Program Director, Veterans, The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation
The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation (RLDF) was founded in 2022 and launched formal operation in 2024. The Foundation is committed to addressing seemingly intractable social problems with imagination and passion. We strive to improve the lives of families and veterans, and to cultivate entrepreneurs through data driven and collaborative approaches to funding. We seek to practice philanthropy with rigor and from a place of listening and strive to be a learning organization – to always seek greater understanding of our funding priorities. While our home and our priority is the Chicago region, we may consider national efforts that are aligned with our mission, values and goals.
Position Overview
RLDF seeks a Program Director of the Veterans grantmaking program. This position provides a unique opportunity to define and craft a strategy for RLDF’s philanthropy over the next decade. Working in collaboration with the RLDF team, industry peers, and community nonprofits, this Director will develop and refine near and long-term giving priorities and practices for the portfolio.
Initial interests for the Veterans program include three components:
- Successful Reintegration: It is not just veterans who serve, families serve as well. The Foundation will invest in efforts that help veterans and their families transition into the post-military chapter of life. This includes support for programs that help veterans and their families through counseling and peer-to-peer community-based supports, money management and credit building resources, and pathways to stable housing and home ownership.
- Health and Well-Being: After they have served, the care we provide to veterans should equal the care they provided our country. Grantmaking will focus on efforts to ensure veterans and their families can access affordable, high-quality health care with a focus on physical disabilities and mental health supports—including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
- Workforce Opportunities: Veterans can benefit from supports as they transition their military leadership and experience into the business sector. Grantmaking will focus on career and technical education for skilled trades, the pursuit of two and four-year degrees, as well as veteran entrepreneurship for small businesses to high-growth businesses by providing access to the technical, relational and financial capital they need to succeed professionally.
Salary Range:
$160,000