Program Officer for Postsecondary Education Programs - Community Foundation Of W Mass

To be considered for this position, you must apply online at 

https://communityfoundation.org/about/job-opportunities/ 

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (CFWM)

Everything we do begins with local generosity: People in our region who want to give back to their communities in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. When our donors give to us, they know that their gifts will be invested, stewarded, and shared to support people where they need it most.

As your community foundation, we’re passionate about serving by bringing together resources, expertise, and devoted regional partners to tackle complex and complicated issues. We’re deeply devoted to seeking solutions, building connections, and collaborating to have an effective and positive impact where we live.

CFWM is committed to working together across our community to increasing equity and opportunity so that all who live in our three counties have access to a satisfying quality of life.  

ABOUT OUR HYBRID WORKPLACE MODEL

Our hybrid model is designed to keep community at the heart of what we do. We offer a hybrid workplace as part of our ongoing efforts to respond to employees’ needs and feedback that allows for individual needs to be met while balancing our ability to collaborate and build relationships in our workplace and across our community. We continue to recognize that some of our work can be done remotely, some work must be performed in the office, and much of our work takes place in our travels and activities throughout the region. All employees are required to come into the office, and work across the region for some CFWM events and activities. Some positions may require more of an office or community presence than others.

Please reach out to Briana Wales-Thaxton, Vice President for People and Culture at bwales@communityfoundation.org or 413-417-6399 if you need assistance or an accommodation to complete your application. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Program Officer for Postsecondary Education Program has the primary responsibility of planning, organizing and administering the Foundation's scholarship and interest-free education loan programs. Using a data informed approach, the Program Officer is responsible for process improvement which includes, but is not limited to, the online scholarship and loan applications, scholarship and interest-free loan review and decision-making process, and outreach plan. The Program Officer is responsible for partnering with community volunteers, high schools, colleges, and other outside organizations to meet the goals of the department and Foundation.  All programs and projects are developed and implemented in alignment with our strategic priorities including equity, diversity, and inclusion, education, arts and creativity, and capacity building.   

ABOUT YOU:

• You have at least one year working in Higher Education Enrollment Management (Admissions, Financial Aid), preferably supporting students from underrepresented populations.
• You have lived experience as a first-generation and/or low-income student who navigated the college admissions and financial aid process is preferred.
• You have at least one year of experience working with college students, preferably students from underrepresented populations.
• You understand the current issues impacting college students.
• You have expertise in the financial aid and college application processes.
• You are passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• You are dedicated and connected to the Western Massachusetts community
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills
• You are organized and have the ability to manage multiple projects
• You have the ability to work independently when needed and enjoy working collaboratively with others

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

The Program Officer for the for Postsecondary Education Programs collaborates with the Senior Program Officer for Education and Economic Mobility, the Scholarship and Loan Associate, the broader Community Impact and Partnerships department, as well as across the organization to support the effective administration and implementation of CFWM's education programs. 

Program management and administration

• Distribution of $2 million to local students through the oversight of over 160 scholarship funds as well as interest-free loan funds; innovate process improvement to the application, selection, and decision-making processes; and implementation and/or integration of emerging initiatives into all education programs.         

Outreach 

• Propose process improvements that open access to the scholarship, loan, and other emerging education programs, using a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion; developing and participating in information sessions; and collaborating with the Director of Marketing and  Communications and the Senior Program Officer for Education & Economic Mobility to increase awareness of programs.  

Support internal and external collaboration  

• Work closely across departments, with grantees, volunteers, committees and working groups, team members, and a variety of community stakeholders to advance key priorities. 

Volunteer and community engagement  

• coordinate and attend volunteer engagement activities for the Education Impact and Partnerships Team in support of Scholarships & Loans

Data collection, evaluation, and reporting

• responsible for using a collaborative approach to evaluate, and report out procedures that support communications, reporting, and quality improvement efforts.  

NEEDED SKILLS

• Project management: Extremely detail oriented, ability to juggle multiple projects and work independently, as well as with others, in a collaborative, often fast-paced, team environment.
• Partnership and relationship management:  ability to foster partnerships and relationships cross departmentally and with a variety of community stakeholders.
• Effective communication skills:  Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills with a variety of audiences and stakeholders. Technology skills: Ability to use and learn computer systems and programs quickly.