Program Officer

Amelia Peabody Foundation

Job Description

AMELIA PEABODY FOUNDATION

Program Officer

Position Description

 

Position Summary

The Program Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing the Amelia Peabody Foundation’s impact through effective grantmaking, relationship building, collaboration, and supporting continuous organizational learning. The Program Officer reports to the Director of Grantmaking and supports every aspect of the Foundation’s annual grantmaking from approach to implementation. The successful candidate is detail oriented and experienced operating at multiple levels from strategy design and implementation, to building trust and maintaining responsive relationships with organizational partners, to project management and administrative functions.
 
The Program Officer will work collaboratively with the Director of Grantmaking as part of a grantmaking department which currently vets a significant volume of applications across three consecutive grant cycles per year. The ideal candidate has a high degree of comfort using data to draw insights and is experienced with systems-level approaches to philanthropy. The Foundation is looking for a candidate who operates from a position of humility, an eagerness and curiosity to learn, and a bias towards translating learning into action. This is a front-facing role that will represent the Foundation professionally and with deep respect for the work performed in community by our nonprofit partners. The suitable candidate is highly collaborative and comfortable working in a small but effective team, while also possessing the ability to work independently with focus and efficiency. 

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Grantmaking


  • Work with the Director of Grantmaking on all aspects of the grantmaking lifecycle, including application development, review and evaluation, site visits, grant recommendations and distribution of funds.
  • Apply a big picture lens to evaluating funding requests within the Foundation’s overall goals. 
  • Develop and refine grant portfolio strategy recommendations, including proposed shifts in funding priorities, partnership opportunities, and strategic responses based on insights.
  • Embody an adaptive and flexible approach to the work to identify gaps and opportunities for the Foundation to step into to support overall impact.
  • Assess the full grant lifecycle and collaborate with the Director of Grantmaking on process improvements to streamline the applicant experience.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of grant proposals, including budgets, and lead both in-person and virtual site visits with applicants across Massachusetts, completing site visit evaluations in a timely manner.
  • Assist in preparation of quarterly trustee packets and presentation materials and attend quarterly trustee meetings for all grantmaking content.
  • Represent the Foundation at external meetings and convenings as requested.
  • Serve as the point of contact for applicants’ inquiries (past, current and prospective grantees) with a focus on timely, clear, and respectful communication to support the relationship development between the Foundation and its nonprofit partners.
  • Be the primary staff person responsible for maintaining the accuracy, smooth workflow, and functionality of the Foundation’s grantmaking platform (Foundant). 
  • Work with the Director of Grantmaking and the Operations Administrator issuing grant letters, agreements, checks, and follow up.
  • Track conditional grants and all grant reporting requirements.

 Project Management and Internal Learning 


  • Apply a natural curiosity to the myriad of issues the Foundation aims to impact through its grantmaking, serving as a lead for ongoing learning in existing or new areas of focus. Be able to communicate learnings clearly and concisely to staff and trustees.
  • Manage projects from conception through execution exhibiting proficiency to fully conceptualize the goals of a project, map out the steps towards implementation, and provide timely updates on completion. 
  • Generate reports and synthesize information/data to support the Director of Grantmaking in developing a clear understanding of the Foundation’s grantmaking efforts, gaps, and areas of opportunity.
  • Update the Foundation’s website and assist with the development of impact spotlight stories from grantees to feature on the website and/or social media channels (LinkedIn).
  • Take on special projects from time to time on behalf of the Foundation.

Requirements

  • 4-6+ years of progressively responsible experience in grantmaking.
  • Proven experience in strategy development, program design and/or coordination.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills and experience.
  • Excellent communicator with strong writing and presentation skills. 
  • Ability to represent the Foundation professionally in person, virtually, and through written correspondence. 
  • Commitment to highest integrity of stewardship of Foundation resources. 
  • Sound professional judgment, use of discretion, and objectivity.
  • Ability to synthesize research and data and present it in a streamlined, digestible manner using spreadsheets, written narratives, and slide decks.
  • High degree of attention to detail.
  • Willingness to travel throughout the state for site visits and other meetings.
  • Computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and grantmaking systems. Be (or become) well-versed in Foundant, the Foundation’s grantmaking platform. Seek additional training and support where and when needed to develop a deep understanding of and familiarity with the platform. 
  • Experience with and understanding of the evolving use of AI as a resource.
 
This is a Hybrid Position. Office presence is required at least 3 days per week, depending on the needs of the Foundation and out-of-office meetings.
 
Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary Range (Exempt): $95,000 - $115,000 commensurate with experience. 
  • Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive and generous health, dental, HSA, paid time off, and 401k Retirement Plan.  
  • Professional Development: Continuing education reimbursement for work-related courses, conferences, and programs.
 
Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
  • Valid driver’s license with use of personal vehicle for required statewide travel. The Foundation reimburses for mileage and travel expenses.
 
How to Apply

 
  
The Amelia Peabody Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, culture, color, religion, national or regional origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other status protected by law.