The Program Officer reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for developing, reviewing, researching, and reporting on grants to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will have experience working in any of the following fields of work: human services, healthcare, community development, economic development, workforce development and/or conservation. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have an understanding of professional grantmaking in a foundation environment, experience in working with grantees/non-profits, and the financial and analytical skills to manage all aspects of a grantmaking portfolio.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Counsel grant seekers on grant requests and general information inquiries.
• Evaluate the feasibility of grant proposals and of applicant’s organizational capacity to achieve proposed objectives, and develop written funding recommendation for submission to Executive Committee and Board.
• Review and analyze the organizational and project budgets for proposals.
• Conduct in person site visits as part of grant application review process.
• Work with the Executive Director to coordinate funding recommendations with payout targets.
• Monitor progress of grantees, assuring that all grant requirements are met, including review of progress in achieving key objectives, and expenditure reports, as needed.
• Proactively reach out to past grantees and seek new grantees for the Foundation to help achieve existing funding area goals.
• Participate in planning activities related to the Foundation’s grant programs, including analyzing past funding history and scanning community needs to ensure that the Foundation’s focus is both current and in line with donor intent.
• Conduct research projects as assigned.

• Work closely with community organizations, local leaders and other funders to identify local needs and promote opportunities for grantmaking as they relate to the Foundation’s interests and funding priorities.
• Be informed and remain current on issues on emerging and critical trends in philanthropy, the nonprofit community and specific Foundation program areas.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 8-10 years’ experience preferred in working with non-profits and philanthropy.
• Knowledge of Baltimore and Maryland preferred.
• Must be a self-starter, take initiative and implement actions in a timely manner.
• Effective at both collaborative and independent work, able to take direction and work with a modest level of supervision.
• Must possess the highest levels of personal and professional integrity and confidentiality.
• An ability to learn from the successes and failures of the past in planning for the future.
• Ability to analyze and formulate information into sound, well-organized plans of action.
• A willingness to ask difficult questions and challenge assumptions.
• The ability to balance diverging and competing points of view.
• Approaches the workplace with motivation and creativity.
• Strong information technology skills, including experience with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience navigating databases (we use MicroEdge GIFTS).
• Demonstrated proficiency in concise written communication, along with effective oral communications and engaging presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and judgment; ability to prioritize work, manage time and multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a pleasant and professional manner in interacting with senior management, co-workers, grantees, the board and the public.
• Performs work assignments with a demonstrated sense of professionalism and pursuit of quality and excellence.
• Enthusiastic and decisive, with poise, tact and a sense of humor.
• Bachelor’s Degree; Advanced Degree preferred.

Hours: Both full-time and part-time candidates will be considered.

Compensation: Competitive compensation and benefits package

To Apply

To apply, e-mail cover letter and resume, along with salary requirements and whether or not you are seeking full-time or part-time employment. If seeking part-time employment, please also state desired status (such as 50, 60 or 80% time). Please submit all materials by Monday, February 16, 2015 to [email protected] with the subject line: Program Officer Position. No phone calls please.

About the Foundation

The France-Merrick Foundation concentrates its grant making within the greater Baltimore area and throughout the state of Maryland, specifically in the following six programmatic areas: civic and culture, conservation, community development, health and human services, historic preservation and education. The Foundation favors one-time, project-oriented requests which have defined beginnings and endings, as opposed to annual giving or ongoing operational support. With current assets of more than $200M and an annual grant budget of approximately $10M, the France-Merrick Foundation is one of Maryland’s largest private foundations. The France-Merrick Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.france-merrickfdn.org.