Program Officer
About The Position
The Mellon Foundation is seeking a Program Officer for its Presidential Initiatives Monuments Project team. This role is crucial in advancing the Foundation's vision for the Monuments Project, translating it into effective grantmaking, strategic partnerships, and field-building activities. The Program Officer will play a leadership role in the successful implementation and evolution of this signature program, which aims to fund commemorative projects that enrich the nation's understanding of its history and expand how we remember. The Monuments Project, launched in 2020, focuses on funding work that sparks interest in lesser-known historical chapters, encourages broader community involvement in shaping the commemorative landscape, and expands the definition of what monuments can be. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in fields such as commemorative landscapes, memorialization, public history, public art, cultural heritage, design, or planning. They should possess a deep understanding of the complex ecosystem involved in advancing commemorative projects, including experience working with various government agencies, community organizations, cultural institutions, developers, and other stakeholders. Demonstrated experience in grantmaking, program design, and implementing large-scale initiatives is essential. The role requires strong judgment, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach to guide ambitious, multi-stakeholder projects from conception to completion.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in philanthropy, public administration, cultural institutions, public history, public art, memorialization, planning, design, or related fields, including leadership of complex programs, initiatives, or partnerships.
- Advanced degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Deep knowledge of the commemorative, memorial, public art, public history, or cultural heritage sectors, and the policies, processes, and stakeholders that shape public-facing projects.
- Understanding of the intersections among culture, history, the humanities, civic engagement, and social justice.
- Experience working across diverse stakeholder groups, including government agencies, community organizations, cultural institutions, developers, planners, designers, historians, and other partners.
- Significant experience in grantmaking, program design, or public funding, including assessing organizational capacity, financial health, and project feasibility.
- Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-year initiatives and balancing strategic vision with effective implementation.
- Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation, and public speaking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor colleagues, work collaboratively, and contribute to a collegial team environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically as required.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a key leader in advancing the Monuments Project, helping to implement the Foundation’s strategy and steward and refine the initiative's grantmaking priorities.
- Lead the development and management of a portfolio of grants and special initiatives that strengthen the nation's commemorative landscape and advance the goals of the Monuments Project.
- Identify, assess, and cultivate prospective grantees and strategic partners whose work aligns with Foundation priorities.
- Evaluate grant proposals and organizational readiness, including organizational capacity, governance, financial health, project feasibility, and potential for impact.
- Prepare funding recommendations, strategy memoranda, Board materials, presentations, and other analyses to support decision-making by Foundation leadership and Trustees.
- Provide strategic guidance and technical assistance to grantees and oversee post-award engagement, monitoring project progress, organizational health, financial stewardship, and outcomes.
- Design and execute strategic initiatives that advance program goals, strengthen the commemorative field, and deepen the impact of Monuments Project grantmaking.
- Cultivate relationships across the commemorative ecosystem, including government agencies, community organizations, cultural institutions, historians, artists, designers, planners, developers, and other stakeholders.
- Represent the Foundation in meetings, convenings, conferences, and public forums, serving as an ambassador for the Monuments Project.
- Serve as a thought partner to colleagues across programs and departments and contribute to Foundation-wide learning and collaboration.
- Attend Board of Trustees meetings and deliver presentations and briefings as needed.
- Supervise assigned staff and provide mentorship, guidance, and subject-matter expertise to program colleagues.
- Stay informed about developments across the fields of commemoration, public history, public art, cultural heritage, planning, and design.
- Perform additional duties as required to support the success and continued evolution of the Monuments Project.
Benefits
- Generous total reward package that provides base salary as well as a comprehensive benefits program.
- Competitive and equitable compensation within the philanthropic sector.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
