Program Officer - DC Bar Foundation

The Foundation 

The DC Bar Foundation is the leading funder of civil legal aid in the District of Columbia. We are committed to the vision that residents of the District have equal access to justice, regardless of income. Our mission is to fund, support, and improve legal representation of people who are financially disenfranchised or who are otherwise underserved in the District of Columbia.

Our Beliefs 

We believe that everyone should have access to justice regardless of wealth, knowledge, or power. We seek to be community-rooted, led by the voices of those most impacted by our decisions. We believe in working collaboratively and demonstrating mutual respect for each other’s capacities, contributions, and ideas. We believe that we must work within ourselves, our networks, and our institutions to challenge racism with each decision we make. Finally, we believe in Team. It’s not just about getting the work done; it’s about HOW you get it done.

Position Summary 

The Program Officer manages a portfolio of DC Bar Foundation grants and technical assistance programs.

Essential Job Functions

Grants Management

• Liaison with the Programs team to manage all aspects of assigned portfolios
• Serve as an internal thought leader on current trends and best practices
• Establish, document, and standardize grants management policies and procedures
• Manage the full lifecycle of grants
• Participate in the development of grant applications, reviewing, monitoring, and reporting requirements
• Monitor grantee compliance by conducting site visits and reviewing financial and programmatic reports
• Close out grant awards by reviewing programmatic and financial reports
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs to negotiate annual grant agreements
• Work with team members to support the ongoing evaluation and reporting of grantee activities and impacts
• Inform development of new training and technical assistance programs and application procedures
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs to develop requests for proposals, select, and monitor consultants
• Develop high-quality programmatic and informational materials, presentations, and briefings for grantees, board and committee members, and other stakeholders
• Collaborate with Programs staff to perform and share research for program planning
• Provide technical and systems support to grantees and staff for all program functions
• Maintain working knowledge of the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), including its impact on the legal aid network
• Develop and manage scholarship program for legal aid attorneys and other grantee staff
• Develop and cultivate strong working relationships with grantees, consultants, and colleagues
• Represent DCBF while participating in subject matter working groups
• Provide programs-related content to the communications team for testimony, events, monthly newsletter, periodic press releases, website, social media, and other communications
• Make recommendations for improvements based on challenges, successes, and input from stakeholders
• Communicate the Foundation’s vision, as well as our strategic goals and objectives
• Collect, apply, and share learnings through professional networking

Community Engagement

• Develop and cultivate strong working relationships with grantees, consultants, and colleagues
• Represent DCBF while participating in subject matter working groups
• Provide programs-related content to the communications team for testimony, events, monthly newsletter, periodic press releases, website, social media, and other communications
• Make recommendations for improvements based on challenges, successes, and input from stakeholders
• Communicate the Foundation’s vision, as well as our strategic goals and objectives
• Collect, apply, and share learnings through professional networking

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of work experience; Juris Doctor preferred
• Four years of professional work experience handling duties comparable to those outlined above
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and proactive with the ability to independently prioritize, manage timelines for multiple projects, and adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Natural problem solver with sound judgment and the ability to meet adversity with tenacity and flexibility
• Knowledge of the DC civil legal services sector, community, foundation, and grantmaking
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills demonstrated through a professional and fact-based communication style
• Solid analytical and technical abilities with standards of excellence and high-quality work
• Comfort in taking complete ownership of all strategic, tactical, and administrative duties of the position
• Eagerness to tackle new projects and assignments
• Conscientious and thorough with the ability to anticipate and correct errors
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and diversity
• Demonstrated commitment to creating and sustaining a positive work environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat; Experience with Asana and Salesforce preferred

Work Environment

This role is based in Washington, DC, and will require work to be performed remotely and within the office space. The position involves frequent use of computers, phones, and virtual meeting platforms. The role may require periodic work outside of regular business hours and occasional local travel.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to safely and successfully perform the essential functions of this job consistent with federal, state, and local standards, including meeting productivity standards. Persons with mental and physical disabilities are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations.

The DC Bar Foundation provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, personal appearance, political affiliation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, domestic partner or familial status, marital status, matriculation, family responsibilities, source of income, place of residence or business, veteran status or active military service, disability, credit information, or status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other characteristic protected by local or federal law.

 In addition to the protections outlined by the federal government, the Foundation complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, including but not limited to the DC Human Rights Act (DCHRA).

Compensation and Benefits

We believe in paying fairly and competitively. To execute this, we utilize a strategic compensation review process to determine starting pay rates as well as annual adjustments. The hiring range for this position is $65,000 to $80,000. Decisions regarding each individual’s compensation are made using a holistic analysis of market rates, experience, competencies, education, performance, internal equity, annual budget, and economic state.

We also believe in supporting employees’ professional development, health and wellness, and work/life balance. Our benefits include health insurance, medical and dependent care FSAs, 401(k) retirement plan with match, commuter benefits, home office allowance, summer hours, professional development allowance, vacation and sick leave, and sabbatical appreciation leave.

To Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter outlining how your qualifications align with the requirements for this position. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. No calls or emails please.