Position Summary

The George Gund Foundation program officer will review grant proposals, perform due diligence on grant requests, meet with prospective grantees, manage current grants, evaluate grant results, and prepare grant recommendations to the program directors for Thriving Families and Social Justice (primary) and Public Education (secondary). The program officer will develop and maintain relationships across the nonprofit and public sectors within and beyond Greater Cleveland and represent the Foundation in community engagements related to these program areas. The program officer will also assist with projects or assignments for the Foundation as needed.

• Exempt, full-time, salaried
  
• Reports to assigned program directors
  
• No supervisory requirements
  

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate proposals submitted to the Foundation.
  
• Conduct site visits and proposal review meetings.
  
• Draft and edit summaries of grant proposals.
  
• Provide technical assistance to grant applicants as needed.
  
• Assist in planning and running events.
  
• Facilitate convening among grantees and other relevant stakeholders.
  
• Conduct, synthesize, and present research on assigned or initiated topics.
  
• Research local, state, and federal policy issues relevant to the Foundation/Greater Cleveland.
  
• Prepare and present funding recommendations to assigned program directors.
  
• Review and evaluate outcomes of past and current grants.
  
• Attend events and programs related to Foundation program areas, grantees, and philanthropy.
  
• Support and engage in professional development within and beyond the philanthropic sector.
  
• Assist assigned program directors with presentation materials and resources for projects.
  
• Assist with office-wide projects as needed.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

Requirements

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

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

• Bachelor degree or higher in a related field preferred (e.g., health, social services, public policy, law, etc.). While an advanced (master’s) degree is typical of Gund program staff, the Foundation also welcomes applications from nontraditional candidates who possess the qualifications and skills outlined below but whose life experiences have taken them down different paths.
  
•  Minimum of 5–7 years of professional work experience, with direct and substantial knowledge or background in the nonprofit sector, public policy and government, philanthropy, or related fields.
  

Required Skills and Competencies

The specific personal traits required to accomplish the essential duties of this job successfully include:

• Passionate about the values, mission, and principles of The George Gund Foundation.
  
• Passionate about contributing to improving the present and future of Cleveland and its people.
  
• Working knowledge of the economic, political, and social environments of Greater Cleveland.
  
• Ability to effectively communicate the Foundation’s mission to applicants, grantees, and community.
  
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and work cooperatively as a team member.
  
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
  
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including editing, proofing, and working to firm writing deadlines.
  
• Professional, energetic, respectful demeanor with ability to be flexible and adaptable to varied tasks.
  
• Ability to meet deadlines and move projects forward with a high degree of independence and initiative.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to develop and manage productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, and external stakeholders.
  
• Ability to work within a program and administrative team which emphasizes quality, collegiality, teamwork, and humility.
  
• Exude diplomacy, confidentiality, tact, respect, initiative, and positive attitude.
  
• A commitment to professional development and learning.
  

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Some local, state, and national travel may be required.
  
• Occasional early morning and evening commitments.
  
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  
• Prolonged periods of walking and standing.
  
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
  

Benefits

Workweek, Compensation, and Benefits

The regular operating hours at the Foundation are from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Currently, employees may work remotely or in the office on Monday and Friday, and work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, with a salary range beginning at $75,000. The Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package.