Cross-Foundation Program Officer
Chicago, IL, United States
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. The Foundation makes grants across seven strategic areas: Local News, Climate Solutions, Criminal Justice Reform, On Nigeria, Nuclear Challenges, Journalism and Media, and the Chicago Commitment. In addition, it supports Field Support programs (Technology in the Public Interest, Impact Investments, and Philanthropy) and special awards, such as the Fellows Program and 100&Change.
The Foundation is seeking a Cross-Foundation Program Officer to provide cross-foundational programmatic support on an as-needed basis as back-up for, or in addition to current program staff. This Program Officer is a new position and will apply their expertise across multiple subject areas to develop and implement grantmaking strategies. In this role, the Program Officer will be called upon to deliver under pressure, and consistently produce high-quality work; build effective peer relationships throughout the Foundation; work with other departments proactively; anticipate potential issues and propose solutions; offer assistance and service to colleagues; and present ideas for improvement and be able to create a project plan to execute these improvements.
Job Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate in the design, implementation, refinement and adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategies
Assist in the design of new initiatives
Identify prospective grant recipients and work with prospective grantees to develop proposals that advance grantmaking strategies
Review and evaluate proposals
Conduct background research and due diligence, prepare grant recommendations for administrative and Board consideration, and respond to unsuccessful proposals
Monitor the performance of grants and the implementation of grant strategies
Manage a caseload of active grants, review periodic reports and maintain accurate records and constructive contact with grantees
Organize meetings of prospective grantees, grantees, program advisors, and others in relevant fields
Keep abreast of current events, developments and issues in the field to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grantmaking.
Write extensively for internal purposes
Conduct research projects and monitor the performance of research grants
Build and sustain relationships with colleagues across the Foundation, and with leaders, actors and organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectors
Represent the Foundation at conferences and other public events, including as speaker or panel participant
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
Serve on internal Foundation committees as appropriate
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Graduate training and at least five years' experience working as a policy professional, researcher or practitioner in a relevant nonprofit or academic field preferred; previous grantmaking or grant seeking experience is desirable
Seasoned generalist with the ability to work across multiple subject areas
Solid grounding in the theory, history and trends in a relevant area of work; a strong grasp of relevant empirical research and theoretical literature; and a good understanding of the substance and dynamics of public policies relevant to the work of the program(s)
Able to make effective connections among research, policy and practice and to work productively with government, community-based organizations, and academic institutions, and working knowledge of relevant government policies and programs
Excellent analytical and communications skills, including writing and public speaking
Self-confident, collegial, and diplomatic, with an appreciation of the role of a grantmaking institution.
Computer literate, with a high level of comfort with new applications.
Other essential skills include: effectiveness in interpersonal relations with a proven ability to work as part of a team; the ability to organize and convey problems and issues clearly and succinctly; ease with and openness to people who hold diverse views; and a talent for managing multiple tasks with significant initiative.
The Program Officer must be willing to travel occasionally.
The position is currently hybrid and based in Chicago, Illinois.
Annual salary for this for role will start at $120,700.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment :
The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.
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