKGROUND PROFILE
The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of management experience in philanthropy and grantmaking organizations, preferably supporting early literacy, education, social services, or aligned issue areas.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or public administration preferred.
Knowledge of the San Diego County region and nonprofit community.
Demonstrated expertise in foundation operations, finance, and organizational effectiveness.
Strong background in impact measurement, evaluation, and/or learning systems.
Exceptional project management and problem‑solving skills; comfortable balancing big‑picture strategy with operational detail.
Strong organization and prioritization skills and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously, with exceptional attention to detail and initiative‑taking. Motivated, with a positive approach and excellent follow‑through.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community‑centered philanthropy.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Project Management
Industries Non‑profit Organizations
Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Dr. Seuss Foundation by 2x
#J-18808-Ljbffr