Senior Program Officer

Foundation Source Philanthropic Services•San Francisco, CA

11d

About The Position

The Senior Program Officer is the lead staff person for assigned client foundations and guides the work of PFS client teams to provide high-quality services tailored to each foundation’s philanthropic goals, priorities, and areas of focus. The role requires extensive experience working with boards of directors to carry out philanthropic missions and knowledge of effective philanthropy, including practices that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Senior Program Officer also advises clients on foundation structure, operations, governance, and program content. The position oversees client relationships, foundation operations, grantmaking strategy and execution, and the work of Grants Managers and Program Officers supporting assigned foundations. It works closely with foundation boards and leadership, PFS management, accounting staff, and external advisors and consultants. The role also represents client foundations in local nonprofit and philanthropic communities, as preferred by each board, and participates in PFS-wide activities and professional learning.

Requirements

At least seven years of nonprofit-sector experience, preferably combining nonprofit and philanthropy work.
At least four years of experience in a leadership role.
At least two years of focused philanthropic-sector experience working effectively with decision-making bodies such as boards of directors, family office principals, or executive teams.
Demonstrated commitment to PFS values of generosity, respect, integrity, inclusion, commitment, and humility.
Knowledge of the Bay Area nonprofit community.
Leadership and relationship-management experience, including ability to lead teams and work effectively with boards of directors.
Familiarity with foundation compliance requirements.
Strong analytical skills, including research, organizing report material, and translating content and data into accessible language.
Ability to read and understand nonprofit financial reports and budgets.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public presentations and concise, effective written content.
Proven experience with Microsoft Office and database programs.
Ability to represent foundation clients in the community and maintain strong partnerships with nonprofit and foundation partners.
Ability to develop expertise in new program areas as needed.
Ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with diverse internal and external stakeholders while centering equity in decisions and interactions.
Good judgment and initiative within broadly defined guidelines.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to work adeptly with people from diverse backgrounds, including grantee organization staff, client boards, high-net-worth donors, and people with divergent political and world views.
Empathy and respect for people who develop and raise money for programs and organizations.
Openness to receiving feedback for personal and professional growth.
Integrity, credibility, and discretion in handling confidential matters.
Ability to travel locally and regionally for site visits; occasional travel outside the Bay Area may be required depending on client assignments.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary liaison to the boards of directors and/or leadership of several client foundations, lead onboarding, and build relationships that support development and implementation of philanthropic missions.
Manage relationships and workflow for multiple foundations, respond to requests, and manage client expectations.
Coordinate with PFS senior management to align client expectations and the scope of services; maintain confidentiality and discretion in communications about PFS business.
Collaborate with foundation boards and leadership to develop and maintain policies, guidelines, bylaws, and public-facing communications.
Manage external partnerships with foundation advisors and consultants; act as the primary contact for foundation legal matters and external consulting contracts, coordinating with PFS management as needed.
Oversee preparation and presentation of annual operating budgets for board review and approval; work with Accounting to monitor budgets and monthly financial activity, approve eligible operating expenses, support annual audits, and address financial concerns.
Partner with the VP of Administration, grants manager, and leadership team to ensure grants management functions meet client needs.
Represent foundations in local nonprofit and philanthropic communities as preferred by their boards.
Provide board education and engagement opportunities about community needs, the nonprofit sector, and effective philanthropy, including site visits, speakers, external programs, and conferences.
Research potential grantees and projects, solicit proposals, manage initiatives, and organize grantee convenings as appropriate.
Identify opportunities to increase the impact of supported projects and organizations.
Develop and present grant strategy and impact information and recommendations to boards; recommend grantmaking guideline refinements based on evaluation data and board preferences.
Review, maintain, and update effective and equitable grantmaking procedures, including solicitation and vetting practices.
Coordinate proposal assignments to Program Officers, review proposals, and develop funding recommendations in partnership with them.
Conduct due diligence on organizations and proposals, including site visits as appropriate, financial analysis, capacity assessments, and assessment of alignment with priorities.
Prepare proposal summaries and grant recommendations consistent with foundation guidelines for board review and action; review final board dockets for completeness and accuracy.
Support and guide grantseekers, monitor approved grants for grantee accountability, and maintain positive relationships with community organizations that are grant candidates and recipients.
Coordinate client-team activities and ensure timely, high-quality work throughout the grantmaking process.
Work with Grants Managers on board materials, meeting coordination, and other grants management functions.
Develop meeting agendas with boards, foundation leadership, and committee chairs, and facilitate board and committee meetings as appropriate.
Maintain communication across team members and departments, establish workflow expectations, and ensure resources are in place for high-quality service.
Work with Accounting to ensure financial compliance with established board policies.
Oversee the day-to-day work of Grants Managers and Program Officers on assigned foundations, providing feedback and support; coordinate with their supervisors on performance concerns, workload, special projects, and professional development.
Work with program department leadership on assigned special projects.
Maintain current knowledge and skills in philanthropy and relevant program areas through appropriate seminars, conferences, peer-learning opportunities, collaboratives, and institutes.
Manage calendar, correspondence, travel, and other daily administrative tasks except where assigned to other staff.
Participate in PFS-wide activities that build collegial culture and encourage cross-organizational learning.