Director of Grants & Public Policy

JOB OVERVIEW
The Partnership for Better Health is seeking a Director of Grants and Public Policy to lead all day-to-day aspects of the foundation’s grantmaking, initiatives, coalitions and policy advocacy work, to improve the health of the people and communities in our region of South Central Pennsylvania. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Grants & Public Policy oversees the foundation’s grantmaking, policy and community engagement activities and collaborates with staff team members and board volunteers to develop strategic goals and related priorities. The director is the point person for the Community Policy & Engagement Committee and the Community Investment Committee

Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are respectful of all people and the ways in which they identify across race, class, ability, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age and other characteristics.

The Partnership for Better Health offers an attractive compensation and full benefits package, including competitive salary, paid-time-off, employee wellness, medical, dental and life insurances, and retirement benefits. Salary is negotiable subject to experience. At 40-hours a week, the position contributes to a healthy work/life balance. This is a hybrid opportunity that offers remote work flexibility.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Partnership for Better Health's mission is to champion and invest in ideas, initiatives and collaborations to advance equity and improve the health of the people and communities in our region. Established in 2001, the foundation has made over $49 million in grants to organizations throughout South Central Pennsylvania. We bring our mission to life by serving as a catalyst, advocate, and steward to promote health equity and justice, towards ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to reach their highest potential for health. We are a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven organization.

Essential Duties – What You Will Do
Honor and help bring to life the Partnership for Better Health’s values of diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion. Contribute to a welcoming and equitable organization that reflects and supports our community. Collaborate with others to foster an open and inclusive environment that provides a place of belonging and connection for employees, volunteers, and the many communities served.

1. Grants and Initiatives Management: Engages with grants staff and Community Investment Committee toward establishing effective processes and strategies for grants, initiatives, and community engagement. Develops a cohesive grants and initiatives portfolio that aligns with and informs the foundation’s overarching goals and objectives.
a. Analyzes and reports on grants and community needs trends. Monitors national, state, and local health trends.
b. Applies a health equity lens to view important community, national and state health trends.
c. Identifies and applies best practices and national research in the fields of public health and nonprofit management to advance the foundation’s mission.
d. Prepares and presents proposal summaries, reports, and funding recommendations for review by committee volunteers and Board members.
e. Makes recommendations for special initiatives in response to community needs. Guides the development of competitive requests for proposals.
f. Leads periodic site visits, convenings and community events. Works strategically to minimize potential grant burden (e.g., time, paperwork, reporting requirements) placed on grant recipients.
g. Monitors budgets for grants, initiatives, and strategic goals to ensure appropriate use of funds.
h. Develops and maintains comprehensive/working knowledge of grants management software (e.g., Foundant).
i. Maintains open and ongoing communications with community partners, grant seekers and grantees toward ensuring positive relationships with area organizations. Works with grantees and community partners to define key outcomes and develop projects for funding. Advocates for and ensures grant funds are distributed in an equitable manner. Looks for ways to decrease the funding gaps for marginalized communities and grantees.
j. Guides grant recipients and community partners to build their capacities and resources to become more powerful in their own goals and strategies. Serves as a catalyst in opening up access to philanthropic and community resources for them.
k. Works collaboratively with grants team in revising and updating grant/initiative processes, forms, database systems and policies, as needed.

2. Policy Advocacy & Community Education
a. As lead liaison to the Community Policy & Engagement Committee, works closely with volunteers and community partners to influence community engagement on key health policy issues and increase awareness. Solicits support from and monitors the work of consultants and evaluators, as needed.
b. Amplifies the voices of those that are not always heard and centers people with lived experience in building community health solutions.

3. Foundation Strategy & Learning Goals
a. Directly informs strategic planning efforts and related strategic goals through data collection, and leadership in staff, coalition, and board planning activities. Cultivates partnerships and builds coalitions to achieve common goals.
b. Actively promotes and informs a cycle of continuous improvement and culture of learning among colleagues, volunteers, and grantees. Recommends changes in strategy based upon emerging community needs, best practices and lessons learned.

4. External Relations & Community Engagement
a. Serves as a foundation spokesperson on external committees, coalitions, and task forces.
b. Proactively supports fund development activities to identify and leverage external resources that will advance the foundation’s mission.
c. Continuously cultivates professional networks and community connections to advance social change.
Other Duties
• Collaborates with Director of Communications & Development by contributing to and informing public relations and marketing activities.
• Proactively pursues annual professional development activities and/or trainings.
• Maintains collegial working relationships with colleagues, consultants, and foundation volunteers.
• Performs other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Essential Education and Experience
• Graduate degree in field related to health or human services, public policy, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Five to ten years of experience working in the fields of public health or human services with a government agency, health system or nonprofit organization. Experience working closely with regional or national foundations a plus.
• At least three years of experience managing professionals, and building cohesive teams, partnerships, and alliances.
• Demonstrated project development, grant writing and strategic planning experience.
• Any combination of education, professional and lived experience equivalent to the essential education and experience listed above.

Essential Skills and Abilities
• Keen understanding of public health issues and health promotion strategies. Skill in continuously gathering evidence-based research and applying it to program/grantmaking practices.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, to serve as a compelling leader, facilitator, and spokesperson for the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, facilitate and manage change. Forward thinking, with capacity to envision increasingly effective ways of navigating organizational and community change/growth.
• Knowledge of grantmaking process, and business acumen to analyze the operational and financial capacity of organizations. Excellent analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in diverse teams and community environments, with an emphasis on adaptability, inclusiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent project management skills. Ability to multi-task, assess priorities and work efficiently under deadlines.
• Experience providing trainings and working with nonprofit boards and committees.
• High levels of diplomacy, candor, sound judgment, compassion, discretion, and friendly decorum when interacting with community volunteers, colleagues, consultants, local residents and others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and general database systems.
• The ability to travel locally and regionally.

OUR COMMUNITY
The Partnership for Better Health is located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. As a college town known for its rich cultural heritage, great restaurants and vibrant business community, Carlisle won the 2021 All-America City award from the National Civic League, and the 2016 national competition to be named Strongest Town in America. Carlisle Borough Council has a Truth & Reconciliation Commission to address systemic racism and organizations are collaborating to improve racial and health equity (e.g., YWCA, Moving Circles, Hope Station, Victory Circle and Carlisle Responders Network). Located just minutes from the Appalachian Trail, regional parks, lakes and forestlands, our surrounding region has much to offer. Carlisle is 25 minutes from Harrisburg, two hours from Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia, and three hours from New York City and Pittsburgh. As one of the fastest growing counties in Pennsylvania, Cumberland County enjoys a healthy economic climate.

TO APPLY
Qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to email a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three references to Casandra Jewell Sweeney (Cjewell@ForBetterHealthPA.org). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by August 1, 2024.

The position will be open until filled. You will receive confirmation of receipt of your resume within three days of submitting your application. If you do not receive it, please contact Casandra (717-960-9009 x 0).