Opportunity
The Program Manager leads the strategy and execution of Kohler’s philanthropic initiatives, ensuring alignment with business priorities and community needs while strengthening the company’s reputation. This role manages corporate giving programs and nonprofit partnerships, amplifying the company’s purpose-driven commitments. Manage and execute Arts/Industry marketing and PR strategy. The position requires building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering trust, and leveraging partnerships to influence policy and support Kohler’s business interests.
Specific Responsibilities
Program Management
Develop and implement a corporate giving strategy aligned with company values and community goals.Recommend annual giving priorities, budgets, and partnership focus areas to leadership.Track and report on giving impact, ensuring transparency and accountability.Oversee program budgets and work plans.Manage Kohler’s charitable giving program to ensure alignment with business strategies and leverage major gifts effectively.Oversee stewardship giving Lives Impacted methodology and public and internal reporting.Lead Kohler’s disaster response giving and relief efforts, ensuring rapid, coordinated, and compassionate support to impacted areas.
Program & Partnership Management
Build and manage relationships with nonprofit partners, grantees, and community organizations.Oversee grantmaking, donation requests, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions.Evaluate and recommend opportunities for new partnerships and programs.Marketing and Public RelationsDevelop and execute Marketing, PR and Communication strategies in support of Arts/Industry program.Partner with JMKAC and corporate communications department on paid, earned and owned media plans.Manage PR agency, providing direction on media placements (print, digital, events, art installations) in partnership with corporate communications department. Partner with WasteLab for marketing and communications, including product launches, merchandising, samples, as needed.Partner with Sustainable Living team on ad-hoc requests for preparation of presentation materials and storytelling initiatives.
Employee Engagement
Lead employee giving initiatives, fostering a culture of service and social responsibility.Partner with HR/Communications to promote and activate participation in giving campaigns and programs.Provide tools and resources to empower employees to contribute to causes that matter to them.Support associate events in collaboration with Believing in Better Program Manager.
Governance & Operations
Establish clear criteria, processes, and metrics for evaluating donation requests and impact.Manage budget allocation and ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulations.Partner with Legal, Finance, and Communications teams to ensure responsible and effective giving practices. Develop and utilize tools to measure Corporate Giving effectiveness.Works to ensure that Kohler Corporate Giving actions are authentic and are guided by ethical standards and approved by management locally and at corporate level.Vet new partnerships and develop risk analysis.
Storytelling & Visibility
Collaborate with Communications and Marketing to highlight the company’s impact through storytelling, case studies, and reporting.Provide regular updates and presentations to senior leadership on corporate giving performance and outcomes.
Communications
Serve as the primary contact for Kohler’s Corporate Giving initiatives.Build, strengthen, and communicate Corporate Giving initiatives internally and externally, ensuring alignment with the Kohler family of business brands.Partner with the marketing and communications team to share success stories and news.