Associate Program Officer - CF

Company Overview:
Caerus, in Greek mythology, was the god of opportunity, luck, and favorable moments. He was a symbol of the fleeting moment in which things are possible, and suggests that one should seize opportunity as it approaches. 

A private foundation established in Illinois in 2001, The Caerus Foundation aims to expand educational opportunities for young people, alleviate human suffering, cultivate a more inclusive arts community, and preserve the natural world. 

To achieve these goals, the Foundation makes grants in four program areas: Arts, Education, Environment, and Global Health. The Foundation’s domestic grants support organizations and programs primarily in the cities of Chicago and San Francisco, as well as in the State of Wisconsin. International grants support activities across Africa and Asia, and in parts of Eastern Europe and Central America. 

The Associate Program Officer will be responsible for the following: 

Grantmaking: 

  •   Grantmaking due diligence, including proposal review and assessing organizational capacity 

  •   Assist with the grants process, which includes working with applicants to prepare proposals and project budgets

  •   Assist in the preparation of grant recommendations 

  •   Assist in conducting field research to support grantmaking initiatives 

  •   Meet with members of the nonprofit community about current and prospective projects 

  •   Organize and attend internal or grantee meetings as requested

Grants Management:

  •   Ensure accurate payment and accounting of grants 

  •   Monitor progress of existing grantees 

  •   Maintain accuracy and integrity of the Foundation’s grant tracking database, FoundationConnect

  •   Coordinate grant agreement compliance, and review reports for completeness and compliance with IRS regulations 

  •   Track program budgets 

  •   Prepare Board meeting materials and reports 

  •   Maintain positive and proactive communication with grantees 

  •   Prepare and coordinate correspondence with grantees 

  •   Respond to external inquiries about the Foundation

Professional Qualifications:

  •   Bachelor’s degree required 

  •   2‐4 years of experience in philanthropy, preferably in foundation administration, grants management, and grantmaking

  •   Interest in the Foundation’s grantmaking priorities and knowledge of the nonprofit sector 

  •   Excellent writing, oral communications, and critical thinking skills 

  •   Ability to master online grant database management system 

  •   Ability to prioritize and accurately complete multiple tasks, and to work under deadlines and changing priorities

  •   Extremely organized and detail orientated 

  •   Ability to maintain confidentiality of information 

  •   Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Adobe

The ideal candidate will have the following qualities:

  •   Ability to work both collaboratively and independently 

  •   Self‐directed and able take own initiative 

  •   Open‐minded and flexible 

  •   Strong problem‐solving skills and ability to anticipate future needs of the Foundation 

  •   Committed to ongoing learning and professional and personal development 

  •   Personable and ability to maintain positive working relationships

Additional information:

  •   This is a full‐time, staff level position.

  •   The Foundation’s offices are located in Northbrook, IL. A drivers’ license and car are required.

Grantee meetings and site visits take place throughout Chicago. 

Start date:

As soon as possible 

To Apply: Click here


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