Program Officer, Nonprofit Family Foundation

Our client is a Family Foundation. The Program Officer plays a key role in managing a portfolio of grantee partnerships and supporting the foundation’s grantmaking process. This position serves as the primary liaison between the foundation and a group of grantees, oversees committee engagement, and ensures the foundation board has the timely, relevant information it needs to make informed decisions about grant renewals and new funding opportunities. This is an onsite position and report to the Managing Director.

Responsibilities

Grantee Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for portfolio(s) of current and prospective grantees.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with nonprofit partners.
• Monitor grantee progress and performance through regular check-ins, site visits, and review of submitted reports.
• Provide guidance to grantees on foundation expectations, reporting requirements, and potential funding opportunities.
• Ensure grantee work aligns with foundation’s mission, vision, values and any stated portfolio goals.

Grantmaking and Portfolio Oversight

• Manage the grant lifecycle for assigned portfolio: proposal review, due diligence, documentation, and reporting.
• Coordinate with foundation staff and family members to assess alignment of grant requests with foundation goals and mission.
• Identify and surface key learnings, challenges, and opportunities within the portfolio.
• Prepare and present clear, concise grant summaries and renewal recommendations for board review and decision-making.

Committee Support

• Support and manage grantmaking committees composed of family members or advisory groups.
• Schedule meetings, distribute materials, and ensure committee members have the necessary background to participate meaningfully in funding decisions.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate committee discussions and follow-up on outcomes and next steps.
• Board Engagement
• Prepare high-quality materials and presentations for board meetings, including overviews of grantee performance and funding recommendations.
• Present programmatic opportunities and challenges to the board in a thoughtful and strategic manner.
• Track and report on progress and outcomes of board-approved grants.

Learning & Collaboration

• Stay informed about trends and developments in relevant program areas and philanthropy.
• Participate in peer learning, grantee convenings, and sector events as appropriate.
• Collaborate with a small team to support a flexible and learning-oriented grantmaking culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field required
• 3-5 years’ grant management experience preferred
• Experience with Jewish communal organizations
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with Google Suite, and ability to learn our grantmaking database program
• Important personal attributes include: eagerness to learn and improve, ability to remain calm under pressure, good judgment, patience, and willingness to take risks