Overview
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), founded in 1978, is a public charity with a mission to inspire philanthropy and mobilize resources to enrich lives and communities in the eighteen counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. CFWNC manages charitable funds for individuals, businesses and charitable organizations, and makes grants toward the region’s pressing needs and promising opportunities.
Position Description
The Program Officer provides leadership in creating strategies, planning, and implementing CFWNC grantmaking activities. They oversee specified grantmaking programs such as geographical affiliate funds, CFWNC’s focus areas and other competitive grant programs.
The Program Officer works under the supervision of the Vice President, Programs. This is an in-person position and successful candidates will live in or relocate to Western North Carolina.
Responsibilities
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position; duties and responsibilities may change without notice.
- Ensures that competitive grantmaking programs advance the mission and strategies of The Community Foundation.
- Carries out planning and activities related to assigned competitive grant programs as either lead or second staff, including setting calendars, maintaining application materials, screening applications, creating reports for committees and donors, and monitoring and evaluating grant-funded projects.
- Facilitates grantmaking processes of assigned affiliates and grant advisory committees, providing volunteer committee members with programmatic support.
- Stays informed about critical issues in the community as well as assigned funding areas and represents the Foundation where appropriate.
- Maintains strong relationships within the nonprofit community and offers supportive technical assistance when appropriate to guide organizations.
- Conducts research about community needs or specific nonprofits as requested by donors or Donor Relations Officer.
- Provides information as requested for communications and marketing, as well as for donor and development needs.
- Helps plan and implement special projects beyond grantmaking that reflect the mission of the Foundation, especially strengthening nonprofits’ capacity to address community needs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Desired Experience, Skills and Knowledge
- Passion and vision for making a positive difference for people and communities in Western North Carolina.
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree applicable to profession.
- Minimum three years’ experience in the nonprofit or public sector. Grantmaking experience preferred.
- Proven ability and interpersonal skills to interact comfortably with a broad range of nonprofit representatives, community leaders, and donors.
- High motivation and ability to work independently as well as with other staff and the community.
- Administrative and project management skills to effectively plan, manage, and coordinate multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Deep knowledge of the Western North Carolina region and organizations preferred.
- Strong analytical and evaluation skills, as well as the ability to think strategically.
- Excellent oral and written communication ability.
- Strong computer skills, including database management.
- Willingness to travel in Western North Carolina.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry objects of at least 15 pounds and up to 50 pounds in weight, occasionally lifting overhead. Ability to drive an automobile for up to three consecutive hours at a time. Job duties require approximately 85% sitting/typing, and 15% standing/walking. Physical requirements will vary depending upon the specific duties to be accomplished.
Compensation
Starting salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. Compensation will be commensurate with skill level and experience with an annual performance and salary review. Foundation employees participate in a Paid Time Off accrual system initially equivalent to 25 days off per year, plus nine additional paid holidays, volunteer time off and paid parental/family leave. CFWNC offers participation in group health, dental, vision, life insurance and retirement plans to eligible employees. Work location is primarily at CFWNC’s office; however, staff may work remotely up to four days a month.
Application Information
We encourage applications from people with diverse experience and backgrounds. CFWNC is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment opportunities at the Foundation are available to qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, height, weight, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status. All CFWNC employees are subject to a criminal background check; a criminal record is not an automatic barrier to employment and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Interested individuals should send a cover letter expressing interest and a current resume to Julie Klipp, COO, CFWNC via info@cfwnc.org by June 2. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.