Program Officer

Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation•Newark, NJ

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation is seeking a Program Officer to steward approximately 20–30 grantee partner relationships and $6–7 million in annual grantmaking, and to advise and collaborate with the Investments team on direct programmatic investments. The role will initially focus heavily on the Foundation’s Housing Choice strategy, though the focus may change based on organizational needs and the successful candidate’s background and experience. The Program Officer will work deeply in the field and community, engaging regularly with partner organizations, attending community meetings and site visits, and representing the Foundation at coalition tables. In collaboration with the Program Director and Foundation leadership, the officer will help shape, evaluate, and refine the portfolio to align with broader Foundation objectives. The officer will independently manage the full grants cycle, communicate and make the case for the portfolio to Foundation leadership and the Board, steward partner relationships, identify opportunities, maintain timely and respectful communication, and keep partner data and reporting complete and accurate. Work is expected to be divided approximately among field presence (50%), strategy and investments (30%), and grant operations (20%). The position is full-time and hybrid, with three days per week in the Newark office or on-site with community partners. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with frequent travel across New Jersey, including some evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Four to six years of professional experience managing relationships with diverse stakeholders in a variety of settings.
A clear racial and economic justice analysis and understanding of how economic development policy levers have shaped the racial wealth gap in New Jersey.
A track record of building trust with community-based organizations and working with them as partners.
Strong organization and follow-through, including the ability to manage multiple grants and deadlines.
Clear writing and public speaking skills, including the ability to turn complex concepts into concise, compelling recommendations for a board and build buy-in across diverse stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently across New Jersey, including some evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated work experience in community and/or economic development.
Meaningful experience and networks in New Jersey communities where grantee partners are located.
Familiarity with grants management systems such as Salesforce.
New Jersey knowledge and networks.
Candidates from South and/or Central New Jersey are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Steward a portfolio of approximately 20–30 grantee partner relationships and $6–7 million in annual grantmaking.
Advise and collaborate with the Investments team on direct programmatic investments and potential housing deals.
Conduct site visits, attend events and coalition meetings, and meet with prospective and existing partners and stakeholders across New Jersey.
Build relationships, identify opportunities, contribute to conversations about economic and housing policy and practice, and monitor developments affecting economic outcomes in priority cities.
Collaborate with the Program Director and Foundation leaders to structure, refine, and advise on grant investments.
Work with Communications and Learning & Evaluation teams to surface and share stories, insights, and learnings.
Manage and contribute to an organized, timely grants process from proposal through final report.
Manage the full grants cycle, including communicating and making the case to Foundation leadership and the Board.
Maintain open, timely, and respectful communications with prospective and existing partners.
Develop and maintain complete and accurate partner data and reporting.
Build relationships with peer funders, developers, public agencies, policy advocates, and other stakeholders.