Program Officer

The Program Officer is responsible for the planning and coordination of the grant review process and the monitoring of the standards for grantmaking.  This position evaluates grant proposals, completes site visits, and prepares grant summaries and recommendations to the Trustees.  The Program Officer monitors compliance with grant terms and serves as the technical and administrative liaison to grant-seeking agencies.  The position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Summary of Responsibilities

Assists the Executive Director in the development of the standards for grantmaking and grantee relationships.  The position reviews requests from grantees and makes recommendations as to the appropriateness and significance of grant applications.

Serves as a liaison between the Trust and grant applicants.  Works with applicants to develop grant requests suitable for consideration by the Trustees.

Establishes a conceptual and analytical framework to determine the relative merit of the grant proposal.

Reviews and analyzes grant applications and prepares written summaries for the annual grantmaking prospectus.

Develops special analyses to provide insight and assistance for the Trustees’ use as they deliberate on the merits of grant requests.

Monitors compliance with terms of awards.  Evaluates and reports grant effectiveness and outcomes for individual grantees and the Trust as a grantmaking institution.

Establishes and maintains effective professional relationships in the field and keeps abreast of new concepts, ideas, and resources in philanthropy.

Maintains broad, current knowledge and understanding of specific charitable organizations and issues within Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

Functions as an essential part of the office team and participates fully in tasks and special projects as assigned.

Maintains confidentiality of conversations, procedures, and documents for the organization.  Exercises good judgement and discretion handling confidential information. 

Bachelor’s degree required; work experience in private philanthropy, nonprofit management, public policy, social policy, public health, or a relevant area.

Knowledge of best practices, and legal, accounting, and regulatory requirements for grantmaking; understanding of IRS regulations regarding nonprofits.

Significant knowledge and understanding of the development and review of proposals; a minimum of three years of responsible experience as a funder or practitioner.

Good listening and analytical skills.  Comfortable receiving and gathering input from many sources, and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized message.

Extensive oral and written communication skills; a highly effective communicator.

Organizational and analytical skills to review and report on technical and financial data to formulate the annual grantmaking prospectus.

Well-organized with respect for details, accuracy, and deadlines.  Maturity and ability to balance multiple priorities and set realistic goals and objectives.

Proficiency in full suite of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, plus, a variety of search engines to conduct research.

Ability to maintain a professional and effective working relationship with Trustees, fellow staff members, grantees, and members of other organizations.

Humility to represent the institution’s best interests as one member of the institution.

Commitment to uphold the foundation’s code of ethics and maintain the standards of confidentiality for administrative operations and external public relations.

Working Conditions

Sitting/standing over 75% of on-the-job time

Computer work over 75% of on-the-job time

Close vision required

Stooping, kneeling, bending under 25% of on-the-job time

Hearing, listening, and talking 100% of on-the-job time

Occasional overtime required including attendance at grantee functions in the early morning, evenings, and on weekends

Ability to travel locally using own transportation; roughly 60% of on-the-job time

Moderate noise environment – business office

No unusual work environment hazards, non-smoking environment

Please send a cover letter and resume via FoundationApplicant@gmail.com