Program Innovation

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a strategic and forward-thinking leader with a strong background in program innovation and market-based approaches, capable of driving impactful, scalable solutions that blend social impact with sustainable business models.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Market-Based Program Innovation will lead the end-to-end strategy, development, and scaling of innovative, market-driven programs that deliver both sustainable social impact and business value. As a senior leader within HSSi, you will drive the organization's innovation agenda by identifying systemic social challenges that can be addressed through scalable, commercially viable solutions. You will spearhead cross-functional teams, build high-impact partnerships, and guide strategic investment in programs that create lasting change in underserved communities — all while contributing to the company's bottom line.

This role requires exceptional strategic acumen, deep experience in social enterprise and market-based approaches, and the ability to inspire and lead teams toward bold innovation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Strategy, Design & Scaling

• Lead the end-to-end development and execution of market-based programs aligned with HSSi's mission and business objectives.
• Oversee the full innovation lifecycle: market research, ideation, pilot, evaluation, and scale-up.
• Ensure programs incorporate viable business models, measurable social outcomes, and long-term sustainability mechanisms.
• Establish governance systems for effective portfolio and pipeline management.

Strategic Innovation Leadership

• Collaborate with the SSIG Managing Director and senior leadership to shape HSSi's innovation roadmap and investment priorities.
• Embed a culture of innovation, experimentation, and bold thinking across the organization.
• Lead foresight initiatives to anticipate trends, risks, and opportunities in inclusive and market-based development.

Market Intelligence & Business Model Innovation

• Conduct in-depth market research, customer discovery, and competitive analysis to identify unmet needs and new market opportunities.
• Design and refine innovative business models that enhance product-market fit, impact delivery, and financial viability.
• Translate insights into practical strategies that inform product development, service delivery models, and go-to-market approaches.

Partnership Development & Ecosystem Engagement

• Forge and maintain strategic partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, social investors, corporate allies, and community-based organizations.
• Represent HSSi at high-level conferences, industry forums, and stakeholder engagements, serving as a thought leader in social enterprise and innovation.
• Collaborate with the Partnerships and Fundraising teams to secure co-investments, technical partnerships, and market access for key programs.

Impact Measurement, Learning & Improvement

• Oversee the design and implementation of robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to track impact, growth, and financial performance.
• Champion the use of data and evidence to drive decisions, improve performance, and articulate value to stakeholders and investors.
• Synthesize and disseminate insights and lessons learned to internal and external audiences to catalyze sector-wide innovation.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing, multidisciplinary team that reflects HSSi's values of excellence, equity, and innovation.
• Collaborate with HR and the leadership team to ensure alignment of team capabilities, learning, and resources with programmatic priorities.
• Promote inclusive leadership and ensure that equity, sustainability, and community voice are embedded in all aspects of program design and delivery.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Managing Director.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Social Entrepreneurship, International Development, or related field.
• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in program design, innovation, or strategy within a social enterprise, nonprofit, or hybrid-impact organization.
• Demonstrated success in designing and scaling market-based solutions with measurable social and financial results.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong background in building partnerships across government, private sector, donors, and community stakeholders.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Skills

• Strategic and systems thinking with strong business and financial acumen.
• Advanced expertise in innovation management, project execution, and design thinking.
• Strong leadership presence with excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in impact measurement, financial modeling, and use of ERP systems (preferred).

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of market-based approaches, inclusive business models, and social innovation frameworks.
• Familiarity with global development issues such as energy access, economic empowerment, climate resilience, or rural livelihoods.
• Knowledge of impact investing, social performance metrics, and scaling pathways for social enterprise innovations.

OUR COMPANY

Founded in 2010, Hybrid Social Solutions, Inc. (HSSI) is an award-winning social enterprise that provides rural, off-grid communities in the Philippines with sustainable access to high-quality, affordable solar technologies aimed at spurring basic socio-economic development. We have developed strong partnerships with technical innovators for high-quality solar products that are suited to our target market and with community partners to implement our programs.

Our Vision

Reduce inequity and poverty by empowering all citizens in remote communities to access development-oriented goods and services that fit their specific needs and help them attain their God-given potential.

Our Mission

Build a gridless solar electricity network composed of Solar Hubs throughout the nation. These hubs will coordinate and support last-mile value chains with like-minded community partners and other stakeholders to provide customers with innovative and high quality products at affordable and fair payment terms. We ensure sustainable benefits through customer training and after-sales service that go the extra mile.

Our Impact

Hybrid is an impact-driven organization. We are committed to growing wider and deeper in our impact for our clients. Through our best-in-class products, our customers have been touched by benefits in personal development (education and communications), prosperity (additional income and savings), well-being (health, safety, and disaster preparedness), and environment, community, and environmental impact.

Join our mission-driven team and embark on a journey to reduce inequity and poverty by empowering remote communities with access to essential resources and opportunities.

Apply now and let's create a brighter, more sustainable future together.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• What is your current/previous salary?
• What is your expected salary? Is this negotiable? If negotiable, what would be an acceptable range for you?
• When can you start?
• What's prompting your search for new opportunities at this time?

Work Location: In person