Executive Director, Mars Philanthropic LLC

Job Description:

The Executive Director will lead the development and day-to-day operations of Mars’ new philanthropic LLC, developing its first strategic plan, hiring and overseeing the work of two program officers, and managing the LLC’s annual grant-making budget. The Executive Director will also drive the agenda for all LLC Board meetings and lead all interactions between the LLC, the Mars Board of Directors, and the Office of the President (OOP). The Executive Director will collaborate with the leads of other foundations/charities within Mars (e.g., Mars Wrigley Foundation) helping establish best practices and governance as well as increased coordination and collaboration in how they operate. They will also represent the LLC to external audiences.

Reports to the Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability and works directly with leaders of other foundations/charities within Mars as well as the Senior Director, Global Community Engagement, members of the Sustainability Steering Group and other relevant personnel to ensure coordination of all Mars’ philanthropic and impact-oriented activities. Engages regularly with members of the LLC Board, the Mars Board, and the OOP.

The Executive Director will be expected to:

Provide regular updates to the LLC Board, lead preparation for LLC Board meetings (e.g., agendas, board book materials), and secure approval for the LLC’s annual plan, including alignment on proposed budget spend. Ensure the Mars Board and OOP are informed of and support the LLC’s overall strategy. Establish and lead a Mars Impact Council, supporting communications and ensuring coordination across Mars’ other foundations, charitable organizations, sustainability activities, and community engagement programs.

Governance

• Develop governance structures and guidelines for all charitable giving within Mars, ensuring alignment with best practices in corporate philanthropy.
• Develop the LLC’s grant-making and grants administration policies and procedures.
• Lead the LLC Board meeting preparations, including the development of meeting agendas and board books.
• Provide regular written reports to the LLC Board on issues relating to grant-making, fiduciary management, and governance (e.g., quarterly reports).
  
  

Strategic Oversight:

• In collaboration with the VP for Corporate Affairs & Sustainability and relevant team members, including members of the Mars Sustainability Steering Group (SSG), and the Senior Director for Global Community Engagement, lead the development of the LLC’s first 5-year strategic plan, including goals, theories of change, likely partnerships, and budgets for each of the LLC’s three strategic focus areas (boosting sourcing community vibrancy, growing and diversifying the pipeline of scientists, and improving companion animal well-being), as well as disaster relief work.
• Establish an impact assessment system, including metrics, data collection processes, and internal and external reporting protocols.
• Lead impact reporting to the LLC Board, Mars Board, OOP and external audiences.
• Establish and manage a Mars Impact Council to ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration across all of Mars’ foundations, charitable entities, sustainability activities, and community engagement programs.
• Partner with the Senior Director, Global Community Engagement to build connection between the LLC’s work and signature Mars community engagement programs including Mars Volunteer Program (MVP) and Mars Ambassador Program (MAP).
  
  

Operations, Management, and Budget:

• Recruit, select, onboard and line manage two program officers.
• Oversee the development and execution of high-quality annual implementation plans, including workplans and budgets, by the LLC program officers.
• Determine grant levels for partner organizations based on program officer recommendations and secure LLC Board approval when needed.
• Develop and monitor the LLC’s annual grant-making and operational budgets, ensuring prudent financial management of the LLC’s funds.
  
  

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Represent the LLC in relevant external forums, highlighting the work while maintaining appropriate discretion; drive and execute external communications campaign in coordination with Mars External Communications team to help increase recognition of Mars philanthropic efforts.
• Partner with Mars Strategic Business Communications team to drive Mars Associate visibility of and pride in the company’s philanthropic efforts.
  
  

Bachelor’s degree in related field required, master’s degree preferred.

Minimum 15 years of experience in related work (philanthropy, foundations, managed giving etc).

Direct experience leading a private, family, and/or corporate foundation or corporate giving program, including experience working with a Board.

Demonstrated interest or expertise in one or more of the LLC’s strategic focus areas (e.g., sustainable agriculture, science, companion animal well-being).

Strong leadership skills and comfort around higher management.

Excellent Stakeholder Relationship Skills And Effective Partnering Capabilities.

Ability to lead multiple projects and processes simultaneously, while tracking projects with varying deadlines.

Ability to remain flexible and resilient under pressure and make quick decisions when necessary.

Experience mentoring and managing a high-performing team.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
  
  

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.