Program Officer, Journalism Initiative

Heising-Simons Foundation • San Francisco, CA

3d • $167,000 - $201,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Heising-Simons Foundation is seeking a Program Officer for its Journalism Initiative. This full-time position, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, will play a crucial role in developing and executing the Foundation's grantmaking strategies within the journalism sector. The Program Officer will identify and engage key partners, deploy resources strategically, and contribute to strengthening the journalism ecosystem. The role involves managing a portfolio of grants, conducting research, developing grantmaking plans, and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders. The Journalism Initiative aims to strengthen journalism for the public good and use media as a tool to increase public understanding of the Foundation's program areas, focusing on both "For the Media" (ecosystem strengthening) and "Through the Media" (advancing programmatic goals) tracks. The position reports to the Director of CEO and Board Initiatives and is part of the CEO and Board Initiatives team.

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant experience in journalism, media, and strategic communications
• Understanding of the journalism sector, including existing business and revenue models
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, apply a dynamic systems analysis, and translate thinking into clear, logical arguments and actionable recommendations
• Strong research, analysis, and synthesis, with the ability to distill complex ideas into actionable insights and communicate them clearly both in writing and verbally
• Intellectual curiosity, openness to a range of ideas and perspectives, and a commitment to ongoing learning
• Flexibility, humility, ingenuity, and a willingness to pitch in as part of a team
• Ability to work independently and proactively — getting ahead of problems, and taking ideas or direction and developing them into concrete outcomes
• Comfort with ambiguity, managing change, and dealing with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategies in collaboration with others and prioritize resources to maximize impact
• Detail-oriented, with proven organizational and project management skills
• A collegial and diplomatic demeanor, excellent interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor
• A facilitative style of leadership and communication
• Integrity and sound judgment
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications
• Occasional travel

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of the grantmaking process and how foundations function is preferred, not required

Responsibilities

• Develop grantmaking plans and manage a portfolio of grants for assigned grantmaking initiatives.
• Solicit and screen proposals, applying breadth of expertise and a clear understanding of the Foundation’s interests.
• Develop coherent, accurate, and complete summaries of funding and prepare to answer substantive questions about the proposals.
• Structure grant term, payment, and reporting timelines and maintain up-to-date records through grant termination.
• Partner with Legal and Grants Management to ensure compliance with Foundation policies and IRS guidelines.
• Monitor grant progress by reviewing progress reports, as well as staying in contact with grantees and responding to issues as needed.
• Provide non-financial support to grantees, including advice concerning capacity building, fund development, project activities, and evaluation.
• Conduct site visits to current and potential grantees.
• Stay informed about, and follow up as necessary on, grant-related issues throughout the duration of a grant.
• Work with the Foundation’s Communications team to broaden the impact of the initiative’s grantmaking.
• Develop and draft grantmaking strategies and implementation plans based on the approved direction and goals of the Journalism Initiative.
• Monitor progress on approved grants and strategies, including the effectiveness of individual grants and lessons learned to inform refinements to strategies and grantmaking plans.
• Conduct research and analyses to inform the development or refinement of strategic goals and tactics for assigned initiatives.
• Draft memos on recommended strategies, implementation plans, emerging areas of interest, and other developments.
• Keep the President & CEO, Director of CEO and Board Initiatives, and Foundation leadership informed on developments within grantmaking areas.
• Occasionally attend Board meetings to support grant recommendations and periodically review and report to executive management and the Board on the overall effectiveness of funding.
• Stay abreast of the policy and research landscape for assigned initiatives, including policy and practice issues, emerging trends, and key resource people and organizations.
• Proactively identify key organizations and talent, build relationships, and act as a connector across the broader ecosystem.
• Know the funding landscape, including other funders who support similar projects, and participate in joint efforts with other foundations and affinity groups of foundations.
• Develop a clear understanding of how organizations fit into the Foundation’s and leadership’s priorities.
• Represent the Foundation and assigned grantmaking initiatives to external audiences.
• Work collaboratively as a part of the CEO & Board Initiatives team to support special projects and events, such as International Human Rights Day.
• Serve as a resource to team members on grantmaking and due diligence.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and dynamic organizational culture.
• Participate in Foundation-wide activities, such as committees, internal culture-building, training, and strategic planning.
• Assist with the onboarding and training of new team members.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses
• 401(k) plan with an employer match of up to 16%
• 3 weeks of vacation per year
• Paid time off for sick, personal reasons, and holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed