Director

About the job

At Waverley Street Foundation we’re turning imagination into reality by investing in community-led programs that will help us grow better food, preserve our farmland, get cleaner, more affordable energy, build smarter, more successful businesses, and cultivate a healing planet. Our work drives lasting change through strategic funding of renewable energy and regenerative agriculture programs — targeted community investments that boost economic growth and improve health outcomes. WSF prioritizes representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of its work.

Unlike most philanthropies, WSF is spending down its assets—approx. $3 Billion— over the next decade, a decision that empowers it to support not only sensible and pragmatic solutions but also daring bets and breakthroughs that can alter the trajectory of the climate crisis and unlock a new and better future for humanity.

WSF strives to do things differently, and be entrepreneurial and innovative in our grantmaking approach. As we take on the task of addressing global climate change, we are adopting a campaign mindset where we look to empower people and communities.. Our goal is to demonstrate the collective will of humanity to reside on a livable planet, and to develop momentum for climate improvements across the globe that results in a global transition to clean energy sources and sustainable living.

WSF does its work in deep collaboration with field experts and advisors, as it is essential that the Foundation’s strategy is developed not in conference rooms but out in the world, informed by the lived experiences and innovative ideas of the people most directly impacted by the problems the foundation seeks to address. Specifically, WSF convenes experts from a variety of disciplines who are close to communities – their experiences, and their solutions.

In order to execute against our ambitious goals, we are seeking our Director of Impact Investing.

To apply, please follow instructions below.

THE ROLE

The Director of Impact Investing, will play a pivotal role in the development and execution of impact-first investments, including program-related investments (PRIs), that align with WSF’s mission.

The Director will drive WSF’s impact investing strategy, new investment diligence and execution, and management of existing impact investments. They will have technical expertise in investment due diligence and structuring, but also understand the limitations of traditional financial frameworks in shifting capital to support climate solutions that are grounded in the day-to-day needs of people and local communities. They will seek out catalytic investment opportunities and embrace an experimental approach that can serve as a model for others in the ecosystem. Investments could take a variety of forms and capital structures and have both a domestic and international focus.

This position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, reporting to the office 3 days per week.

YOUR MISSION

• Strategy Development: Develop and refine WSF’s Impact Investing strategy, in alignment with mission, objectives, structure, and risk tolerance.
• Investment Sourcing: Identify and evaluate potential impact investment opportunities that advance WSF’s strategic priorities. Lead landscaping analysis of new and existing investment theses and initiatives.
• Investment Due Diligence: Lead comprehensive due diligence on prospective impact investment opportunities. This includes financial analysis, deal structuring, impact assessment, legal compliance, and risk assessment.
• Investment Management: Lead day-to-day portfolio management of the existing impact investment portfolio.
• Risk Management: Working closely with the Asset Management team, develop risk mitigation strategies for Impact investments and establish monitoring mechanisms to track performance over time.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with investees and other stakeholders to facilitate ongoing collaboration and support.
• Impact Measurement: Develop and implement systems for tracking and measuring the social and environmental impact of investments, including the development of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Reporting: Prepare and present reports on impact investing activities, performance, and outcomes to leadership, board, and stakeholders.
• Ecosystem Building and Outreach: Build and maintain relationships with other foundations, impact investors, and other peer groups in the field to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

WHO YOU ARE

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in institutional investment management
• Deep understanding of impact investing and a desire to advance an investment strategy that focuses on using non-traditional methods to increase the accessibility of capital to advance climate action while supporting community groups
• Proven track record of success in investment sourcing, diligence, structuring, and management of impact investments
• Experience with Addepar or other investment performance reporting software is a plus
• Exceptional strategic thinking skills around operationalization and execution in complex and ambiguous environments
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across different geographies and subject areas
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management and other outside partners
• MBA or CFA designation preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel

KEY ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS AT WSF

• Passionate about advancing equitable and transformative solutions to the climate crisis
• Able to synthesize information and distill complex ideas into clear, concise, and actionable forms
• Proven track record within complex, multi-stakeholder projects/organizations
• Skilled at building strong relationships and cultivating diverse networks
• Humble and open to differing views and perspectives
• Intellectually curious and stays current on news in their field
• Comfortable with radical approach to diversity
• Able to break down barriers to getting things done, while always operating with unassailable integrity
• Willing to pitch in when needed
• Low drama, good humor and joie de vivre

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to jobs@waverleystreet.org.

A cover letter is required and should address the following questions:

1) What is your experience with impact investing, particularly using non-traditional financial methods to support climate solutions in a community-based context? (200 words or less)

2) Based on your experience and WSF’s mission and spend-down mandate, what investment opportunities are you excited to pursue? How would you measure success for these investments? (200 words or less)

3) Aside from 1 and 2, what else excites you about this position? (100 words or less)

4) Are you able to work in the San Francisco office 3 days per week?

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