Program Officer, Career Readiness (ECMC)

ECMC Foundation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

ECMC Foundation in Los Angeles is seeking a Program Officer for Career Readiness to support grantmaking and program strategy. You will research potential grantees, analyze data, prepare summaries for the Board, manage relationships with partners, and help organize trainings and convenings.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree, 3–5 years in education or philanthropy, and strong writing, analytical, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• 3–5 years in education, philanthropy, or a related field.
• Experience researching and evaluating potential grantees.

Responsibilities

• Research potential grantees and perform due diligence.
• Prepare grant summaries and financial reviews for the Board.
• Manage grantee relationships and monitor progress.
• Coordinate trainings, convenings, and capacity-building activities.
• Ensure alignment with ECMC Foundation policies.

Skills

Grant research

Grant writing

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Financial statement review

Training and convenings

Relationship management

Technical assistance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Fluxx

Microsoft Office

Job description

Program Officer, Career Readiness (ECMC)

Based in Los Angeles, ECMC Foundation's mission is to inspire and facilitate improvements that affect educational outcomes—especially among under-served populations—through evidence-based innovation. The Foundation makes investments in three focus areas: Teacher and Leader Development, College Success, and Career Readiness. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.

As a member of the program team, the Program Officer will undertake a range of tasks, including but not limited to researching potential grantees, identifying key facts and statistics to support the Foundation’s grant-making, writing proposal summaries, managing relationships, maintaining paper and database records, reviewing financial statements, providing technical assistance, and organizing trainings and convenings. The Program Officer may also be asked to undertake and oversee other projects as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Officer collaborates on the development and implementation of grant-making strategy and goals. Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, review, analyze, and recommend grant proposals under the guidance of the Program Director
• Conduct due diligence of potential grantee partners, including analysis of financial information, site visits, and interviews with other funders and relevant stakeholders
• Prepare written summaries of grant requests for ECMC Foundation Board of Directors
• Oversee consistent grant monitoring and reporting, including the review of progress reports, maintenance of regular communication with grantees, and site visits
• Assist in the design and implementation of processes and systems which contribute to key strategy and portfolio management decisions
• Review and refine portfolio outcomes and indicators periodically and collect and analyze this data for all grants within the portfolio
• Maintain expertise in areas relevant to the education field and policy reform efforts that impact these issues nationwide
• Support the development and implementation of third-party evaluation to build evidence of the impact of our grants and program strategies, and to allow for continuous learning by grantees and ECMC Foundation
• Collaborate with Program Director to address technical assistance needs of grantees
• Ensure all funds are spent per the guidelines and responsibilities of ECMC Foundation, in accordance with compliance regulations and ECMC policies
• Promote collaboration and learning across ECMC Foundation grantees as appropriate
• Work with the Grants Manager to ensure Foundation database Fluxx is accurate, updated in a timely manner, and effectively utilized
• Identify issues to convene stakeholders and, as appropriate, plan, coordinate and lead convenings, using these opportunities to engage the education community
• Assist other ECMC Foundation staff and work as a member of cross-functional teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of ECMC Foundation
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with all ECMC Group Policies

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Required Education/Certification: Bachelor’s Degree
• Preferred Education/Certification: Master’s Degree
• Required Experience: 3-5 years of work experience in a relevant role. Ideal candidate’s prior experience would be in education and/or philanthropy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated the ability to effectively:

• Organize, plan, control and prioritize work/projects and regularly communicate progress to appropriate stake holders
• Manage resources and understands work/project scope, key players, urgency, inherent risks and business benefits
• Anticipate, understand and manage stakeholder expectations and consistent delivery of services and clearly and effectively convey information
• Plan and think strategically
• Understand the education system and the overall landscape, nonprofit organizational structure (including financials), public policy and outcome measures/evaluation methodologies aimed at assessing program effectiveness
• Manage partnerships and build effective relationships in varied environments and with diverse constituents
• Facilitate meetings and group processes for the purposes of agenda-setting, fact-finding, decision-making, peer learning and collaboration to accomplish shared goals.
• Write clear, concise analyses and narratives
• Convey information to individuals or groups including the ability to choose the appropriate method or methods of communication
• Prepare and give presentations, and to comfortably interact with diverse audiences, including Board members, civic and education leaders, and nonprofit and community groups
• Make well-reasoned decisions in the best interests of the organization’s future.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Analyze, identify and solve problems while using sound judgment and implement solutions to address business issues
• Show Internet competency and strong computer proficiency, including mastery of the Microsoft Office software suite and a familiarity with database software
• Maintain excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Lead and manage projects, prioritize work effectively and adjust to multiple demands, with consistent attention to timelines
• Deliver on commitments as promised and acknowledge when commitments are not met and takes appropriate steps to fulfill what has been promised
• Work well independently and take direction
• Take initiative, and follow tasks through to completion
• Promote high standards of ethical conduct and behaviors consistent with organizational standards
• Display a sense of humor, flexibility, and the ability to contribute to a collegial, respectful, and supportive office environment

SUPERVISION/CONTACTS

• Reports to – Program Director/Senior Director
• Direct Reports – None (with the possible exception for interns and/or consultants)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office environment that requires normal safety precautions (such as in typical office or administrative work).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sedentary work: Job involves sitting most of the time; walking, lifting, bending, standing etc. may be minimally required.

TRAVEL

Frequent – more than 25% of the time.

ADDITIONAL PERTINENT INFORMATION:

• Required to work normal hours to successfully perform the job responsibilities
• May need to work nights and weekends to complete assignments
• Frequently subjected to interruptions, multiple calls and inquiries
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate
• Must be able and willing to travel to out-of-state sites, as required
• Employee works in an office environment
• Punctuality and satisfactory attendance are essential functions of the job