Program Officer, Grantmaking

Aligned with the Foundation’s race equity and inclusion outcomes, a primary function of this position is to support the development and implementation of viable solutions led by organizations whose leadership reflects the racial demographics of the communities in which they work.  

Key Responsibilities 

General Office

• Greet and direct office visitors in a friendly and professional manner. 
• Answer and screen telephone calls and take detailed messages. 
• Coordinate effective and efficient meetings including venues, meeting materials and documentation (agenda planning, note-taking), and follow-on action items with task owners to ensure completion.
• Maintain electronic and physical filing system ensuring the compliance of files and records, per records management policies. Maintain accurate and organized records, including supporting documents for auditing and compliance purposes. 
• Open, close and secure facility. 

Grantmaking

• Lead the grantmaking lifecycle, including application and proposal review, synthesis of background information and follow-on actions for analysis, recommendation, and evaluation.
• Guides grantseekers and grantees through electronic platforms.
• Manage grassroots grantmaking programs.
• Monitor assigned grants, track outcomes and partner with nonprofits as they implement funded projects or programs.
• Organize learning visits. 
• Support annual portfolio review and assist in the development of strategies. 

Capacity Building and Development

• Coordinate with community partners and internal colleagues to integrate a learning and capacity building agenda (assessment of organizational leadership, strategy and impact) into grantmaking programs.
• Support development and coordination of learning opportunities.  
• Provide technical assistance, as appropriate.

Organizational Learning and Dissemination Priority 

• Maintain broad and in-depth knowledge and understanding of needs, issues, trends, best practices, innovations, and values of the community. 
• Track desired racial equity goals and indicators.

Community Engagement 

• Develop and maintain visibility and accessibility in the community and the sector.
• Conduct inclusive outreach and recruitment. 
• Nurture new and maintain existing relationships with community stakeholders partners. 

Requirements

We recognize that an individual’s lived experience is a valued skill set and that people gain skills through various experiences. When reviewing applications, we take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We are most likely to be interested in applicants who demonstrate the following qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or the equivalent trade-related education and/or experience to fulfill the position's responsibilities. 
• Has knowledge of and/or committed to develop expertise in: 
  • Technical areas of grantmaking and the operational areas of administration, finance and governance.
• At least three years of experience executing and overseeing all aspects of assigned projects, including monitoring the progress of projects and providing periodic status and final disposition.
• At least three years of professional work in philanthropy or nonprofits is highly valued. 
• COVID19 Booster: To ensure the well-being of our employees and community, we mandate that candidates applying for this position have received all CDC-recommended vaccine doses, including COVID boosters. Proof of vaccination will be requested as part of the interviewing process. Exceptions for medical or religious reasons may apply, with appropriate documentation required. Your cooperation in upholding a safe work environment is greatly appreciated.
• One year of supervisory experience 

A successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Commitment to race equity and inclusion as a personal and professional value. 
• Energetic, dependable (gets it done), and exemplary (gets it down exceptionally well).
• A passion for being helpful and supportive, with a natural inclination to anticipate the needs of others, whether that be Foundation staff of grantees. 
• Ability to focus on minutia while keeping the bigger picture in mind and can prioritize on the fly. 
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to consistently think three to six months out, maybe even a year. 
• Thoroughly understands the office systems and operational requirements and confidently anticipates, identifies, and address issues to keep the office running smoothly. 
• Responsive and concise communication skills, verbal and written, with the ability to interact amid a diverse community and a broad assortment of grantees, community leaders, business leaders, government officials, etc. 
• Possess a high self-awareness relative to strengths and weaknesses. 
• Ability to give and take feedback as a part of a learning culture committed to achieving better results.
• Ability to identify challenges and opportunities and implement practical solutions when a clear lack of process or standard is absent.
• Data-driven, you apply current research and fact-checking to enhance your work, educate and inspire your audience, and maintain credibility. 
• An enthusiastic and resourceful team player, who enjoys being part of a collaborative, collegial environment, with the ability also to effectively work independently. 
• Works with minimal supervision and a strong desire to independently problem-solve. 
• Motivation to continuously pursue training and development opportunities to build knowledge and skills and share expertise with others.
• High level of integrity; high level of discretion, critical thinking, and judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Maintains a good work ethic, can set boundaries, and a good sense of humor and purpose. 

Technical Skills

• Strong experience and proficiency with using a wide variety of software, with the capacity to learn various systems and platforms, including, for example: 
  • MS Office Suite (Mac & Windows), with emphasis on Outlook, Word and Excel
  • Google Workspace, with emphasis on Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms 
  • Survey Monkey
  • Cybergrants or other grantmaking platforms 
  • Onboard Meetings 
  • Zoom or other video conferencing
  • Project management tools 

Physical Demands

• Frequently requires standing; walking; and kneeling.
• Requires the ability to occasionally lift or carry; push or pull, or otherwise move objects up to 20 pounds.
• Requires the ability to ascend or descend stairs.

Job Type: Full time

Classification: Non-exempt

Expected hours: 36-40 hours per week 

Hourly Rate: $33.00

Reports to: Senior Director of Programs and Operations

Supervisory Responsibility: Yes

Travel: Local and statewide. Occasional US-based travel may be required

Schedule: Tuesday-Friday, 8:00a – 5:00p ET; some evenings and weekends may be required

Work Location: Onsite - 147 West Market Street Warren, OH 44481

Competitive Benefits Package: The Wean Foundation offers exceptional benefits, including generous paid leave, medical, dental, vision, and retirement with employer contribution. Healthcare coverage is effective on the first day of employment, if selected. 

Hiring Process: 

The hiring process for this candidate will include: 

• Skills assessment* 
• Interview(s) with executive staff
• Reference and background check 

*If candidates advance to these stages, they will be compensated at a standard rate of $25 per hour for time spent on submitting materials and participating in activities.