REPORTS TO: Vice President, Programs

POSITION SUMMARY

Houston Endowment Inc. (the “Foundation”) is an organization known for its dynamic culture and team of talented individuals who are deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission of a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive. We seek an experienced project planner to join our team as Senior Planning Officer, overseeing the execution of complex initiatives and optimizing internal processes to enhance organizational effectiveness.

This role requires a dynamic project management and planning expert who can balance high-level strategic thinking with hands-on project execution, ensuring seamless collaboration across program teams and advancing the Foundation’s mission. The ideal candidate will have expertise in project and change management, complemented by a robust background in program strategy,, with a track record of driving efficiency and impact in mission-driven organizations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

• Work closely with the Vice President and Program Directors to design and implement strategies and project plans aligned with the Foundation’s mission and Board-approved direction
• Advise on change management across the program team, ensuring that the Foundation’s processes remain efficient, effective, and responsive to evolving needs
• Drive the identification and evaluation of programmatic optimization opportunities
• Model and reinforce the Foundation’s values, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team culture

Project Management Excellence

• Establish and maintain best practices for project management, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all initiatives of the program team
• Develop project governance frameworks to enhance accountability, resource allocation, and risk management
• Oversee and monitor project workflows, prioritizing resources to ensure timely and effective outcomes
• Design and implement cross-functional initiatives, collaborating with key stakeholders to align priorities and ensure strategic execution

Programmatic Optimization and Process Improvement

• Develop and best practices for programmatic efficiency, ensuring the program team remains adaptable and forward-thinking
• Identify, prioritize, and drive the execution of process improvement initiatives, leveraging data and insights to enhance impact
• Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting to assess programmatic effectiveness and inform decision-making

Communications

• Prepare high-quality materials and presentations for executives, ensuring clear communication of strategic initiatives and project outcomes
• Synthesize complex programmatic and project management data into concise, actionable insights for leadership 
• Collaborate with the Communications team to disseminate internal and external programmatic strategic communications
• Work closely with executive leadership and program leadership team to develop reports and recommendations that support informed decision-making for the Board

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships across teams to ensure alignment between strategic goals and operational execution
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with team members, ensuring a culture of continuous learning and excellence

• Master’s degree preferred
• 7+ years of experience in project management, strategy, or a related role
• Expertise in project management methodologies 
• Strong background in change management, process optimization, and business strategy
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive complex initiatives
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Experience in philanthropic, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• A dedication to the Foundation’s mission and core values with an unwavering commitment to promoting equity. A passion for improving the quality of life for the people of greater Houston. Respect for diversity and knowledge of the region’s demographics.
• Experience creating and reinforcing a transparent, open, and mutually respectful work environment built on strong teams with a commitment to a shared purpose. 
• Strong presentation skills. Exemplary writing and conceptual skills with impeccable attention to detail. Ability to think independently, strategically, analytically and critically, with agility to translate ideas and insights into action through coherent and viable approaches. Adept in problem-solving and launching of complex strategies.
• Capacity to sort through and negotiate priorities and seek creative solutions across teams and individuals. Well organized but not rigid.

VALUES

We believe it is both an honor and a great responsibility to work for Houston Endowment, so we are committed to our values and seek colleagues who share our commitment. 

High Performing: We bring our best every day so we: 

- Hold high standards and drive for excellence

- Challenge ourselves and show determination in pursuit of our collective goals

- Pursue continuous improvement, even when we have achieved our intended outcomes

- Stay curious to do our best work

Courageous: We know bold action matters so we: 

- Hold an audacious vision for what we can accomplish together

- Work proactively, take risks, and make difficult choices when necessary

- Choose optimism, show resilience, and stay engaged in challenging situations

Committed: We care deeply about the organization so we: 

- Prioritize and commit to the mission of the organization

- Seek and act on feedback on our work, and devote energy to our own development to be at the top of our field

- Gather diverse perspectives and expertise in service of better results

Connected: We care deeply about each other so we: 

- Build relationships with one another to create a highly effective team

- Start with trust, assume others have good intentions, and practice generosity of spirit

- Address issues directly to resolve conflict or misunderstanding

- Embrace inclusion and adapt as appropriate when partnering with others

COMPENSATION

Salary will be set in accordance with the successful candidate’s experience. In addition to salary, the candidate will be eligible for the Foundation’s comprehensive employee benefits programs, including health, dental, and vision plans, time off, life insurance, short- and long-term disability as well as matching 401(k) and pension retirement plans.