Program Officer (CFP)

Crown Family Philanthropies; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Crown Family Philanthropies is seeking a Program Officer to plan, develop, present, and lead the Foundation’s Jewish philanthropic initiatives in Chicago and nationally.

The role requires guiding grantmaking, collaborating with staff and family members, and shaping future approaches to drive social change within the Jewish community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in a foundation or nonprofit working on program-related issues in the Jewish philanthropic sector.
• Experience shaping grant strategies and evaluating impact.
• Ability to manage complex portfolios and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop impact strategy and grant recommendations aligned with CFP’s framework.
• Lead grant approval processes and committee meetings.
• Source and evaluate potential grants to advance priorities.
• Represent CFP in local and national Jewish philanthropy discussions.

Skills

Strategy development

Grantmaking

Stakeholder management

Public speaking

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Analytical mindset

Job description

Crown Family Philanthropies (CFP) is searching for a Program Officer to plan, develop, present, and lead the Foundation’s Jewish philanthropic initiatives in Chicago and nationally. Reporting to the Director, Jewish and Israel Giving, the Program Officer will collaborate with other staff and family members to shape future approaches and contribute significantly to the foundation’s overall mission and social change efforts. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of ten years of progressive experience in a foundation or non-profit working on program-related issues in the Jewish philanthropic sector.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Planning and Strategy

• Work with Jewish Charitable Team (Committee Chair, Associate Chair, Director of Jewish and Israel Giving, and Senior Program Analyst) to develop impact strategy and goals, guide direction of portfolio, develop grant recommendations, assess current grant initiatives and coordinate learning opportunities aligned with strategic framework. Lead effective, dynamic committee meetings. Guide the Jewish Charitable Committee through the grant approval process and through strategic review and decision-making.
• Identify and source impactful grants to enhance committee priorities and impact.
• Maintain an understanding of regularly shifting issues to inform committee and their decisions, and participate in field-wide efforts as a thought leader. Identify and bring in experts around specific questions to inform strategic impact and educate the committee and board.
• Collaborate with other grantmakers on field-wide activities that build on committee strategies. Build and maintain deep relationships with diverse stakeholders, working closely with grantees, funders and other external stakeholders to maximize impact on systems change. Understand best practices and immediate needs.

Leadership:

• Serve as primary staff contact for domestic Jewish grants with committee leadership and members.
• Supervise and mentor senior program analyst, including ongoing professional development.
• Plan and lead committee meetings.
• Identify areas of possible cross collaboration with the Foundation's other issue areas.
• Serve as an active participant and leader in relevant conversations and associations at the local and national level. Represent Foundation, along with Director, as a thought leader in the field of Jewish philanthropy, both locally and nationally.

Grantmaking:

• Develop, facilitate, and leverage relationships with grantee partners, funders, and other external stakeholders to collaborate on efforts and maximize impact
• Research and analyze nonprofit organizations to determine fit with CFP’s strategic priorities.
• Contribute critical feedback to inform decisions on whether to accept or decline proposals based on established criteria.
• Draft invitations to organizations for proposal submission or for renewals that meet criteria.
• Analyze nonprofit financial statements and operational conditions to determine organizational strength and effectiveness. Formulate recommendations for grant size and term.
• Plan and conduct site visits as appropriate, representing CFP to candidate organizations and grantees.
• Investigate facilities and observe programming and environment in order to provide key feedback on funding recommendations. Act as primary point of contact for committee grantees.
• Manage grants, develop issue-area expertise, and monitor emerging developments in the field. Identify, research, and present grant dockets to the committee consistent with strategic framework.
• Lead analyses on grantee organizations and grant outcomes. Lead the design of data collection tools and the development of narrative and oral presentations resulting from analysis. Develop frameworks to evaluate impact of grants and maintain dashboard.
• Lead the preparation of materials for committee meetings, including grant summaries, progress reports, grants dockets, budget materials, meeting minutes, and additional content as assigned.
• Research issues of interest and maintain current understanding of trends related to the work of the Jewish Charitable Committee and the Foundation; communicate as appropriate.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to conceive and execute strategy and align tactical needs creatively and effectively
• Ability to set clear goals and develop and implement metrics to measure outcomes
• Meeting facilitation, public speaking, and proven experience managing relationships with key stakeholders, including board members and leadership of Jewish organizations
• Significant knowledge and understanding of issues related to the Chicago and national Jewish community
• Highly collaborative team player who enjoys engaging with colleagues
• Experienced in detailed project management
• Excellent oral and written communications skills including ability to listen and synthesize multiple inputs with sensitivity, diplomacy and professionalism
• Superb organizational skills including ability to prioritize agendas and manage conflicting needs
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Growth mindset with an eagerness to receive feedback and seek opportunities to grow
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to respond flexibly to shifting priorities