PROGRAM OFFICER
(FULL TIME/EXEMPT)

JOB SUMMARY

Created from the merger of Peninsula Community Foundation and Community Foundation Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley Community Foundation brings together the complementary strengths of each parent foundation to create a greater impact than either could realize alone. The new community foundation is committed to serving as a center for philanthropy providing world-class services to donors and nonprofits and inspiring greater civic participation throughout the San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Reporting to the vice president of grantmaking, the program officer will identify strategic grantmaking opportunities for Silicon Valley Community Foundation and solicit funding requests, analyze proposals and prepare written and verbal summaries to recommend grants throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Salary range: $75,000 - $90,000 commensurate with experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Solicit, analyze and process funding proposals – determine eligibility and potential for success, conduct background research and site visits, prepare written and verbal summaries and recommendations.
  • Develop expertise in effective grantmaking strategies, in specific geographic areas, and in issue areas that are identified as part of the new focus of the community foundation’s grantmaking.
  • Actively serve as a goodwill ambassador, representing the community foundation in the community.
  • Identify areas of community needs, timely opportunities for community foundation involvement and possible partners to address the needs and opportunities.
  • Work regularly with donors to connect their philanthropic interests with the community foundation’s priorities and the community’s needs.
  • Work closely with the donor engagement and the community initiatives, convening and research departments to accomplish the giving division’s goals, and across the community foundation to support the community foundation’s goals, priorities and mission.
  • Monitor and evaluate programs and projects funded by the community foundation.
  • Help respond to daily inquiries from grantees and other constituents.
  • Assume leadership in philanthropy, as appropriate.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree in education, public policy or other appropriate discipline or equivalent experience in the field is strongly preferred.
  • Candidates must have deep knowledge of and significant work experience in Santa Clara County.
  • At least five years experience working in a prominent role in the public education arena, the nonprofit and/or public sector.
  • Demonstrated leadership, creativity and innovation in thinking about public school reform, educational achievement gaps and educational disparities.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as keen analytical skills.
  • Experience as a grantmaker, in brokering resources with other funders or local government and knowledge of best grantmaking practices.
  • Ability and willingness to travel throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with diverse people and groups in multicultural environments.
  • Ability to adapt to new and changing situations.
  • Ability to approach situations and challenges with a sense of humor.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and what you would bring to Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Send the cover letter and resume as Word documents via email only to humanresources@siliconvalleycf.org with the position title "Program Officer" in the email subject line. Application deadline: open until position is filled.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.