Organization Overview

Founded in 1962, the Buell Foundation, located in Denver, is a private foundation dedicated to supporting the positive development of children across the state of Colorado through grants and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.  Grants are awarded in the areas of early childhood development and teen pregnancy prevention. Since inception, the Buell Foundation has awarded more than $130 million in grants.

Position Summary

The Program Officer and Manager of Behavioral Health Strategy will be responsible for leading the development of a more robust behavioral health funding strategy for the Buell Foundation as well as implementation of that strategy.  In this position, she/he will provide content expertise to the program team and leadership of the Foundation. In addition, this individual will build relationships with partners, stakeholders and potential grantees in order to implement and continually strengthen the behavioral health funding strategy.  This position reports to the Director of Programs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of an expanded, two-generation, behavioral health funding strategy.
• Develop processes for initiation and implementation of projects/initiatives, including evaluation and technical assistance as appropriate.  
• Review and analyze grant applications, conduct site visits, and compose evaluations, including recommendations for funding to the Board of Trustees.
• Build and maintain active, positive relationships with grantseekers, grant recipients, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Proactively engage with various stakeholder groups related to the funding strategy, including participation at appropriate work groups and coalitions.
• Represent the Buell Foundation in its interaction with philanthropic colleagues, nonprofit organizations, public officials, and the general public at various activities and meetings.
• Serve as a source of behavioral health expertise for the Foundation (both for the staff and Board of Trustees) and a subject matter resource for grantees and partner agencies.
• Acquire and maintain a breadth of knowledge related to the other primary focus areas of the Foundation (currently early childhood development and teen pregnancy prevention); seek to understand how behavioral health furthers the overall vision of the Foundation.
• Participate as an active and engaged member of the program team.

Required Competencies and Skills

• Deep knowledge about behavioral health, with a focus on early childhood mental health, and specific knowledge about promotion and prevention strategies.
• Energetic, dependable, and flexible.
• Ability to both develop strategy and operationalize that strategy.
• Strong project management skills.
• Willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills as needed to perform duties in an efficient manner.
• Commitment to being an enthusiastic and collaborative member of a small, cross-functional team.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to create documents at the highest level of writing standards, excellent editing skills, and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners, and grantees.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in common office software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and Access (preferred).
• Team player ready to pitch in wherever needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in an area related to the job duties outlined above (e.g. social work, child psychology, human development, etc.).
• Minimum five years of experience in community-based mental health.
• Knowledge in the field of early childhood mental health required.  
• Knowledge and experience in the areas of family strengthening and systems building preferred.
• Experience designing and managing projects required.
• Experience working in the nonprofit or public sector desired and familiarity with foundations a plus.
• Familiarity with the state of Colorado, and rural communities in particular, preferred.
• Experience and comfort working in a small office that is team-oriented, mission-driven, and strives for excellence.

Working Conditions

• Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Professional office environment.
• Workload will fluctuate due to deadlines and changing priorities.
• Extensive keyboard and computer monitor use.
• Exposure to sensitive and confidential information.
• Physical demands may involve lifting materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Travel in personal vehicle or rental vehicle procured by the Foundation is required as needed to appropriately review grant applications and attend meetings throughout the state.  Generally, this travel is limited to three to five weeks annually.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Compensation

• This is an exempt, full-time position.
• Pay is commensurate with experience.  The Buell Foundation provides a generous benefits package, including paid vacation and sick leave, medical insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plan.

Application Details

• Deadline Date:  August 1, 2018 or until filled.  
• All applications should be emailed to Victoria Lerma Simmons at [email protected].  Please include “Buell Manager of Behavioral Health Strategy Application” in the subject line of emails.  Applications should include the following:
  • A cover letter detailing the applicant’s match with the position requirements
  • Resume
  • Preferred salary range
  • Contact information for three business references, one of whom is/was an immediate supervisor with firsthand knowledge of applicant’s professional abilities
• No phone calls, please.
• The Buell Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.  We encourage applications from individuals from a variety of backgrounds.  We are committed to building and retaining a diverse team with attention to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.