You've opened the portfolio.
Across my work, I focus on increasing mission impact and deploying creative answers to complex organizational challenges. I strive to always add value by developing and implementing solutions that build on highly-relevant previous use cases. I also carefully tailor to each context a uniquely wide-ranging skillset.
Current projects I am leading include:
- Elaborating, launching and managing global programs to substantially increase their impact on the public benefit;
- Designing and testing innovative models for strategic initiatives;
- Forging cross-sector strategic partnerships to enable solutions that would otherwise not be possible; and
- Advising on strategic planning for, and implementation of, innovative fellowships for emerging leaders.
A background that spans multiple functions across every sector underlies a longstanding singular aim: to contribute to strong, resilient, and more equitable societies by helping visionary organizations amplify and sustain the impact of their missions for the long term. In my view, this is best achieved through effective program development and strategic partnerships. From supporting data-driven public policy to developing social justice grant-making programs, and designing collaborative digital frameworks to forming public-private partnerships, I've had the immense privilege of leading teams and projects to outcomes that consistently surpassed targets—and significantly strengthened organizational impact.
“Benjamin has a keen eye for the big picture, and a superb track record of insightful, data-driven analysis.”— Allan Luks, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters (fmr)
Some of these past roles, along with a few other tidbits:
Vital Stats
Education
Phi Beta Kappa, UC Regents Scholar- PhD, Columbia University
- Credential, Harvard Business School
- MA & BA, UCLA
Some organizations I've worked with
Adobe Systems, American Council of Learned Societies, American Red Cross, Biden-Harris Campaign, Columbia Law School, Columbia University, École Normale Supérieure, Google Inc., JSTOR, Microsoft Inc., National Humanities Alliance, New York Academy of Sciences, Obama Campaign, Princeton University, The Economist Intelligence Unit, The Princeton Review, U.S. Department of State
What I've done there
- Analysis (qualitative & quantitative)
- Board development & facilitation
- Business development
- Capacity building
- Collaborative framework development
- Communications strategy
- Community development
- Cross-organizational project leadership
- Cultural heritage & art preservation, education & engagement
- Digital strategy
- Engagement & advocacy strategy
- Evaluation & assessment
- Facilitation (cross-organizational, group, multi-stakeholder)
- Foreign policy
- Grantmaking (grant design & management)
- Higher education access & postsecondary success programs
- Impact analysis & measurement
- Innovation & IT modernization (agile, open-source, human-centered)
- International relations & diplomacy
- Knowledge building & sharing
- Leadership development & coaching (in-person & virtual)
- Network building (local, national & global)
- Nonprofit & philanthropic program strategy
- Organizational development & stewardship
- Organizing & movement building
- Program development & management
- Project management (agile & lean)
- Public & digital humanities
- Research-based initiatives
- Strategic partnerships
- Strategic planning
- Sustainability initiatives
- Team building & group process
- Training & knowledge resource development
“Benjamin is an amazingly-effective program manager who oversaw the successful execution of our collaborations with Google.”— Deirdre Ryan, Director, Primary Sources, JSTOR
“Benjamin jumped in with his superior organizational and interpersonal skills to bring important and complex projects to successful completion under tight deadlines.”— Stephen Kidd, Executive Director, National Humanities Alliance
“Benjamin's analyses were models of succinctness and clarity that showed a mature grasp of the policy implications.”— Gary Clements, Division Chief, U.S. Department of State
A few of my interests
Civic engagement; culture & arts access; democracy & public policy; education policy & ed tech; emerging technologies, digital innovation & society; environmental justice; foreign affairs & politics; freedom of expression; higher education access & youth development; humanities & knowledge development; literacy mentorship; neuroscience & behavior; social sector impact & best practices
Selected Awards
- Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow
- NYC Service Leader Award, City of New York
- Otis Fellows Doctoral Award, Columbia University
- Presidential Service Award, Columbia University
- Rockefeller Fellow, Princeton University
- Volunteer Partnership Award, American Red Cross
Drop me a line for more info.