Program Officer

Organization Overview 

For over 50 years, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has ignited the power of philanthropy to respond to critical community needs and build a thriving region where  every person prospers. The Community Foundation is a trusted advisor and navigator  helping thousands of individuals, families, businesses, and government partners to  identify impactful nonprofits and support the greater good in the communities we call  home. As the region’s largest local funder, we have invested $1.7 billion to build equitable,  just, and thriving communities across DC, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and  Prince George’s County. To learn more, visit thecommunityfoundation.org.  

Position Summary

 Program Officers at the Greater Washington Community Foundation first and foremost are community builders. With this value we are signaling our fundamental belief:  relationships and networks matter. In fact, building cross-jurisdictional relationships and  networks stands as a unique ‘superpower’ and the fertile ground from which we create  racially equitable and sustainable change. Program Officers at the Greater Washington  Community Foundation play a unique role in this effort, working with their colleagues and  community partners to organize and deploy the broad spectrum of The Community  Foundation’s social, intellectual, financial, reputational, and moral capital in pursuit of  the highest ambitions of our region’s residents.  

The Community Foundation recently launched a 10-year strategic plan with a bold vision to close the racial wealth gap and to advance economic mobility in the most underinvested neighborhoods in the region. The Program Officer will report to the Senior Director, Grants & Strategic Initiatives and will work closely with them to ensure that our grantmaking and programs are effectively and efficiently implemented, align with The Community Foundation’s strategic vision, and create a measurable impact in the communities we serve. The ideal candidate will be a generalist with a strong ability to manage diverse responsibilities and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 

In addition to the duties described in this position description, every role at The Community Foundation is expected to contribute to the overall success of the organization and its goals. This may mean that team members will be asked to take on other tasks that may not be listed here. Examples may include working on a project or  specific task outside of your standard area of responsibility, participation on an  organization-wide task force or special initiative or being asked to support a colleague  when needed. Any additional tasks will be determined by the manager of this role in  coordination with the leadership team. 

Requirements

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The principal responsibilities include the following: 

• Work closely with the Senior Director, Grants & Strategic Initiatives to support the effective and efficient implementation of grantmaking and programs. 
• Review and evaluate grant proposals, conduct due diligence, and prepare funding recommendations. 
• Monitor and assess the performance and impact of grants, ensuring alignment with organization and team goals. 
• Provide technical assistance and support to grantees, including guidance on  proposal development and reporting requirements. ? Support the design, implementation, and management of programs and initiatives. 
• Coordinate with staff to ensure effective execution of program activities. 
• Assist in the development of program plans, budgets, and timelines. 
• Monitor and report on program progress, outcomes, and impacts. 
• Create spaces for learning, building relationships and networks that serve as a resource base for our work. 
• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships and be able to speak to key issues and opportunities across issue areas.  
• Develop and understand the organization’s business model and troubleshoot with partners to navigate internal processes.  
• Support fundraising proposal development as needed. 
• Attend events and programs related to programs and grant recipients. 
• Other Community Investment team duties (as needed). The Program Officer will be asked to provide support from time to time on other organizational initiatives. 

Desired Skills and Experience 

• A minimum of 5 years of experience is required. 
• Exceptional organizational skills. 
• Outstanding communication skills (written and verbal), interpersonal skills, the ability to work well with a wide range of colleagues, and the ability to interact respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures. 
• Familiarity with non-profit organizations. 
• Commitment to the principles of trust-based philanthropy and racial equity, and an understanding of how they relate to grantmaking and program development/implementation. 
• Experience planning and leading meetings and events. 
• The capacity and presence to engage and activate grass tops and grass roots leaders. 
• Understanding and experience with policy advocacy efforts, and ability to help develop a policy agenda and mobilize stakeholders to action. 
• Entrepreneurial spirit – the ability to shape and carry a unique body of work while working collaboratively with peers, colleagues, and partners. 
• Working knowledge of concepts and demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity and inclusion.  
• Keen conceptual, analytical, and critical thinking skills; an inquisitive nature; and an ability to synthesize complex issues and concepts on behalf of the greater good of the community. 
• Fluency with using Microsoft products for calendars, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation materials. 
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud Grantmaking, and Asana are a plus. 
• Understanding of philanthropy’s role in the community and a commitment to philanthropy and the mission of The Community Foundation. 
• Sound judgment; ability to manage time effectively; flexibility; self-discipline and initiative; ability to work with minimal supervision. 

Salary and Benefits 

The salary range for the position is $74,900.00 - $93,800.00. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

The Community Foundation offers benefits and programs that inspire a culture of engagement and productivity. Hybrid work schedule, Summer Friday schedule; Employee events, professional development stipend, thirteen (13) paid holidays, Wellness holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO). The benefits package includes company-paid health, vision, and dental insurance for employees; flexible spending accounts; retirement plan with employer contribution; Universal Life and Long-Term Care Insurance; and more.