Job

Description: Program Officer

The Program Officer reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for developing, reviewing,
researching, and reporting on grants to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors in coordination
with Executive Director and existing Program Officer. Knowledge within higher education, public education,
youth development, arts and culture and/or conservation a plus, but not required.  

Primary responsibilities include:

 Counsel grant seekers on grant requests and general information inquiries.
 Evaluate the feasibility of grant proposals and of applicant’s organizational capacity to achieve
proposed objectives, and develop written funding recommendation for submission to Executive
Committee and Board.
 Review and analyze the organizational and project budgets for proposals.
 Conduct in person site visits as part of grant application review process.
 Work with the Executive Director to coordinate funding recommendations with payout targets.
 Monitor progress of grantees, assuring that all grant requirements are met, including review of
progress in achieving key objectives, and expenditure reports, as needed.
 Proactively reach out to past grantees and seek new grantees for the Foundation to help achieve
existing funding area goals.
 Participate in planning activities related to the Foundation’s grant programs, including analyzing
past funding history and scanning community needs to ensure that the Foundation’s focus is both
current and in line with donor intent.
 Conduct research projects as assigned.
 Work closely with community organizations, local leaders and other funders to identify local needs
and promote opportunities for grantmaking as they relate to the Foundation’s interests and funding
priorities.
 Be informed and remain current on issues on emerging and critical trends in philanthropy, the
nonprofit community and specific Foundation program areas.

Personal Leadership Qualities

The Program Officer should demonstrate:
 A clear commitment to the Foundation’ mission and values.
 The highest levels of personal and professional integrity and confidentiality.
 Ability to analyze and formulate information into sound, well‐organized plans of action.
 Approaches the workplace with motivation and creativity.
 An ability to work in a team and in a small office.
 Learns from the successes and failures of the past in planning for the future.
 Willingness to ask difficult questions and challenge assumptions.
 Awareness of trends and information in the external environment that may impact the Foundation.
 Sense of motivation and creativity.
 Effective problem solving skills.
 Good judgment in decision making.
 Effective communication skills, including listening skills.
 The ability to build trusting relationships.
 The ability to balance diverging and competing points of view.
 The ability to accept constructive criticism. 
 Previous non‐profit or foundation experience helpful.
 Bachelor’s degree preferred.