Program Officer – Veterans and Military Families
May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust
1 week 6 days ago
Remote - with some in office time (see description)
Programs
Description
The Trust seeks a collaborative, inquisitive, inclusive, and equity-centered professional to lead strategic development, grantmaking, evaluation, and engagement for the Veterans and Military Families program. The program officer is the content expert and thought leader of the program area, reporting to, and working in partnership with the Director of Programs (DOP). At this time, annual grant payments for the program area total $4.5 million. This is a full-time, exempt position.
Currently, the Veterans and Military Families program aims to strengthen programs and services that support veterans, service members, and their families in the transition to successful new lives and careers after leaving the military. Grantmaking in the Veterans and Military Families program addresses four strategies, which collectively support veterans and their families to realize economic self-sufficiency and a good quality of life: Mental and Behavioral Health and Wellness; Education, Training, and Employment; Housing Stability; and Community Integration. The Trust’s new strategic plan, which will be completed in December 2023, will include some changes to the Veterans and Military Families program. The new program officer will work closely with the DOP to ensure a thoughtful transition to the new work. It is anticipated that this position will see the program through this transition and be a key strategic partner in envisioning the future of grantmaking.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Assists the Trust in developing, implementing, adapting, and communicating the priorities, goals, and strategies of the Trust’s Veterans and Military Families program area
- Assures that grantmaking in the Veterans and Military Families program area aligns with the grantmaking goals and strategies set forth in the strategic plan
- Serves as a liaison between the Trust and grantseekers
- Oversees the program area grantmaking budget in collaboration with the DOP
- Builds trusting relationships with applicants, grantees, communities, field leaders, and philanthropic partners
- Reviews, develops, and analyzes grant proposals; and prepares written summaries and funding recommendations for presentation to the Board of Trustees
- Monitors and evaluates grants, maintains communication with grantees, and periodically reviews and reports on the overall effectiveness of the Veterans and Military Families grantmaking program
- Remains current in issues and trends in the Veterans and Military Families field, the nonprofit sector, and in philanthropy in general
- Represents the Trust at local, regional, and national conferences; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with grantmaking colleagues, professional associations, philanthropic service organizations, and other community members
- Establishes and maintains collaborative and positive working relationships and effective communication channels with and among team members
- Collaborates in development of Trust communication materials
- Identifies and undertakes professional development opportunities and training
- Undertakes other duties or projects as assigned or initiated
Core Competencies
- Committed to continuous learning and growth
- Listens with an open mind and deep commitment to respecting diverse viewpoints
- Facilitates authentic conversations with anyone, no matter their level responsibility or the circumstances, works with and gains grantees’ trust to neutralize any power imbalance
- Writes well, and is able to translate complex information into concise, descriptive, and comprehensible documents
- Communicates well verbally, and is able to deliver verbal presentations in multiple settings with a variety of audiences and diverse stakeholders
- Collects, analyzes, and shares implications of large amounts of information, including research, data, stakeholder input, and grantee reports to inform actionable insights and develop recommendations for strategic shifts
- Collaborates well with team members
- Manages multiple priorities effectively and delivers timely results with clear team communication
- Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
Qualifications
- At least five years of relevant experience working to maximize support and inclusion of Veterans and Military Families either in safety net institutions, community-based organizations, government agencies, the philanthropic sector, or advocacy organizations (experience working with a private or community foundation desirable)
- Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree a plus), or more than seven years’ experience as outlined above
- Significant experience as a practitioner, policy expert, or funder on issues related Veterans and Military Families
- Knowledge of best practices for grantmakers
- Proficiency in basic financial analysis, budgeting, and related business skills
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and with database/information management systems
Physical Demands / Work Environment / Travel
The Trust is based in the San Francisco Bay Area but utilizes a hybrid remote work model. The successful candidate will be located in one of the 14 Western United States detailed above. Employees based in the Bay Area may work in the Trust’s office as often as they wish, but all staff are required to be in the office six times per year for groups of consecutive Core Days, including staff and Trustee meetings. Employees based outside of the Bay Area will be required to travel for these Core Days. Additional travel for conferences, meetings, and site visits may be required, as necessary, to carry out the responsibilities and duties of this job. Anticipated travel requirements are 10-20%. Work-related travel expenses are reimbursed by the Trust. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to spend extended periods of time at a computer and to communicate via phone, video conference, and email.
Salary & Benefits
$127,000 - $139,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications.
Generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401K retirement plan; FSA; and paid holidays, time off and wellness time.
Equal Opportunity Hiring Statement
The May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team with a wide range of life experiences, perspectives and capabilities. The Trust does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a veteran, or status as an individual with a disability, or any statuses protected by law. Qualified applicants with lived experience in any of the Trust’s focus populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Deadline
Location
Remote - with some in office time (see description)
Job function
Programs
Salary Range
$127,000 to $139,000
Website
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@smithct.org with “Program Officer” in the subject line. careers@smithct.orgNo phone calls please. The initial review of applications will begin on September 20, 2023; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All applications submitted will be considered, but only those candidates demonstrating a suitable combination of the competencies and qualifications described above will be contacted for next steps. Interviews, if invited, will be conducted online. Final candidates will be asked to provide three relevant employment references, and to verify authorization to work in the United States.