Program Officer

Greater Cincinnati Foundation; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Cincinnati Foundation is hiring a Program Officer to advance an equitable, community-driven vision for the Cincinnati region. You will work with nonprofits and public partners to design capacity-building initiatives, guide grantmaking, and support investments that align with donor intent and community needs.

The role emphasizes collaboration, data-informed decision making, and active engagement across diverse communities, with a strong focus on education, housing, and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, master's preferred.
• 5+ years of experience related to philanthropy, public or nonprofit management, grants management, community organizing, policy and advocacy work, or direct service.
• Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills across nonprofits, funders, donors, and community leaders
• Experience with collegial decision-making, coupled with ability to work independently, and flexibly.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy while thinking strategically.
• Capacity to produce high quality written analysis, recommendations, and executive level reports.
• Well-developed research skills; the ability to synthesize new information readily.
• Track record of demonstrating efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
• A proven commitment to equity, demonstrated by thoughtful action, results orientation and continuous learning.
• The ability to communicate effectively‑orally and in writing‑to diverse audiences and in a variety of contexts.
• Deep knowledge of community issues such as education, affordable housing, and community development is strongly preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage the build out of capacity building efforts on behalf of GCF in partnership with similar regional efforts.
• Develop strategies for assessing community needs and mechanisms for allowing GCF to strategically address these needs by building the capacity of nonprofit and other partners.
• Ensure all voices are welcome to learn and grow together consistently with the Foundation's mission for a vibrant and opportunity rich region for all.
• Build relationships with key community leaders and content experts that have strong potential to improve nonprofit practices.
• Lead the planning and implementation of "value-added" activities for various broad and distinct audience.
• Read, analyze, and critique grant proposals from non‑profit organizations for funding consideration.
• Write detailed comments on the structure, thoroughness, and overall value of each grant to indicate approval (or rejection) of funding requests.
• Facilitate the execution of Request for Proposal processes and proactive grantmaking strategies.
• Facilitate a panel of reviewers and provide support to board members and/or other volunteers to engage community members in grantmaking decisions.
• Collaborate and work closely with the Director of Community Investments to develop, implement, and evaluate investment opportunities to advance the Foundation's mission.
• Support grantmaking strategies of private foundation clients, and other donors upon request.
• Support the telling of GCF's story of impact in partnership with Community Strategies team.
• Support the development of policies, practices, and infrastructure that advance the work of the Community Strategies team and the organization as a whole.
• Partner with the Donor Services team to maximize co-investment opportunities for donors.

Skills

Communication skills

Nonprofit sector knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Job description

PROGRAM OFFICER

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation seeks a Program Officer to join the Community Strategies team to be a strong contributor in the work to realize our emerging vision for an equitable Greater Cincinnati region. This position will work closely with the nonprofit and public service sectors to implement strategies for inclusive and active community engagement and learning, drive responsive investment efforts to meet community needs and honor donors wishes, and represent the Foundation in key community change efforts.

Among other qualities, the ideal candidate will possess: (1) excellent communication and analytical skills; (2) in depth knowledge of the nonprofit sector; (3) a track record of engaging diverse communities and stakeholders to pursue a common purpose; (4) a history of outcomes driven leadership and working as part of a team; (5) a track record of using research and analysis to drive decision‑making and action; (6) solid experience in strategic planning, complex project implementation, and facilitation skills.

Key Responsibilities

Capacity Building

• Design and manage the build out of capacity building efforts on behalf of GCF in partnership with similar regional efforts
• Develop strategies for assessing community needs and mechanisms for allowing GCF to strategically address these needs by building the capacity of nonprofit and other partners
• Ensure all voices are welcome to learn and grow together consistently with the Foundation's mission for a vibrant and opportunity rich region for all.
• Build relationships with key community leaders and content experts that have strong potential to improve nonprofit practices.
• Lead the planning and implementation of "value-added" activities for various broad and distinct audience.

Community Strategies

• Read, analyze, and critique grant proposals from non‑profit organizations for funding consideration
• Write detailed comments on the structure, thoroughness, and overall value of each grant toindicate approval (or rejection) of funding requests
• Facilitate the execution of Request for Proposal processes and proactive grantmaking strategies
• Facilitate a panel of reviewers and provide support to board members and/or other volunteers to engage community members in grantmaking decisions
• Collaborate and work closely with the Director of Community Investments to develop, implement, and evaluate investment opportunities to advance the Foundation's mission
• Support grantmaking strategies of private foundation clients, and other donors upon request
• Support the telling of GCF's story of impact in partnership with Community Strategies team
• Support the development of policies, practices, and infrastructure that advance the work of the Community Strategies team and the organization as a whole
• Partner with the Donor Services team to maximize co-investment opportunities for donors

Community Leadership

• Keep abreast of emerging issues both locally and nationally
• Serve as a knowledge resource to fellow staff, board, donors, and private foundation clients upon request. Engages and educates donors around community needs and opportunities. Inspires investment where there is interest.
• Support and amplify civic engagement efforts that foster community‑led decision making
• Represent GCF in local, regional, and statewide organizations

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, master's preferred.
• 5+ years of experience related to philanthropy, public or nonprofit management, grants management, community organizing, policy and advocacy work, or direct service.
• Strong facilitation and relationship‑building skills across nonprofits, funders, donors, and community leaders
• Experience with collegial decision‑making, coupled with ability to work independently, and flexibly.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy while thinking strategically.
• Capacity to produce high quality written analysis, recommendations, and executive level reports.
• Well‑developed research skills; the ability to synthesize new information readily.
• Track record of demonstrating efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
• A proven commitment to equity, demonstrated by thoughtful action, results orientation and continuous learning.
• The ability to communicate effectively‑orally and in writing‑to diverse audiences and in a variety of contexts.
• Deep knowledge of community issues such as education, affordable housing, and community development is strongly preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM systems.

Salary Range: $$78,000 - $86,000

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.