Head of Texas, US Programs

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (www.dell.org) builds pathways that change lives for families around the world. With offices in Austin, Texas; New Delhi, India; Cape Town, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; and Tel Aviv, Israel, the foundation supports programs that advance quality public education, promote children’s health, and strengthen family economic stability. Since its inception, the foundation has committed more than $2.8 billion to initiatives that expand opportunities and improve outcomes for families globally.

Current Opportunity: Head of Texas, US Programs – Austin, TX

Are you a purpose-driven leader ready to shape systems, build partnerships, and deliver outsized impact for communities across Texas?

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is seeking a Head of Texas, US Programs to join our Management Committee and lead our Texas portfolio from Austin. Reporting to the Head of US Programs, this individual will design and execute strategies that accelerate opportunities for disadvantaged children, youth, and families.

We are looking for a business-minded, results-oriented leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. The ideal candidate will be deeply connected within Texas, with a proven ability to influence across nonprofit, business, philanthropic, and government sectors. This person will not only design bold strategies but also roll up their sleeves to implement them—driving measurable outcomes in collaboration with grantees, social entrepreneurs, and cross-sector partners.

About the Role

This is not a back-office role—you will operate as both strategist and implementer, leading with rigor and vision while partnering directly with stakeholders to deliver on ambitious goals. You’ll act as a key decision-maker on the U.S. Management Committee, shaping funding strategies, setting impact targets, and ensuring the portfolio is primed for board review and approval.

You will be expected to:

Drive Portfolio Development & Strategy

• Define and evolve portfolio investment and giving strategy to maximize impact in Texas.
• Lead projects with existing and new grantees, mission-aligned entities, and stakeholders to ensure success of MSDF grants and investments.
• Recommend, design, and scale new models and practices that deepen impact and enable more effective allocation of public and private resources.

Lead Programs and Deliver Outcomes

• Manage end-to-end execution of projects that deliver measurable, sustainable results for children, youth, and families.
• Partner closely with investees and grantees to strengthen operational capacity and unlock growth.
• Translate vision into execution with precision and a relentless focus on detail.

Build and Manage Strategic Partnerships

• Collaborate with partners to co-create innovations that further the Foundation’s strategies.
• Maintain high-trust, outcome-oriented relationships with grantees and stakeholders through regular engagement, clear agendas, and rigorous analysis.
• Surface opportunities for adaptive management and course correction.

Evaluate and Optimize the Portfolio

• Lead rigorous appraisals of foundation-supported projects, making tough calls to sunset underperforming initiatives.
• Leverage data, third-party evaluations, and funded project results to inform decision-making.
• Capture and share insights to influence internal learning and external systems change.

Who You Are

• Experienced Strategist & Operator: 10 years leading complex, integrated projects with clear, measurable outcomes; management experience required. Background in strategy, management consulting, investment management, operations, or project management. Master’s degree preferred.
• Analytical Problem Solver: Strong conceptual thinker with the ability to synthesize strategy, objectives, and timelines into actionable plans. Skilled in data-driven decision-making and use of technology tools.
• Mission-Driven Leader: Deep curiosity and commitment to creating pathways out of poverty for underserved communities; resilient, humble, and impact-focused.
• Collaborative Influencer: Adept at building partnerships across nonprofit, business, and government sectors; can influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Builder’s Mindset: Thrives in ambiguity, demonstrates agility, and consistently drives toward innovation and results.

Key Skills and Traits

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Strong “end-product” orientation and mastery of detail.
• Ability to connect frontline execution to systems-level strategy.
• Skilled at project managing external partners and fostering stakeholder relationships.
• Outstanding communication—able to distill complexity for senior leaders and diverse audiences.
• Highest standards of stewardship, ethics, and accountability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced analytics in Excel and strong presentation skills in PowerPoint.

Travel Requirement

Up to 30% domestic travel, focused within Texas.

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact, high-visibility portfolio at the heart of the Foundation’s U.S. work. As the Head of Texas, you’ll join a passionate team that values urgency, collaboration, and optimism—working together to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for families. If you’re ready to bring strategic rigor, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to equity into a role that shapes the future of Texas communities, we’d love to meet you.