SCHOLARSHIPS OFFICER

Job Purpose:

The primary role of the Scholarships Officer is to manage the Foundation’s scholarship funds of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. The Scholarships Officer reports directly to the Scholarships and Grants Manager (SGM). The Scholarships Officer also works with the CFMC staff team, board members and community volunteers to implement and expand the Foundation’s scholarship and awards programs that positively impact the local community and further the Community Foundation’s grantmaking goals. Based on the duties described below, this is an exempt position and is based in the CFMC Salinas office.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Scholarship Management: Maintain scholarship data and reporting management including due diligence for scholarship applications, technical assistance for online data systems to nonprofits and donors, working with scholarship contacts with local schools and students, coordinating data collection and reporting. Be informed of high school/college transcript requirements and financial aid policies, including updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act and similar.
• Scholarship Leadership: Provide data analysis, evaluation and implementation in collaboration with CFMC’s strategic goals for all CFMC scholarships including the College Futures Monterey County scholarship program.
• Meeting Facilitation: Responsible for staffing scholarship committees as directed and one or more grant committees comprised of volunteer board and community representatives and charged with recommending scholarships to the CFMC Board of Directors. Duties include coordination of meetings, training new committee members, managing the review of applications, facilitating decision making processes, and the preparation of meeting agendas and minutes, analyzing issues and other information to support committee recommendations.
• Community Relations. In coordination with the SGM, work directly with scholarship seekers and recipients to provide clarity about the application procedures, and linkages to other resources as appropriate. Work with the local nonprofit and business community to provide clarity about the CFMC’s scholarship and award opportunities and linkages to other resources as appropriate.
• Community Research: In collaboration with the SGM, understand local and national policies and trends regarding scholarships/awards, research community needs and leadership opportunities to inform CFMC’s strategic directions.
• Networking and Collaboration. Serve as a catalyst, convener and facilitator to stimulate and promote collaborations to address emerging needs and opportunities within the CFMC’s priority impact areas.
• Accountability. Work as a member of the CFMC’s team to ensure that scholarships are responsive to community needs and that operations are efficient and effective.
• Volunteer Management. Supervise and monitor work of interns and volunteers, as needed.
• Public Relations. Represent the Community Foundation for Monterey County at multi-agency collaboratives, networks, and/or other work-related convening(s).
• Program Administration and Staff Support. Perform any and all other program-related administrative duties as required from time to time or as assigned by the SGM and/or the Vice President of Community Impact.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree; some advanced course work in a related field preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in nonprofit and/or public sector institutions, with at least two serving in a professional role and preference for experience working with high school or college students.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written). Ability to prepare and give presentations and comfortably interact with diverse audiences.
• Advanced computer technology including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database concepts.
• Verbal and written Spanish proficiency and bicultural background highly desirable.
• Team oriented with an ability to work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues, board members, consultants and community leaders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.
• Strong analytic, interpersonal and networking skills. Ability to interact with grant seekers, board members, donors and Foundation staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and group processes for fact-finding, decision-making, peer learning and problem solving.
• A demonstrated commitment to the community and a desire to assist nonprofit organizations in addressing community needs and supporting positive change efforts.
• High level of customer service
• Must have reliable transportation for travel throughout the Monterey County for site visits, community engagement and meetings.
• Prior grantmaking experience is not a requirement, however experience with program/project development and evaluation is highly desirable.

A resume and a cover letter expressing your interest in the position is required to apply. Applications without both the resume and cover letter will not be accepted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to reliably commute to the job location, as well as around Monterey county as needed for engagement and events?
• Are you bilingual English/Spanish?
• Are you comfortable communicating with students, parent, and school faculty?
• Have you had professional and/or volunteer experience working with high school or college students?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000