Grantmaking Program Officer — Community Impact

Samueli Foundation; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

health

dental

401(k)

other discounts and perks

Job summary

Samueli Foundation in Orange County seeks a Program Officer to manage grant portfolios from sourcing to closeout. You will develop funding recommendations, build grantee relationships, and monitor outcomes, with opportunities in housing, workforce development, STEM, and other areas.

The role focuses on portfolio strategy and donor interests, with collaborative teamwork in a small foundation setting and a strong commitment to community impact.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of relevant experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, public service, community development, or related field.
• Ability to assess nonprofit strategy, leadership, finances, operations, and program effectiveness and translate information into sound recommendations.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple relationships, grants, priorities, and deadlines independently.
• Strong relationship-building across nonprofit, community, public sector, philanthropic, and internal partners.
• Knowledge of Orange County and its nonprofit, philanthropic, civic, or public-sector landscape is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage annual priorities, grant pipelines, budgets, and 20-25 core grantee relationships across portfolios.
• Source and assess potential investments through research, diligence, site visits, and review.
• Develop concise funding recommendations for leadership and the Board with rationale and risks.
• Manage grants pipeline from exploration through closeout, including reporting and renewals.

Skills

Excellent judgment

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Independent work

Cross-stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Samueli Foundation in Orange County seeks a Program Officer to manage grant portfolios from sourcing to closeout. You will develop funding recommendations, build grantee relationships, and monitor outcomes, with opportunities in housing, workforce development, STEM, and other areas.

The role focuses on portfolio strategy and donor interests, with collaborative teamwork in a small foundation setting and a strong commitment to community impact.