About Us

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation seeks a Program Officer to join the program team in Southeast Michigan.  The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best.

About the Position

Reporting directly to one Vice President, the Program Officer is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies, and communications support around these strategies (both for the Foundation and for Foundation initiatives with grantees and partners).  This includes writing; managing grantees, key vendors and special projects; implementing grantmaking strategies; proposal analysis and evaluation; and partnership development.  The responsibilities fall into the categories of grantmaking, grant monitoring and grant evaluation, communications and community relations and administrative responsibilities.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in implementing and managing grant making, and strong research and analysis skills.  Additional required competencies include: excellent oral and written communication skills, creativity, performance focus, flexibility, detail orientation, visionary outlook, and teamwork and cooperation.  Lastly, the Program Officer will demonstrate desire and passion to develop a broad knowledge of the core funding areas RCWJRF supports, and a personal commitment to improving Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

A bachelor’s degree is required and a minimum of 3 years of full-time grantmaking experience is highly preferred.  A master’s degree is preferred.  Relocation to Southeastern MI is required, as is regular car travel throughout the Foundation’s service areas.  Advance MS office suite skills are also required.

To Apply

Qualified candidates may e-mail their cover letter and resume to MaryEllen Carlo, Director of Search Services at Career Partners International Buffalo | Niagara, at [email protected].  Resumes will be accepted until November 20, 2019.