Program Officer (RCWF)

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in Detroit seeks a Program Officer to support grantmaking strategies and communications for Southeast Michigan initiatives. You will write, manage grantees and vendors, and help evaluate proposals to advance the Foundation’s impact.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree, at least 3 years of full-time grantmaking experience (master’s preferred), and willingness to relocate to Southeastern Michigan with regular travel across the service areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and minimum 3 years of full-time grantmaking experience preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Relocation to southeastern Michigan required and regular car travel across the service areas.
• Advance MS Office suite skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of grantmaking strategies.
• Provide communications support for Foundation initiatives with grantees and partners.
• Write, manage grantees, vendors and special projects; evaluate proposals and perform analyses.
• Develop and nurture partnerships to advance strategy execution.

Skills

Grantmaking

Research & analysis

Communication skills

Grant writing

Creativity

Flexibility

Detail orientation

Teamwork

Visionary outlook

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation seeks a Program Officer to join the program team in Southeast Michigan. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best.

About the Position

Reporting directly to one Vice President, the Program Officer is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies, and communications support around these strategies (both for the Foundation and for Foundation initiatives with grantees and partners). This includes writing; managing grantees, key vendors and special projects; implementing grantmaking strategies; proposal analysis and evaluation; and partnership development. The responsibilities fall into the categories of grantmaking, grant monitoring and grant evaluation, communications and community relations and administrative responsibilities.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in implementing and managing grant making, and strong research and analysis skills. Additional required competencies include: excellent oral and written communication skills, creativity, performance focus, flexibility, detail orientation, visionary outlook, and teamwork and cooperation. Lastly, the Program Officer will demonstrate desire and passion to develop a broad knowledge of the core funding areas RCWJRF supports, and a personal commitment to improving Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

A bachelor’s degree is required and a minimum of 3 years of full-time grantmaking experience is highly preferred. A master’s degree is preferred. Relocation to southeastern MI is required, as is regular car travel throughout the Foundation’s service areas. Advance MS office suite skills are also required.