Senior Community Impact & Grants Leader

Spirit League; Seacliff (CA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401k + employer contribution

Paid vacation & holidays

HSA/FSA options

Job summary

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County seeks a Community Programs Officer to lead grantmaking, scholarships, and fellowships while guiding nonprofit capacity-building and community engagement. You will supervise program staff and partner with local leaders to advance trust-based, impact-driven philanthropy across Santa Cruz County.

Ideal candidates have 7–10 years in philanthropy or nonprofit leadership, strong strategic and communication skills, and a deep understanding of local needs.

Qualifications

• Seven to ten years of progressive experience in philanthropy or nonprofit leadership.
• Commitment to assisting Santa Cruz County’s community of givers and changemakers.
• Deep understanding of local nonprofit ecosystems.
• Experience supervising staff and leading teams.
• Strong project management, relationship-building, facilitation, and partnership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience presenting to boards, committees, and community audiences.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead foundation's grantmaking, scholarships, and fellowship programs.
• Support nonprofit capacity-building and community engagement activities.
• Supervise program staff and manage two Engagement Coordinators and an intern.
• Develop and refine grant guidelines, processes, reporting, and evaluation frameworks.
• Represent the Foundation at seminars, workshops, and public events.
• Monitor community needs and adapt programs to maximize impact.

Skills

Grantmaking leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Independent working

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County seeks a Community Programs Officer to lead grantmaking, scholarships, and fellowships while guiding nonprofit capacity-building and community engagement. You will supervise program staff and partner with local leaders to advance trust-based, impact-driven philanthropy across Santa Cruz County.

Ideal candidates have 7–10 years in philanthropy or nonprofit leadership, strong strategic and communication skills, and a deep understanding of local needs.