Do you enjoy working in an environment that promotes innovation, teamwork, and outcomes? Do you value community? Our client, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, is seeking a Senior Program Officer to join their dynamic team and play a crucial role in developing and implementing grantmaking strategies for the Young Adults and Working Families portfolio.

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. believed to make effective change, efforts should make an impact from the start–yet carry long into the future. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation team is proud, humbled, and excited to be stewards of the foundational change that reflects Mr. Wilson’s spirit and wishes.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

GRANTMAKING, GRANT MONITORING, AND GRANT EVALUATION

• Identify programs, projects, and partnerships that will leverage Foundation resources.
• Meet with representatives of not-for-profit organizations to discuss specific grant proposals.
• Review and analyze grant proposals. As appropriate, conduct site visits and basic research and utilize Foundation staff and professional networks to contextualize the proposal.
• Draft grant recommendations and associated grant materials, including the ongoing refinement of grant-related documentation.
• Support preparation of materials for Program Committee and Board of Trustee meetings.
• Present information on grant recommendations and updates on grantee activities when requested.
• Assist with ensuring grant compliance and financial projections of grantee funds, including maintaining and reporting on the current status of assigned grantees. To include upcoming reports, payments, and projected payments; and direct communication and/or on-site visits with grantees to discuss progress and challenges and to identify any need for program modification that requires Executive attention.
• Support evaluation of grants and grantmaking activities and communication of evaluation results to President and Trustees.
• Supervise program staff as assigned, including dispensing and overseeing daily work tasks and assuring that all policies and procedures are communicated and followed.

COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Work with Executive Team to prepare regular Trustee updates and other information briefings for Foundation Trustees and strategic partners.
• Assist Executive Team with the coordination of special events for Trustees to enhance their understanding of the Foundation’s programmatic work.
• Attend and participate in grantee and community functions.
• Make public presentations on behalf of the Foundation when necessary.
• Look for opportunities to interact collaboratively with other funders, not-for-profits, or others with community concerns.
• Promote and facilitate cooperation and collaboration among not-for-profit organizations.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings when necessary.
• Attend regional/national network meetings.
• Assist Executive Team in communications with grant recipients and the media.
• Represent Foundation at grantee meetings and functions.
• Under the direction of the Vice President of Communications and Programs, support all Foundation communications channels, including but not limited to social media, website, local and national earned media, brand development and evolution, newsletters, blogs, presentations, and storytelling initiatives.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide support to Executive Team as directed.
• Work closely with Executive Team to ensure timely payment of grants and successful recordkeeping and auditing associated with grants and other activities.
• Assure accurate computer and paper records of grants and vendor contracts.
• Establishing annual performance objectives and annual performance reviews for direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A graduate degree is preferred; a Bachelor’s degree is required.
• The equivalent of a minimum of ten years of full-time work relevant experience; experience in philanthropy is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Creative, self-starter with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines. Must be flexible and demonstrate adaptability to new situations.
• Detail-oriented, as well as capable of developing a “big picture” perspective in the assessment of grant requests and communication activities.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment and work with people and organizations of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.
• A personal style that fosters strong team participation and productivity, emphasizing the values of respect and mutual accountability.
• An overall commitment to excellence in quality of work and outcomes in self and others.
• Strong research and analysis skills and ability to accept and incorporate feedback and constructive criticism from others.
• Desire and passion to develop a broad knowledge of the core funding areas RCWJrF supports and a personal commitment to improving Southeast Michigan and Western New York.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and other reporting programs.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Regular car travel is necessary throughout the Foundation’s service areas.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation with necessary insurance are required.
• Periodic day and overnight travel within the Foundation’s service areas, statewide and national, is also required.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.