The Newton and Rochelle Becker Charitable Trust (BCT) was founded in 2006 by Newt Becker, entrepreneur (founder of the Becker CPA Review Course that has prepared half of America’s CPAs for the CPA Exam), visionary investor (lead investor and Chairman of the Board of Luz, the world’s largest developer of solar energy for many years, and investor in many other cutting edge investments) and involved, hands-on philanthropist. Dr. David Becker, Newt’s son, has led the trust as Managing Trustee since Newt passed away in 2012.

Growing up as a teenager in a working class Jewish neighborhood in Cleveland during the Holocaust, at a time when anti-Semitism was a very real factor for the American Jewish community, Newt and his peers experienced a reality of vulnerability and powerlessness. They were very aware of the inability of their community to protect their fellow Jews in Europe. Newt vowed that if he ever had the means, he would do what he could to protect Jews around the world and to further American democratic values that lead to safety and security for all people.

BCT is a grantmaking foundation with more than 130 annual grantees dedicated to safeguarding democratic values and ensuring the future of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. BCT has developed a strategic philanthropic model and takes an entrepreneurial approach, often being among the first funders of new projects and organizations. Most of BCT’s giving is focused in three priority areas: Research and Education to Advance Middle East Peace and Security; Jewish Continuity and Identity; and Supporting Democratic Values.  Please see BCT’s website, www.BeckerTrust.org for more details.

POSITION

The Program Officer will be an integral part of the Program Team, reporting directly to the Director of U.S. Grantmaking. The Program Officer will have primary responsibility for a portfolio of grantees. BCT takes an entrepreneurial, hands-on approach and works closely with grantees on selected programs. Duties will include, but are not limited to:

Grantmaking Responsibilities

Working with the Director of U.S. Grantmaking, manage elements of the quarterly grantmaking process, including:

• Own relationships with grantees, meeting with each at least annually and tracking grantee activities throughout the year via written materials and phone calls;
• Conduct research and inquiries related to relevant grant recommendations;
• Gather required due diligence materials and review grant applications, including flagging incomplete sections and working with grantees to locate additional materials;
• Analyze grant requests based on program feasibility, budget sufficiency, organizational capacity, and alignment with BCT goals, priorities, and strategies;
• Work with prospective grantees to develop measurable and achievable grant outcomes;
• Collaborate on preparation of concise analytical written proposal summaries that include funding recommendations, payment schedules, and grant analysis;
• Upon grant approval, help create Grant Agreements with payment conditions, outcome metrics, and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate connections between grantees and other grantees, and between grantees and other funders.

Grant Monitoring and Evaluation Responsibilities

Working with the Director of U.S. Grantmaking, monitor grantees throughout and following the grant period by:

• Conducting regular check-ins and/or site visits, attending relevant local grantee events, reviewing interim/final reports and providing critical and substantive report feedback;
• Receive, read, and discuss narrative and financial reports with Director of U.S. Grantmaking to determine whether the grantee has been successful and if renewed support should be considered;
• Work with internal and external partners on formal grantee/program evaluation.

Internal Responsibilities

• Participate in Program Team staff meetings, including provision of work-related updates;
• Participate in weekly substantive check-ins with Director of U.S. Grantmaking;
• Collaborate on special projects as needed.

Community Engagement and Grantee Support Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate prospective grantees by networking with colleagues and by wide reading in the field;
• Work with grantees to create and shape programs;
• Understand the portfolio field well enough to know what new programs are needed to fulfill the foundation’s mission;
• Work with grantees to develop new programs, or modify ongoing programs, and track their progress;
• Act as a management consultant to assist grantees with conceptualization, framing, marketing, promotion, connecting to other organizations, and fundraising;
• Attend educational sessions relevant to grantmaking and the Bay Area Jewish community;
• Attend local events hosted by grantees that showcase the organization’s work;
• Meet with potential applicants to help them understand BCT’s grant process and strategic priorities;
• Maintain contact with other funders to discuss potential collaboration, common grantee issues, etc;
• Participate in conferences, workshops, classes, and other professional development opportunities to remain current on issues and philanthropic best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Program Officer will be motivated by a passion for BCT’s mission and a drive for continuous learning and improvement. S/he will be a project manager, consultant, analyst and problem solver with exacting standards and an eye towards creativity and innovation. This role requires an individual who can balance strong attention to detail and analytical skills with an engaging, consultative, relationship-focused approach to working with people.

Additional, valued qualifications include:

• Demonstrated ability and experience analyzing and evaluating grant proposals or similar experience, such as analyzing and evaluating business investments (experience in applying for grants is also helpful);
• Experience in relationship management and project management;
• Relevant content experience, including deep knowledge about Israel, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the “pro-Israel” and “anti-Israel” movements;
• Strategic thinker with an inclination to understand the big picture before jumping in;
• Independent thinker; not overly swayed by what other funders are doing;
• High attention to detail and organization.

A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Master’s Degree in a related field preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of 5-7 years of professional work experience. Knowledge of and/or participation in the Jewish community is an advantage.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

BCT offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan. Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and related work experience. The position is full-time, exempt, and located in beautiful Marin County in the San Francisco Bay Area.

TO APPLY

Please send an email referring to job title in the subject line along with a resume and one-page cover letter explaining your interest and how your skills and work experience fit the position to [email protected].