Program Officer

Mt Pleasant; Michigan; On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability

Retirement plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is seeking a Program Officer to manage grantmaking and scholarship programs and support nonprofit capacity-building and community leadership initiatives, reporting to the Program Director.

You will coordinate donor engagement, process applications, ensure compliance, and highlight impact through reports and events, aligning work with the Foundation's three goals: convening, funding, and organizational capacity.

Qualifications

• Proficient in grant processes, compliance, and reporting.
• Ability to evaluate proposals with impartiality and clear alternatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Donor Intent: uphold donors’ goals for grants and scholarships.
• Promotion & Deadlines: publicize guidelines and timelines for cycles.
• Application Processing: screen submissions and enter data into grants software.
• Communication & Follow-Up: maintain contact with grantees and scholars.
• Impact Highlighting: share funded project stories via reports and events.
• Review & Compliance: coordinate reporting requirements and site visits.
• Capacity Building: promote training for nonprofit staff and boards.
• Committee Coordination: manage materials and meeting minutes.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Independence

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Philanthropy knowledge

Tools

Grant management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Officer manages the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s grantmaking and scholarship programs and supports nonprofit capacity-building and community leadership initiatives. In alignment with the strategic plan, this role focuses on:

Goal 1: Convening: Connecting for impact

Strengthening the Foundation’s role as a community connector by increasing visibility and deepening understanding of diverse partners to help unite efforts around shared visions for great collective impact; growing the community Foundation’s role as a convener in the community.

Goal 2: Funding and Grantmaking: Philanthropy in Action

Aligning and growing fundraising efforts at the Foundation to the most impactful areas of need, increasing quality of life in Isabella County to create a culture of philanthropy; Enhance the revenue model for the Foundation to create more flexible dollars; Restructure how the Foundation grants money to have the most impact in serving community needs.

Goal 3: Organizational Infrastructure: Strength from Within

Strengthen our organization’s ability to make mission-driven decisions that prioritize community impact, even when those decisions may not align with the preferences of all stakeholders; Restructure the Community Foundation for greater efficiency and long-term capacity; Increase the community’s understanding of the foundation’s identity, role, and value as a driver of positive impact.

Primary Responsibilities

Donor Intent: Understand, communicate, and uphold donors’ philanthropic goals for both grants and scholarships, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission.

Promotion & Deadlines: Publicize protocols, guidelines, and timelines for grant and scholarship cycles; actively encourage participation.

Application Processing: Screen and process all submissions, accurately enter data into the grants management software, and prepare corresponding agreements and correspondence.

Communication & Follow-Up: Maintain ongoing contact with grantees and scholarship recipients, ensuring they receive clear expectations and resources for successful projects.

Impact Highlighting: Share stories of funded projects and scholarship outcomes through reports, site visits, social media, and community events to keep donors and stakeholders informed and engaged.

Review & Compliance: Coordinate with grantees on reporting requirements; conduct site visits to assess funded projects and verify alignment with donor intent.

Capacity Building: Promote training and educational opportunities for local nonprofit staff and boards, enhancing their impact and sustainability.

Committee Coordination

Grant Review & Scholarship Committees:

Maintain up-to-date volunteer reviewer lists and prepare materials for the review process.

Prepare and distribute review packets, ensuring compliance with established Foundation policies.

Develop agendas and take accurate meeting minutes for effective documentation.

Collaboration: Engage committee members, providing them with the information needed to make informed decisions about funding.

Capacity Building & Community Leadership Support

Stakeholder Relationships: Develop and maintain strong connections with local schools, nonprofits, and government units, fostering an environment of collaboration and open communication.

Foundation Promotion: Seek opportunities—via events, presentations, and media outreach—to highlight the Foundation’s grantmaking, scholarship, and leadership efforts.

Committee Involvement: Actively participate in meetings and relevant task forces to identify community needs and share recommendations for strategic grantmaking.

Strategic Alignment: Gather data on critical issues, assist the Board in identifying funding gaps, and propose proactive grants that address pressing local challenges.

Donor Engagement (Stewardship)

Relationship Cultivation: Work closely with team members to keep donors informed of project milestones, success stories, and emerging opportunities.

Reporting & Updates: Provide concise, impactful updates that highlight how donor contributions are strengthening the community—reinforcing trust and encouraging renewed support.

Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Education & Technical Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based communication tools.

Ability to learn and use grant management software.

Nonprofit & Grantmaking Knowledge

Familiarity with grant processes, including application review, compliance, and reporting.

Analytical & Communication Skills

Capacity to evaluate proposals critically, maintain impartiality, and communicate alternatives clearly.

Excellent written and verbal communication for interacting with grantees, committee members, and community stakeholders.

Organizational & Time Management Skills

Able to multi-task, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines.

Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.

Teamwork & Professionalism

Effective collaborator who thrives in a small-staff environment.

Upholds confidentiality and demonstrates a genuine passion for philanthropy.

Salary Range:

$48,000 to $52,000 commensurate with experience. Benefit package includes health and life insurance, disability, retirement, paid vacation, and more. Full-Time, Exempt (40 hrs)

The position will remain open until filled. The Foundation reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.