Program Officer

JOB SUMMARY

To align needs and opportunities of the community and the Foundation in developing program strategies and working with community partners and nonprofits to ensure that resources are directed responsibly toward those strategies. Assists in the development of the Foundation’s grant-making programs and serves as the point of contact for grantees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop in-depth knowledge of Foundation focus areas, including current issues and key resource people and organizations. Engage with community partners and stakeholders to maintain contemporary knowledge of pressing needs, changing local context and issues impacting the life outcomes of Flint residents. Seek opportunities to collaborate and coordinate with community partners on issues of shared concern.
• Communicate with nonprofit agencies, low-income communities, and funders (public and private) about the Foundation’s grant making priorities, guidelines, and proposal review process.
• Guide prospective applicants through the process of understanding the Foundation’s funding interests, values, and application, assess the potential for a fit prior to application, and make referrals to other community partners or funding sources when appropriate.
• Evaluate grant proposals and conduct programmatic, financial, and organizational due diligence. Prepare written analysis, summary, and recommendations for discussion with the Vice President of Programs and other program staff, and present to the Board of Trustees.
• Monitor and evaluate individual grants and their relationship to Foundation objectives. Provide technical assistance to grantees to troubleshoot challenges and identify other funders and resources. Prepare grant-related correspondence.
• Participate in internal projects and meetings as requested.
• Engage in professional development/continuing education to stay informed of advances, best practices, and program models in the field of philanthropy.
• Engage in identifying and implementing strategies to support a race equity culture both internally and in the community.
• Support the execution of all organizational goals, especially those related to facilitating a positive organizational and race equity culture.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Relevant Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, social sciences, or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience preferably working with foundations, community-based nonprofit organizations, or local units of government.

Skills

• Understanding of place-based grantmaking’s role in the community.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and produce creative written materials with persuasive impact.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize large volumes of information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with grants administration databases preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from all sectors of the community and a commitment to race equity, diversity, and inclusion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job:

• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for long periods of time.
• May need to travel up and down stairs.
• Bend, stoop, and lift to move materials on occasion.
• Pull/push, lift and carry up to 20 pounds on occasion.
• Reach both above and below shoulder height when needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The nature of the work requires the ability to work in an indoor office environment.