Associate Program Officer

Description

About Us

The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914, is the world's first and one of the largest community foundations, with assets exceeding $3 billion. Our mission is to enhance the lives of all residents of Greater Cleveland, now and for generations to come, by working together with our donors to build community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership on key community issues. 

Guided by our core values of stewardship, equity, integrity, partnership, innovation, anti-racism, and leadership, we strive to make Greater Cleveland a great and global American city. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all our endeavors, ensuring that every individual has the tools and support they need to pursue their greatest dreams. 

As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building strong relationships and trust across our community, working collaboratively to create innovative, impactful, and internationally recognized contributions to the field of philanthropy. 

About You

You are a dedicated, detail-oriented professional with a passion for making a positive impact in the nonprofit sector. Your developing analytical skills allow you to review and interpret complex data, financial reports, and organizational information in collaboration with Senior Staff. You thrive in a collaborative environment, working seamlessly with various departments and managing volunteer committees to achieve common goals. Your excellent communication skills enable you to engage effectively with donors, grant seekers, and community members, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and aligned with the Foundation's mission.

You are also a strategic thinker who is committed to staying abreast of best practices, trends, and innovations in the nonprofit sector. Your commitment to supporting a culture of innovation and data-driven decision-making sets you apart. You are comfortable with flexible work hours and occasional travel, and you excel in both office-based and remote work settings. Your growing experience in grantmaking, nonprofit management, or a related field, combined with your evolving sector-specific expertise, makes you an ideal candidate for this role. You are committed to developing and growing in the field, ensuring successful implementation of impactful grantmaking strategies that align with the Foundation's priorities and community needs.

Job Summary

The Associate Program Officer is responsible for supporting a diverse portfolio of grants in close collaboration with program officers and directors, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's priorities and community needs. By analyzing trends and conducting research, providing support, and interacting with donors, the Associate Program Officer contributes to impactful and informed grantmaking. The role also fosters innovation and collaboration across departments. This position reports to the Vice President, Grantmaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Support a diverse portfolio of immediate grants in close collaboration with Program Officers/Directors from initial grantee conversation to completion of the grant cycle and final report. 
• Review grantmaking inquiries and draft write-ups; prepare for meetings with prospective grantees, review financial and organizational information, and prepare detail-oriented, data-driven evaluations of and recommendations for the Board for funding requests to ensure grants are in alignment with Foundation priorities and community needs/opportunities.
• Review reports, public data, and surface trends in the nonprofit community to inform grantmaking team; identify and make recommendations regarding gaps in current data/knowledge
• Provide information to grant seekers concerning grantmaking policies and procedures, additional funding opportunities, and emerging research to ensure a well-informed nonprofit community within the region.
• Develop sector-specific expertise and remain abreast of best practices, trends and innovations, and policy implications shaping key issues impacting the Foundation’s tri-county footprint (Cuyahoga, Geauga, & Lake Counties).
• Understand current donor engagement strategies and support the Philanthropic Services team to ensure donor intent best aligns with community needs and support cross departmental collaboration on special projects.
• Assist team members who are serving as a technical resource for committee-advised funds and/or supporting organizations by providing strategic, grantmaking, and administrative support. 
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, ideation, and data-driven decision-making across all facets of the Foundation’s work, both within and outside the Responsive Grantmaking team.
• Participate in or collaborate on certain program(s) or special project(s). The work may include supporting volunteer committees and advisory groups, communicating with other funders and entities, coordinating processes and events, researching appropriate outcomes, drafting effective evaluation methodologies to measure outcomes, etc.
• Support engagement with donors through preparation of materials for facilitated group conversations and individual meetings (e.g., reports, summaries, PowerPoints).
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a grantmaking strategy focused on impact. 

Competencies & Behavioral Expectations

• Analytical
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Innovation and Ideation
• Strategic Thinking

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, public administration, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree in a relevant field
• In-depth knowledge of best practices, trends, and policy implications in the nonprofit sector.
• Proficiency in using grant management software and data analysis tools.

Work Environment

• Primarily on-site at the Foundation’s office four days per week, with the option for one remote workday. 
• May involve attending community events and meetings outside of regular office hours.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced setting.