Project 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

The Project Officer reports to the Director of Fund Administration & Special Projects and supports Philanthropic Advisory Services (“PAS”) activities above and beyond the standard services offered through our Funds. The Officer will manage a portfolio of projects on behalf of fundholders and other clients who are seeking the Community Foundation’s support on their philanthropic strategies. The Officer will also support Fund Administration efforts on behalf of the Community Foundation’s funds and donors. This role requires skill and aptitude for engaging people and building high performing and sustainable programs and partnerships.

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.

Responsibilities

Program Management and Support (60%)

• Serve as primary program manager for a portfolio of Philanthropic Advisory Services projects, including client relationship management and direct programming efforts.
• Supports internal efforts to manage PAS projects that center on direct cash payment processing, including liaising with Finance department to ensure fidelity to organizational policy and IRS guidelines.
• Manages grant review processes across a discrete set of funds including reviewing proposals submitted to the foundation, conducting site visits and interview meetings, drafting and editing detailed reports on grant proposals, and preparing and presenting funding recommendations.
• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships and be able to speak to key issues and opportunities across issue areas. Develop an understand the foundation’s business model and troubleshoot with partners to navigate internal processes. 
• Provides technical assistance to grant applicants as needed.
• Creates project resources for PAS clients and projects including drafting Requests for Proposals, grantee reporting tools, communications products, etc. 
• As needed, support programmatic activities for internal projects as a team member, including service on grant and scholarship review committees. 

Supporting Business Development and Coordination (15%)

• Under supervision of the Director and in coordination with team members across the organization, layering into conversations with fundholders and prospective clients to craft PAS strategies to accomplish their philanthropic goals. 
• Supports the proposal development process and pricing options for new PAS business opportunities. 
• Supports research on philanthropic approaches and outreach to potential grantees or consulting partners required for PAS project development. 
• Support conversations with local Governments on potential PAS projects, including payment processing efforts.
• Serve as a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) and provides support to donor services as needed on an ongoing basis.  

Fund Administration, Data, Evaluation, and Reporting (15%)

• Support data collection and administration on the PAS project dashboard and pipeline of projects. 
• Manages PAS projects and donors in Raiser’s Edge database.
• Coordinates performance Dashboard development for quarterly Board of Trustees meetings. This can include work with department leads to update performance metrics as required.
• Serve as a point of contact for fund administration across the organization. This includes compliance around donor-advised, field of interest, memorial, scholarship, and other community foundation fund types.
• Manage processes associated with fund administration including inactive funds, low balance fund scan, annual fund payout, and fund closing.
• Work with CRMs and other team members to ensure that fundholder and fund information is accurate and up to date, including revising fund agreements and other forms.
• Develops reports and presentations on organizational impact for key internal and external audiences. Serve as the primary contact for external peer organizations seeking data about our giving and impact.
• Serve as primary data manager for the Foundation’s Brilliant Futures program, including managing shared student databases with community-based organizations and government contacts in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland. 
• Serve as the point of contact for the Community Foundation’s lobbying disclosure efforts.

Requirements:

*This position is open to DC Residents only*

• Interest in the work of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, with a commitment to the region, its people, and their concerns.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in foundation programmatic work, nonprofit consulting, customer/client services, impact and evaluation, financial services, nonprofit business operations, or a related field.
• Experience with data collection and analysis for the purpose of driving organizational decisions and measuring impact.
• Strong data management and database skills. 
• A demonstrated ability to manage through ambiguity to deliver results.
• Commitment to The Community Foundation’s values.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, time-management skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate several activities at one time.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to bring projects to completion with minimal supervision.
• Prior management and/or supervisory experience required; prior experience working with and reporting to senior-level roles preferred.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, computer literacy (including most primary MS Office software packages), and competency in public speaking.
• Experience with client relations, development, and/or alumni databases.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills; ability to research and analyze information.
• An ongoing commitment to training in both areas of soft skills and technical skills to maintain and improve current skills and knowledge.
• Available to work additional hours as needed, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Familiarity with nonprofit financial statements.

Salary and Benefits 

The Community Foundation values transparency and equity. The salary range for this position is $74,900.00 - $83,200.00, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We offer benefits and programs that inspire a culture of engagement and productivity, such as: a hybrid work schedule and Summer Friday schedule; employee events, professional development stipend, up to fourteen paid holidays, Wellness holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO). The benefits package includes company-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees; flexible spending accounts; retirement plan with employer contribution; and more.