Posted on August 7, 2012

print

Program Officer

The Program Officer represents Foundation senior management and Trustees to prospective and existing grantees.

A direct point of contact to the nonprofit community, the Program Officer researches and analyzes grant opportunities related to the Foundation’s focus on effective management and sustainability in nonprofit organizations.

Activities typically include phone conversations with senior management of nonprofit organizations, review of requests and proposals for funding to determine appropriate grant recommendations for the Foundation. After a due diligence process that includes an assessment of an organization’s strategic plans, management capacity, financial condition, and fundraising capabilities, the Program Officer makes funding recommendations to Foundation senior staff that include grant structure and dollar figures.

A basic understanding of the Foundation’s various funding sectors* and the structure of organizations within these sectors is key to the Program Officer’s ability to make informed recommendations. To this end, the Program Officer must have some understanding of issues affecting these sectors.

This position participates in the managing of special projects and direct charitable activities under the leadership of the Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents.

This position participates in Fidelity Foundation’s regional grant making programs that span nine regional centers across the United States and Canada.

Scope:

This position is one of an individual contributor having no direct reports.

Projects assigned to the Program Officer will generally be smaller in size and less complex than those handled by the Senior Program Director.

The Program Officer works collaboratively with Foundation program and operations staff, and other related organizations.

Responsibilities:

Participate in the management of a portfolio of prospective and active grant requests

• Respond to incoming inquiries to the Foundation
• Consult with grantees on proposal development
• Review and analyze proposals
• Initiate and develop relationships with key contacts in the community and within Fidelity.
• Make funding recommendations for some grants
• Communicate with current and prospective grantees
• Manage conditional grants
• Evaluate each grant’s effectiveness against original stated objectives
• Close out grants

Participate in the management of long-term grantee relationships

• Periodic review of ongoing activities
• Review financial results against budget
• Assess fundraising capabilities and results
• Monitor ongoing projects
• Share pertinent information across organizations as appropriate

Conduct research on nonprofit organizations and issues related to the Foundation’s grant making programs in support of the Senior Vice Presidents.

Begin to develop area of special knowledge or expertise (Follow media and literature, attend industry meetings, participate in industry initiatives, or conduct research.)

* The Foundation has four broad funding sectors that include Arts & Culture, Community Development and Social Services, Health, and Education.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree required, Advanced Degree preferred
• 6+ years of business experience
• Proven ability to analyze the strategic, operational, and financial capacity of organizations
• Broad understanding of information technology and social media desirable
• Ability to organize and present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills, team player
• Effective oral and written presentation skills
• Ability to travel
• Sound judgment, respect for confidentiality and anonymity and possess utmost integrity

Application Instructions

Contact: Nicole.Nadeau@fmr.com.