Position Summary

Hirsch & Associates seeks to hire a Program Officer for an exciting new project management role for the Hellman Foundation’s Collaborative Change Initiative. In addition to managing the initiative’s activities, this Program Officer will provide significant capacity support to local cross-sector collaborations with ambitious goals to transform opportunities for Bay Area communities. 

We are committed to building our firm’s cultural diversity to address the complex issues facing our communities and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

About Hirsch & Associates Philanthropic Advisors and the Hellman Foundation

Hirsch & Associates Philanthropic Advisors LLC is a small consulting firms that helps individuals, families, foundations and companies turn their philanthropic goals into real solutions. We work closely with our clients and the groups and communities they support to build programs, public-private partnerships and high impact initiatives. Hirsch & Associates manages all activities and grantmaking of the Hellman Foundation.

For more information, please visit our website:  www.hirschassoc.com

Hellman Foundation is a SF-based family foundation focused on building equity and opportunity for Bay Area communities. In 2014, the Hellman Foundation launched the Collaborative Change Initiative to bolster the work of exciting cross-sector collaborations with ambitious goals. During a three-year pilot, we have supported nine collaborations in San Francisco and Alameda Counties working on issues from food security to housing for vulnerable populations to early childhood education to African-American postsecondary outcomes.

For more information, please visit the website: www.hellmanfoundation.org/collaborative-change-initiative.html

Ongoing Responsibilities

• Capacity Building for Initiative Awardees (approx 50%)
  • Actively steward awardees of the initiative, building strong and trusting relationships with cross-sector collaborations through active participation
  • Partner with collaboration leaders to develop strategies, build strong collaborations, drive impact, and incorporate best practices to promote the success of their efforts
  • Develop a new program to build capacity of collaborative groups at different phases of development, including:
    • Identifying capacity needs
    • Find, vet and match consultants with collaborations
    • Organize and provide cohort and individualized support to meet needs
  • Monitor progress of funded projects to identify / assess needs and opportunities
  • Connect community, philanthropic, public sector and other stakeholders who can bring new resources to support collaborations

• Project Management for Grant Initiative (approx 40%)
  • Under supervision of Foundation leadership, manage all activities of a local grant initiative
  • Outreach and communications to grant applicants / candidates
  • Manage the grant selection process including proposal review, due diligence and facilitation of decision-making process.
  • Manage grant agreements and reporting
  • Prepare written materials and dockets to communicate with Foundation leadership
  • Support external communications
  • Coordinate initiative budget and track expenses

• Partner and Community Engagement (approx 10%)
  • Coordinate and participate in efforts to:
    • Convene key stakeholders
    • Build engagement and financial support for collaborative efforts from across sectors (public sector, philanthropy, business sector, non-profits, academic, other initiatives)
    • Increase visibility of collaborative projects

This is a full-time position that reports directly to Betsy Merzenich, Senior Associate at Hirsch & Associates and Director of Programs for the Hellman Foundation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in initiatives / organizations that benefit low-income Bay Area communities (5 - 7 years minimum)
• Prior leadership in cross-sector collaborative efforts with demonstrated impact on outcome disparities and systems change (3 -5 years minimum)
• Significant existing relationships in San Francisco and / or Oakland non-profit and public sector communities
  • Strong track record in navigating and / or partnering with public sector and other institutions to promote systems change
• Experience in capacity building and /or leadership coaching
• Strong track record in project management
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Facilitation skills
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree is preferred
• Experience in health field and / or as a consultant is preferred

Work Style and Characteristics

• Creative problem solver who persists to find solutions to big and small obstacles
• Skilled relationship builder; demonstrated cultural competence
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement
• Pragmatic, detail-oriented and flexible
• Ability to work with humor and grace under pressure
• Comfortable working with people of different work styles and experiences
• Collegial, collaborative team member with high standards

Salary

$85,000 - $105,000 annually; commensurate with experience

Benefits

Health benefits; vacation; employer IRA contribution after one year of employment.

Application Instructions

Please email the following materials to Caitlin Elliott at [email protected] with “HF Program Officer Candidate” in the subject line:

• Resume and detailed cover letter highlighting your relevant experience
• Two or three writing samples
  • Writing samples should demonstrate your ability to write clearly about complex issues, to explain them to people without a lot of prior knowledge in an easy-to-read style and / or to make a convincing argument/recommendation about an action.
  • A list of three references

Please do not call Hirsch & Associates.  Applicants will be contacted directly to schedule an interview.

Hirsch & Associates is an equal opportunity employer. We respect, honor, and celebrate each individual’s unique talents, perspectives and differences.