Overview
PROGRAM OFFICER
The Program Officer reports to and works collaboratively with the Executive Director.
Position Overview:
This position is responsible for managing the majority of the Foundation’s grantmaking programs and maintaining relationships with grantees, funders, and community partners. The Program Officer drives the overall grantmaking strategy and has a keen eye for emerging trends in philanthropy and systems change in the region. The Foundation is growing and evolving and applicants for the position should be comfortable with growth and change at various levels.
The Foundation: The McCune Foundation’s mission is to be an agent of productive change in society by supporting the growth of social capital in communities. We fund projects that address critical issues in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties by empowering and mobilizing excluded populations. We seek partners that are “doing with others” rather than “doing for others” – grassroots, bottom-up organizations in which “clients” are the initiators and involved in decision making. Equity and inclusion are core values in the organization and its community work.
Responsibilities:
The Program Officer:
– establishes and maintains relationships with Board, Grants Review Committee, grantees, prospective applicants, and fellow funders.
– manages entire grant process including issuing updated guidelines and deadlines; hosting informational sessions online; meeting with applicants; providing feedback on letters of inquiry and application drafts; scheduling and conducting site visits; writing reports to the Board; and leading Board discussion of grant proposals. The program officer will also issue award letters and contracts and monitor the progress of grants through review of progress reports and grantee interviews.
– manages other Foundation grants including capacity building grants and training mini-grants.
– provides resources and referrals for grantees and applicants. Assists grantees with identifying other funding sources; coaching needs; and networking with other nonprofit/community groups.
– represents the Foundation at community and grantee events.
– participates in trainings and meetings of funder affinity groups and maintains contact with progressive funders. Serves on conference planning committees, as appropriate. From time to time, represents Foundation at the Foundation Roundtable of Santa Barbara County, Ventura County Funders Forum, conferences, and on funder panels.
Qualifications:
Must have prior work experience as a community organizer.
A deep knowledge of and passion for social justice and understanding and dedication to the Foundation’s mission of building social capital.
Must be a self-starter and self-directed, able to work both as part of a team and independently, and exercise good judgment and time management.
Fluency in the Spanish language is very desirable.
Familiarity with Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties communities, nonprofit organizations and local resources is also highly desirable.
Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Has a strong personal interest and commitment to working in an inclusive environment that places a high value on equity.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to maintain flexible schedule, as necessitated by Foundation schedule, including occasional weekends and evenings.
Proficient in Word, Excel, and Zoom. Familiarity with grants databases is a plus.