Senior Program Officer

Overview

Foundation Overview: For almost two decades, the Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation has been investing in strengthening many of the unique institutions that define Los Angeles. The foundation aims to enrich our community not just for the present, but for generations to come, with particular focus on health, higher education, the environment, Jewish life, and child and family wellbeing.

Position Summary:

The Senior Program Officer engages in the design, implementation and evaluation of strategic initiatives that enhance the foundation’s community impact within the focus areas mentioned above. In addition to internal responsibilities, the Senior Program Officer also plays an important public role, representing the foundation in a range of private and public meetings. As such, effective public speaking skills are essential on a range of issue areas and topics related to the foundation’s work.

The ideal candidate is dynamic, results-oriented, entrepreneurial, and thrives in a small team environment. Equally essential is sharing the foundation’s values and a demonstrated commitment to making a difference in the community. The ideal candidate will have experience in developing collaborative partnerships and a demonstrated ability to forge relationships with leaders from philanthropy, community-based organizations and government which are all essential to achieving the foundation’s goals in maximizing its grantmaking impact.

Core Responsibilities:

• Articulate the foundation’s strategy and role in the community as it relates to key focus areas
• Identify particular grantees and initiatives to invest foundation funds that further the organization’s goals and objectives in these areas
• Perform research and conduct site visits to determine funding recommendations
• Develop partnerships and manage relationships with community leaders, nonprofit executives and local government to ensure that the Foundation’s investments are effectively targeted to have the greatest impact
• Represent the foundation at relevant meetings, convenings and events
• Promote the Foundation’s activities to help cultivate a positive reputation in the community for the foundation as a philanthropic leader
• Develop subject matter expertise and remain abreast of current research, policies and trends in the specific focus areas of the Foundation
• Manage and lead the planning of events and meetings for internal and external stakeholders to advance foundation and board goals
• Initiate and manage special projects, as needed

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience, preferably in nonprofit or government sector
• Familiarity with and knowledge of Los Angeles’ economic and political landscape
• Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree preferred
• Understanding of nonprofit management and administration essential
• Commitment to excellence with strong attention to detail and self-review of product
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to distil complex information across a range of issues areas in order to develop recommendations and problem-solve
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Superior time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining attention to accuracy and detail
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills with a demonstrated ability to interact well with and respect a diverse range of people, experiences, and constituencies
• Demonstrates sound judgement and use of tact, diplomacy and discretion
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn new technology and implement innovation (tools/processes) whenever appropriate to drive administrative efficiency

Regular on-site attendance 2-3 days a week at the foundation offices in West LA is expected as part of this role. The Senior Program Officer will also be expected to travel (primarily locally) to represent the foundation in the community, including occasional evening and weekend events.