Program Manager

We contribute to education, culture and environmental protection

The Hasso Plattner Foundation aims to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies through science and education, improve access to art and culture, and support environmental conservation. Hasso Plattner is one of the founders of SAP, an enterprise software company, and has been Chairman of its Supervisory Board until 2024.

In 1998, Hasso Plattner founded the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering (HPI), marking his first significant philanthropic contribution. After signing the Giving Pledge (initiated by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet), he established the foundation in 2015.

The Hasso Plattner Foundation's main office is in Potsdam, Germany.

A career at the Hasso Plattner Foundation can offer you

Purpose – You will be working for one of the worlds largest foundations (by endowment) and will have the opportunity to actively shape our philanthropic activities and operations

Personal growth – We are a fast growing organization looking for excellent talent. You will be working directly with high level executives and senior stakeholders at our projects and the Foundation's organs and you will have plenty of opportunities to grow into more senior roles

Agility – Our organization is characterized by flat hierarchies, motivated and driven teams and a non-bureaucratic environment

Your Role

As Program Manager, you will shape and coordinate the Foundation's philanthropic initiatives, with a focus on educational, health, and conservation activities in Europe and the global South. Your role includes strategic project planning, ensuring smooth collaboration between internal teams and external partners, and keeping track of timelines and deliverables. You'll work closely with leadership to ensure that each project contributes meaningfully to the Foundation's mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategy development & implementation for a portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's overarching strategic goals and timelines.
• Act as expert and sparring partner for the leadership teams at respective projects.
• Act as a point of contact and coordinator for internal departments and external project partners involved in program delivery to facilitate collaboration.
• Support project planning and execution, including the preparation of materials for internal decision-making, project agreements, and reporting.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks or delays, and propose solutions to keep initiatives on track.
• Contribute to impact management, including the development and tracking of KPIs and reporting on outcomes.
• Participate in overall strategic planning and help shape the Foundation's evolving priorities.
• Support the professionalization of internal processes and standardization of project cycles.

What We Are Looking For

• Outstanding academic track record from a leading university
• Completed master's degree, ideally PhD
• Minimum 4 years of experience in leading complex projects, preferably in international high-performing teams
• Excellent analytical and stakeholder management skills
• Great organizational skills and structured way of working
• Exceptionally driven and committed to striving for excellence
• Eager to develop new skills and areas of expertise, and displaying a high level of agility.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English.

What else do we offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Support to pursue professional training
• Multi-day team events
• Public transport ticket
• State-of-the-art IT equipment
• Working in a beautiful office in Potsdam with a lake view
• Free lunch, fruits, drinks, excellent coffee, and opportunities for outdoor sports activities

To Apply

We look forward to receiving your application (CV, diplomas, references) compiled as one PDF document with your salary expectations and earliest entry date.