Program Officer

The New York Community Trust; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

The New York Community Trust seeks a Program Officer to manage grantmaking in community development, housing, and homelessness, and human services. This role emphasizes strategizing investments, reviewing proposals, and coordinating with staff and donors to advance the Trust's mission in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

Responsibilities include developing grant strategies, supervising a Program Assistant, and presenting concise recommendations to the board multiple times yearly.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of relevant full-time professional experience in the nonprofit, public, or private sectors and an advanced degree OR 10 years of relevant full-time professional experience and a bachelor's degree.
• Robust work experience in direct service or policy environments focusing on community development, housing/homelessness, and/or public benefit systems.
• Substantive knowledge of NYC community development and housing systems and how low-income people access public benefits.

Responsibilities

• Review proposals for funding and initiate projects to advance Trust donors' wishes.
• Develop strategies for grantmaking and identify short- and long-term opportunities.
• Co-supervise a Program Assistant and coordinate with other program staff.
• Monitor grants and provide evaluation and reporting to the board.

Skills

Grantmaking

Nonprofit experience

Community development

Policy experience

Strong writing

Project management

Education

Advanced degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

For Community Development, Housing, and Human Services

The New York Community Trust (The Trust), established in 1924, is a community foundation dedicated to improving the lives of residents of New York City, Long Island and Westchester. We bring together individuals, families, foundations, and businesses to build a better community and support nonprofits that make a difference. We apply knowledge, creativity, and resources to the most challenging issues in an effort to ensure meaningful opportunities and a better quality of life for all New Yorkers, today and tomorrow. Current Trust grantmaking strategies are available on our website at https://www.nycommunitytrust.org/information-for/for-nonprofits/what-the-trust-funds/.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Trust seeks a Program Officer to manage its grantmaking in community development, housing and homelessness, and human services (including hunger, food, and public benefits). This Program Officer has primary responsibility for projects and grants to build and sustain strong communities; create economic opportunities for residents of low-income neighborhoods; alleviate hunger, homelessness, and poverty in New York City; and help individuals reliant on public benefit systems move to stability and independence.

The Program Officer is responsible for reviewing proposals for funding, initiating projects to advance the mission of The Trust and donors' wishes, and exploring new areas for Trust involvement. The Program Officer will need the skills and knowledge to identify strategic opportunities for short-and long-term grant investments and exercise discretion and independent judgement accordingly.

The Program Officer is one of nine members of the program staff responsible for developing and recommending grants to The Trust's board of directors; each staff member is responsible for a unique set of priorities. The position reports to the Vice President for Grants and closely coordinates with other program staff. The individual will co-supervise a Program Assistant.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• maintain expertise on current and emerging issues and policy in the community development, housing, homeless, food, and public benefit systems in New York City and State;
• collaborate with Trust staff, outside experts, and a network of professional contacts to develop strategies for grantmaking and initiate special projects;
• analyze and evaluate grant requests, including observing nonprofit programs and activities;
• prepare numerous, succinct written grant recommendations for board meetings five times each year and throughout the year for grants that do not require board approval;
• monitor and track ongoing grants and initiatives, including evaluation and reporting internally and to the board;
• represent The Trust at sector workshops, public events, and in publications, as appropriate;
• work collaboratively with the donor, philanthropic initiatives, communications, and other departments within The Trust as well as its Westchester and Long Island affiliates.

Required Education & Experience

• At least 6 years of relevant full-time professional experience in the nonprofit, public, or private sectors and an advanced degree OR 10 years of relevant full-time professional experience and a bachelor's degree.
• Robust work experience preferred in a direct service and/or policy environment focusing on community development, housing/homelessness, and/or public benefit systems.
• Substantive knowledge of issues affecting New York City community development and housing systems and strong understanding of how low-income people access and use public benefit programs. People with relevant life experience are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding writing, organizational, speaking, and language skills.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage frequent and competing deadlines.
• Ease synthesizing and explaining complicated issues and programs.
• Ability to collaborate with nonprofits, government agencies, and other funders.

COMPENSATION

Range is $95,000 to $125,000

All staff are expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and show proof of vaccination on, or before the official start date.

The Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexuality or gender identity, status as a veteran, or disability or on any other federal, state or local protected class.