INITIATIVE OFFICER, COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
(FULL TIME/EXEMPT)

Created from the merger of Peninsula Community Foundation and Community Foundation Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley Community Foundation brings together the complementary strengths of each foundation to create a greater impact than either CFSV or PCF could realize alone. As a result, the community foundation emerged 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.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the director of initiatives, this individual oversees the department’s community schools initiative. Community schools are rooted in a rich tradition of linking education and the community. They provide the highest quality instruction, together with a wide range of supports, services and after-school activities, while building a high level of parental and community participation in children’s learning.

Salary range: $65,000 to 72,000 commensurate with experience.

The position is externally funded as the result of a grant the community foundation received. The expected employment term for this position is through end of June 30, 2010 with a possibility of extension.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with staff across departments to accomplish the giving division’s goals and across divisions to accomplish foundation’s priorities, goals and mission.
• Willingness to assume leadership role in the community and in the field of philanthropy.
• Develop yearly memoranda of understanding, operating agreements and comprehensive plans for change with initiative partners.
• Oversee initiative budget and funding streams; seek new funds through proposals and grant-writing.
• Prepare reports to investors, documenting progress toward objectives and milestones.
• Schedule and facilitate meetings of government, nonprofit, parent and school leadership as needed.
• Direct, coach and mentor support staff as appropriate.
• Promote initiative through presentations, conferences and publications.
• Promote an atmosphere of teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with at least three to five years of senior project management experience in the nonprofit sector. Graduate degree preferred.
• Experience with education, and family engagement and leadership issues strongly desired.
• Strong facilitation, public speaking and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective delegation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, characterized by an ability to work with diverse people and groups in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to adapt to new and changing situations.
• Ability to approach situations and challenges with a sense of humor.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee tosuccessfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee regularly stands. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel is required

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and what you would bring to Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Send cover letter and resume as Word documents via email only to humanresources@siliconvalleycf.org with the position title "Initiative Officer, Community Schools" in the email subject line.

Application deadline: open until filled.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.