Leap Solutions is partnering with Community Foundation Sonoma County in their search for a Program Officer to join their dynamic, dedicated and collaborative team.  

About Community Foundation Sonoma County

Community Foundation Sonoma County is a tax-exempt public charity that is the hub of philanthropy for Sonoma County, connecting people, ideas and resources to benefit all who live here. We work with philanthropists to create plans that transform their ideas and passions into long-term solutions that will make an impact in our community and become part of their family’s legacy. Since its inception in 1983, the Foundation has distributed over $200 million in grants to organizations across all corners of the county and beyond.

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Vice President for Programs, the Program Officer will contribute expertise and knowledge to grantmaking strategy and implementation for specific fields of interest and provide grantmaking support to the Vice President.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grantmaking

• Obtain, maintain and share a high level of knowledge of the most effective strategies and current thinking in fields of interest under Program Officer’s purview
• Develop and maintain a knowledge base of best practices in philanthropy, and stay current on emerging trends
• Identify potential new grantees, develop and sustain strong working relationships with current grantees
• Perform due diligence on organizations and grant proposals such as site visits, review and analysis of financial data, assessment of capacity, and alignment with priorities
• Prepare proposal summaries and grant amount recommendations consistent with CFSC’s grantmaking guidelines for review and action
• Provide support to the Vice President for Programs in the development and administration of grants programs under VP’s purview
• Provide administrative and grantmaking support to CFSC affiliates, Healdsburg Forever and Sonoma Valley Fund
• Work collaboratively with CFSC team on all aspects of the grantmaking process
• Special initiatives and projects as assigned

Beyond Grantmaking

• Build relationships on behalf of CFSC with nonprofit leaders, sector groups and other key stakeholders active in the specific fields of interest under Program Officer’s purview
• Participate in initiatives and coalitions to advance CFSC and program strategies, and support opportunities for community engagement and cross-sector collaborations.

Communications

• Assist with preparing written information for CFSC communications, as needed
• Basic website administration
• Follow up on requests from the nonprofit community for information and resources
• Assist with communication to and from the Community Investment Committee

Administration

• Work collaboratively with Philanthropic Planning department to support donor engagement strategies, as appropriate
• Provide general assistance to grant seekers and grant recipients, directing them to resources as available
• Work with and assist in maintaining CFSC’s project management tool, Smartsheet
• Support Programs Team in event planning, such as nonprofit convenings, and grant workshops

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s degree required, and five years’ experience, with a community-based organization required

Skills/Experience

• Superior interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills, including ability to conduct research, analyze and organize data, and make thoughtful recommendations
• Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience with databases and aptitude to learn CFSC’s grants management system
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Attributes

• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain complete confidentiality
• High level of personal and professional integrity and ethics
• Able to successfully handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Passionate commitment to excellence and accuracy
• Strong customer-service orientation
• Ability to prepare and give effective and compelling presentations
• Comfortable working with people from a variety of backgrounds
• Self-starter and self-reliant but able to collaborate with others
• Empathy and respect for our nonprofit partners who do the hard work of developing and raising money for programs and organizations

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Sonoma County nonprofit community and government agencies
• Bilingual in English/Spanish
• Experience working with organizations and/or individuals of minority communities, in particular Latino communities in Sonoma County

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is competitive with similar positions and based on experience
• Health, dental, and retirement
• Life Insurance, AD&D and LTD
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit
• Hand and wrist dexterity needed to work on a computer
• Visual acuity
• Ability to travel locally
• Oral and written English proficiency

Contact

Community Foundation Sonoma County is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.  Interested applicants - email your resume to [email protected] and include “CFSC Program Officer” in the subject line.