Program Officer

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a community asset. The Foundation is a collection of funds established by donors interested in Philanthropy and supporting the Toledo area. Currently, the assets of the Foundation are approximately $441 million, made up of over 1,000 funds. The Foundation is the largest grant maker in the Toledo area, granting $20 million a year.

General Job Description

The Program Officer will have responsibility for strengthening the Foundation’s grantmaking programs. The Foundation concentrates on offering the highest level of services providing an impact through the Foundation’s grantmaking. The Program Officer assists with the Foundation’s grantmaking programs relevant to various Foundation funds, including unrestricted and field of interest funds, special grant initiative funds, donor advised funds, corporate funds and Foundation subsidies. This position also provides professional advice and assistance to the President, Executive Vice President of Operations & Special Projects, Philanthropic Services Officers and the Board of Trustees regarding the Foundation’s grantmaking process.

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

Investigation and evaluation of grant proposals

In conjunction with the Vice President, Community Investments, formulates staff recommendations regarding approval/denial of funding request

Prepares written reports on grant proposals

Makes presentations to the Grants and Distribution Committee and Board of Trustees, if necessary, regarding grant proposals, findings of staff reviews and funding recommendations

Generates grant review packets for review by donor advisors and/or grantmaking committees.

Monitors grant performance through periodic site visits and/or remote communications

Obtains and analyzes interim and final written grant reports

Reports grantee performance to the VP, Community Investments, President and Board of Trustees

Along with President, Vice President, Community Investments and Program Staff identifies areas for potential leadership initiatives and works with appropriate organizations to develop new programs which have potential for Foundation funding

Maintains close contact with key personnel in community agencies and planning organizations

Reviews community planning and other relevant research documents

Attends workshops/conferences related to assigned areas of responsibility

Assists the Vice President, Community Investments as a Foundation contact with potential grant applicants and communicates grantmaking policies and procedures

Minor Duties and Responsibilities 

Prepares occasional research reports on issues of relevance to the Foundation

Provides technical assistance to potential/current grantees where appropriate and directed by the Vice President, Community Investments.

Is familiar with the Foundation’s asset development plan and other major programs, and works with Foundation staff to appropriately publicize the Foundation’s grants and community service programs

Works cooperatively with other staff to assist as needed with his or her responsibilities and to ensure a smooth and timely flow of support services within the Foundation

Other duties as assigned

Education

Bachelor’s Degree required and an advanced academic degree preferred

Experience 

Three to five years of successful experience in foundation grantmaking programs and/or nonprofit management with a broad knowledge of nonprofit organizations

Experience in grant program planning and development

Key Competencies 

Excellent interpersonal and telephone skills, including the ability and willingness to work and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, including grantees, donors and other constituents, and ability to work closely with other colleagues as a Foundation team member

Excellent writing, editing and visual communications skills

Experience writing, presenting and communicating in a variety of styles and for a variety of audiences

Basic understanding of accounting, financial statements and budgeting practices

Able to organize own work to meet deadlines

Detail oriented and accurate

Experience in convening meetings and effectively facilitating group dialogue to accomplish a goal

Ability to exercise good judgement, tact and diplomacy

Works well under minimal supervision by taking initiative and keeping appropriate people informed, ensuring successful project management and timely project completion

A commitment to upholding all applicable confidentiality requirements

Extensive experience with MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and basic skills with Adobe Acrobat

Professionalism, flexibility and a sense of humor

Ability to understand and support interrelated roles of other staff and willingness to accept work supervision

Ability to reprioritize workflow based on unexpected issues and demands

Physical Requirements 

While this is mainly an office position, the ability to lift small boxes (letter stock, postcard stock, booklets) is required occasionally

Additionally, this position will require travel outside of the office to meet with current/prospective grantees

Occasionally, out-of-town travel may be required for professional development opportunities

Interested applicants can send their resume & cover letter to Elizabeth at [email protected].