Senior Program Officer - Stark Community Foundation

The Senior Program Officer will support the Vice President of Grants and Community Initiatives in the development and analysis of community initiatives and will be responsible for contributing to the Foundation’s community leadership role. This position will also oversee the Grants Manager and Program Officer and related competitive grantmaking activities, including grantee relations, grant proposal review, grant monitoring and technical assistance.

1) Competitive Grantmaking. Oversee the Grants Manager and Program Officer in working with grant seekers to understand Foundation priorities and interests, to provide direction regarding the grant application process, and to promote resources to help strengthen the nonprofit business model; review and analyze proposals according to guidelines; conduct site visits and interview potential grantees; coordinate evaluation process for grants and prepare analysis; and develop recommendations to Foundation management regarding grant approvals and declines.

2) Research and Data. Collect and present community data gleaned from grant proposals concisely and effectively; maintain knowledge of current trends and community resources; monitor the performance of competitive grants, including the discussion of performance milestones to support grantee partner success.

3) Sharing of Community Knowledge. As appropriate, convene grantees and others in the field to advance collective action, networking, and learning opportunities for partners; work with Advancement in the pursuit of connecting and involving the community-at-large.

4) Community Initiatives. S Support the VP of Grants and Community Initiatives in the development of community-wide opportunities and strategies; build positive relationships within the community; work with a multitude of constituents in a manner that promotes trust; develop recommendations regarding best practices for specific initiatives; contribute to efforts to match donor interests to critical community needs; and represent the Foundation at community forums and events.

5) Evaluation of Programs. Participate in the ongoing refinement of the Foundation’s initiative and data driven strategies through discussions with other Foundation program and senior staff.

6) Other. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice President of Grants and Community Initiatives.

Education/Degrees:

Bachelor’s degree required (business, communications, or related field)

Experience:

Minimum 7 years’ experience in nonprofit sector with specific experience in effectively working and building relationships with a multitude of diverse constituents and in managing projects and competing priorities.

Key Skills, Knowledge and Personal Characteristics:

• Superior verbal and written communications skills;
• Ability to research and analyze large volumes of data and present information concisely;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills;
• Deep interest in and commitment to the work of community foundations;
• A track record of having worked on a project in a formative stage with demonstrated ability to complete tasks;
• Ability to assess the leadership, track record, and capacity of social sector organizations and collaboratives;
• Experience in project design and/or portfolio management experience, evaluation, policy, and communications efforts;
• Ability to work with a diverse group of constituents and to respect varying perspectives;
• Acute attention to detail;
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.