SUMMARY: As a member of the program and communications team, represents the Meyer Foundation in the community as we strive to be a partner and leader in driving social change; proactively develops knowledge of community needs and those working toward solutions; stewards relationships with applicants and grantees; provides input on programmatic strategy within assigned issue and geographic areas to achieve the goals in the Foundation’s strategic plan; communicates the Foundation’s goals and strategy to potential applicants, current grantees, and other partners; reviews and recommends action on grant applications; connects and convenes grantees and other partners with shared goals and strengthens existing networks; builds partnerships with external colleagues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, although other duties may be assigned:

Represent the Foundation in the Community

• Within designated geographic areas, build relationships with potential partners across all sectors— including philanthropy, government and business—that share the Foundation’s goals
• Participate in and work to strengthen and expand networks, collaborative approaches, and collective impact efforts that advance shared community goals
• Be responsive and accessible to current and prospective grantees and other partners within designated geographic and issue area(s), effectively communicating the Foundation’s goals, strategies, and funding priorities
• Understand and continue to learn about community needs within assigned geographic area(s), including nonprofit organizations active in meeting those needs, effective or promising approaches, and unmet or emerging needs
• Seek opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, and build partnerships with colleagues in other grantmaking organizations

Conduct Excellent Grantmaking

• Review and assess funding requests (including budgets and financial statements) from current and prospective grantees
• Meet with current and prospective grantees to observe programs and gather information about organizational capacity and other factors relevant to funding decisions
• Provide guidance to applicants and grantees to help them strengthen their organizations and programs
• Summarize findings and recommendations in writing for review by the grantmaking team and the Foundation’s board of directors

Build Knowledge and Share Expertise

• Actively participate in the Foundation’s planning, strategy development, and learning processes
• Develop knowledge and expertise within assigned areas and share knowledge with the program and communications team and with external colleagues
• Support and contribute to efforts to measure progress against community goals, and to understand and communicate the Meyer Foundation’s impact
• Identify knowledge resources that should be shared with internal and external audiences
• Contribute to the Foundation’s website and social media
• Learn from the experience of other grantmakers, both in the Greater Washington region and nationally, in developing successful strategies

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages administrative support staff and occasional interns. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Meyer Foundation policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training program assistants; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; providing timely feedback; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and five (5) to ten (10) years’ of senior level management experience, preferably in a locally-focused grant-seeking organization that works in the field of education or workforce development. Experience working on racial equity issues and an understanding of the history of inequality in the DC region and its impact on communities of color. Understanding of community-based nonprofits, particularly those working in Northern Virginia or suburban Maryland. Experience developing and submitting grant applications and serving on or working closely with a nonprofit board of directors. Familiarity with budgets, nonprofit financial statements, and IRS Form 990.

Other Qualifications

Ability and desire to work within a team environment and to work collegially with other funders and partners. Ability to travel within the region at least 25 percent of the time, and ability to travel nationally two to three times per year. Flexibility to attend occasional evening and weekend events. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with an understanding of nonprofit budget and finance and an ability to interpret and communicate data and statistics. Excellent writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communications skills, with the capacity to adapt writing and communications styles for a variety of audiences. Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple priorities. Ability to work flexibly with competing demands in a rapidly changing environment. Ability to effectively manage and resolve conflicts and exercise tact and diplomacy in both internal and external settings.

Technology Skills

Proficient in use of technology, including Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Familiarity with relational databases, such as Microedge GIFTS, Raiser’s Edge, or Salesforce, and proficiency in social media are highly desirable.

TO APPLY: The Program Officer search is being managed by an external firm. To apply, submit resume and cover letter to [email protected]. The application period will close on October 2, 2015. No telephone inquiries, please.