Program Officer, Jewish Education & Engagement

CC Industries•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Crown Family Philanthropies (CFP) is seeking a Program Officer with at least ten years of experience in philanthropic, non-profit, or for-profit work, with significant engagement in the Jewish communal sector. The ideal candidate will possess practical expertise and a genuine passion for fostering a robust, pluralistic Jewish community and a successful Israel. This role requires intellectual curiosity, strong project management skills for grantmaking and program development, a strategic approach to community programs, excellent relationship-building abilities, and the drive to provide thought leadership within the Jewish ecosystem. The Jewish and Israel Giving Program at CFP focuses on education, experiences, building a strong dynamic sector, combating antisemitism/anti-hate, and health and human services, with a commitment to a successful Israel through its grantmaking.

Requirements

A college degree is required; MBA or commensurate experience preferred.
Minimum 10–12 years in philanthropic, non-profit, or for-profit work with significant engagement in the Jewish communal sector (professional, volunteer, and/or Board experience).
Ability to conceive and execute strategy and align tactical needs creatively and effectively.
Ability to set clear goals and develop and implement metrics to measure outcomes.
Significant knowledge and understanding of issues related to the Chicago and national Jewish community.
Entrepreneurial spirit; ability and inclination to think creatively, explore opportunities, and puzzle out solutions with teammates.
Highly collaborative team player who enjoys engaging with colleagues.
Experienced in detailed project management.
Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to listen and synthesize multiple inputs with sensitivity, diplomacy and professionalism.
Superb organizational skills, including ability to prioritize agendas and manage conflicting needs.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Growth mindset with eagerness to receive feedback and seek opportunities to grow.
Demonstrated ability to act with humility, sensitivity, and discretion.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to respond flexibly to shifting priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

Planning and Strategy: Develop strategy and goals for the Jewish and Israel Giving portfolio, guide its direction, develop grant recommendations, assess current initiatives, and coordinate learning opportunities. Lead effective Committee meetings and drive program development and expansion. Maintain an understanding of shifting issues in the field to inform trustees and facilitate decision-making. Identify and bring in experts to inform strategic impact and educate the Committee and Board. Build and maintain deep relationships with diverse stakeholders, including grantees, funders, and external partners, to maximize impact on systems change. Collaborate with other funders on field-wide activities that align with Committee strategies.
Grantmaking: Manage grant portfolios, develop expertise in issue areas, and monitor emerging developments. Research issues of interest and trends related to the Jewish and Israel Giving Committee's work. Identify, prepare, and present grant dockets consistent with the lead pursuit framework. Analyze nonprofit organizations' financial statements and operational conditions to assess strength and effectiveness. Formulate recommendations for grant size and term. Lead analyses on grantee organizations and grant outcomes. Design data collection tools and develop narrative and oral presentations from analysis. Develop frameworks to evaluate grant impact and maintain a dashboard to assess impact of lead pursuit strategies. Cultivate and foster partnership relationships with grantees. Plan and conduct site visits. Act as the primary point of contact for committee grantees. Prepare materials for Committee meetings, including grant summaries, progress reports, grant dockets, budget materials, meeting materials, and minutes.
Leadership: Serve as the key staff contact for the Jewish and Israel Giving Committee and as the primary contact for select grants. Participate in planning and strategy meetings with other Jewish funders and the Jewish Federation. Support and mentor senior program analyst and analyst, including guidance on professional development. Identify areas for cross-collaboration with other Foundation issue areas. Participate and lead in relevant conversations and associations at the local and national level.