Program Officer, Foundation Grantmaking & Partnerships

Honda Center; Corona (CA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Dental coverage

Employee perks

Job summary

Samueli Foundation in Corona del Mar (Orange County) seeks a Program Officer to manage grant portfolios,-source opportunities, and deliver strategic funding recommendations. The role collaborates across teams, builds strong grantee relationships, and advances the foundation’s mission through rigorous diligence and reporting.

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, you will oversee 20–25 grantee relationships, analyze data, and represent the foundation in external engagements.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of relevant experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, public service, or related field.
• Ability to assess nonprofit strategy, leadership, finances, operations, and program effectiveness and translate information into sound recommendations.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple relationships, grants, priorities, and deadlines independently.
• Strong relationship-building skills across nonprofit, public sector, philanthropic, and internal partners.
• Knowledge of Orange County and its nonprofit, philanthropic, civic, or public-sector landscape is strongly preferred.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset with the flexibility to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage annual priorities, grant pipelines, budgets, and 20–25 core grantee relationships across assigned portfolios.
• Source and assess potential investments through research, diligence, site visits, and financial review.
• Develop funding recommendations for the Chief Program Officer, President, and Board.
• Manage grants pipeline from exploration through closeout, including reporting and renewal decisions.
• Serve as the primary Foundation contact for assigned grantees and partners.
• Maintain current knowledge of community needs, field developments, and opportunities.
• Represent the Foundation at visits, meetings, and events.
• Synthesize information to refine portfolio strategy and prepare leadership materials.

Skills

Grantmaking

Relationship-building

Communication

Portfolio management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Samueli Foundation in Corona del Mar (Orange County) seeks a Program Officer to manage grant portfolios,-source opportunities, and deliver strategic funding recommendations. The role collaborates across teams, builds strong grantee relationships, and advances the foundation’s mission through rigorous diligence and reporting.

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, you will oversee 20–25 grantee relationships, analyze data, and represent the foundation in external engagements.