Program Officer

ECMC Group • Washington, DC

4d • $120,000 - $130,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

ECMC Foundation is a nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Job Summary As a key member of the program team, the Program Officers ensure ECMC Foundation deploys grants and investments to support project-based and reform-oriented efforts aimed at advancing systemic change to improve postsecondary persistence and degree completion for students from underserved backgrounds. Guided by a strategic framework which was launched in 2022, Program Officers manage a portfolio of strategically responsive grants which positions the foundation to remain open to the changing needs and opportunities identified by the field and/or oversee an initiative which focuses resources on deeper engagements and sustained commitments to address specific challenges in postsecondary education. The ECMC Foundation team observes a hybrid work model. Additionally, Program Officers travel domestically up to 25% of the time to engage with partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of related work in higher education and/or grantmaking
• Exhibits curiosity and ability to think creatively and collaboratively
• Displays humility; leads with a listening orientation, working in service of grantees
• Demonstrates superior communication skills, both speaking and writing in a clear, compelling, and concise manner that meet the needs of different audiences
• Possesses practical experience and/or content expertise regarding large-scale, systems-level approaches to postsecondary education
• Showcases strong project management – effectively manages long-term projects by backward-planning to meet goals; views project management as a key tool to achieve goals
• Excels at analyzing and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data to drive decision-making and problem-solving, unearthing relevant insights and opportunities from multiple sources
• Works collaboratively and independently and understands the big picture while applying a keen attention to detail
• Exhibits a willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 25% of the time
• Commits to ECMC Foundation's hybrid work model

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree
• Demonstrates experience working at a higher education-focused foundation
• Possesses lived experience or has extensively worked with communities from underserved backgrounds (e.g., first generation college student, rural learner, student of color, student from low-income family, adult learner) navigating postsecondary pathways
• Exhibits keen inquiry skills and the inclination to seek evidence-based information from a variety of sources to support decisions
• Maintains a broad and deep professional network, making connections, and creating opportunities for deeper engagement; has interest in engaging in the broader postsecondary and philanthropic community via associations and conferences

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate potential grant opportunities aligned with the Foundation’s strategic framework and grantmaking approach by initiating and managing relationships with mission-aligned organizations, thought leaders, and fellow funders
• Conduct due diligence (e.g., review funding requests, conduct external research, meet applicant staff) and make recommendations to senior management
• Prepare written documents for the ECMC Foundation senior management and Board of Directors summarizing key grant-funded activities and making the case for support
• Engage in ongoing monitoring (e.g., virtual check-in meetings, site visits, report reviews) to evaluate progress towards stated goals and learn from grantee challenges and successes
• Input relevant and timely information into grants management system (Fluxx) and maintain adherence to grant administrative processes in collaboration with the grants management team
• Amplify grantee activities and learnings by collaborating with ECMC Foundation’s Communications team, convening stakeholders, and presenting during postsecondary-focused and grantmaking-oriented events
• Work closely with ECMC Foundation’s Learning and Evaluation team (and, at times, contract an external evaluator) to analyze grantee outcomes and identify portfolio-wide trends
• Stay abreast of education trends, policy reform efforts, and best practices, and attend relevant conferences to broaden knowledge
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

• Health & wellness benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options, with a generous employer subsidy. Company paid life & disability insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts and robust wellness programs.
• Financial benefits: Generous 401(k) plan with a company match up to 6% and additional discretionary contribution potential, paid time off starting at 20 days/year and commuter subsidy.
• Education benefits: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,500/year for approved programs and student loan payment reimbursement up to $4,800/year. Up to $5,250 of qualifying education benefits can be reimbursed pre-tax.
• Health & wellness benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options, with a generous employer subsidy. Company paid life & disability insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts and robust wellness programs.
• Financial benefits: Generous 401(k) plan with a company match up to 6% and additional discretionary contribution potential, holiday time off, paid time off accrual starting at 20 days/year and commuter subsidy.
• Education benefits: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,500/year for approved programs and student loan payment reimbursement up to $4,800/year. Up to $5,250 of qualifying education benefits can be reimbursed pre-tax.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees