Posted on November 7, 2012

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Program Director

The Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP) exists to promote civic participation as a key to making our democracy work. We serve leaders in the philanthropic community working to further this vision with heightened attention to issues of equity and historically disenfranchised and underrepresented communities. Our members support nonpartisan efforts to engage voters, eliminate structural barriers to voting, advance reforms to improve government and electoral systems, and inspire public involvement in civic life.

FCCP works to build a more effective network of grantmakers who are passionate about realizing our collective vision of a vibrant and just democracy. We provide grantmakers with learning opportunities that help them to build connections with each other, to showcase innovations from the field, and to engage in strategic dialogue and collaboration. The organization also serves as a funder resource for civic participation research, tools and news.

FCCP is a fiscally-sponsored project of Public Interest Projects (PIP), a 501(c)(3) public charity, that operates grantmaking, technical assistance and strategic planning programs for institutional and individual donors interested in social justice and human rights issues.

FCCP is looking for an experienced program professional with a proven passion for social justice and a dedication to making our democracy work. This position will direct FCCP’s program strategy and content for monthly webinars, two annual convenings, special co-sponsored events and working groups in response to member needs. The person who will thrive in this position is able to work effectively as part of a small close-knit team and is equally comfortable doing big-picture strategy development while arranging the details of a speaker prep call for an upcoming webinar. Knowledge of and experience with democracy issues, the civic engagement field, organizing and issue campaigns are essential to the position. This position will report directly to the Executive Director.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications

The Program Director will fulfill the following responsibilities by working closely with the executive director, other FCCP staff, the steering committee and the leadership of the organization’s working groups.

• Leads the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of selected FCCP programs including convenings, briefings, site visits and working groups
• Staffs and develops committees and manages special projects as assigned
• Directs assigned special research, develops resource materials and disseminates information in coordination with FCCP communications staff
• Manages website content as it relates to FCCP programs
• Helps track national, regional and local trends in civic/voter engagement
• Cultivates and maintains effective relationships with colleague affinity groups, regional associations of grantmakers and other philanthropic trade institutions
• Seeks ways to serve as a resource to the larger grantmaking community and facilitates cooperative programming and strategy initiatives
• Oversees the work of selected consultants, interns and vendors to ensure achievement of contractual goals and objectives

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Minimum five years experience working in philanthropy or on civic engagement, public policy, democracy, health and/or social justice issues
• Experience developing and implementing innovative and strategic programs
• Proven experience working with leaders and organizations from communities of color and other historically under-represented communities
• Event organizing and management experience preferred

Skills and Attributes

• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to listen effectively and balance competing needs and interests
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to interact with various constituents such as philanthropic colleagues, community organizations and high-profile individuals
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines while maintaining excellent attention to detail
• Understanding of the role that civic engagement plays in addressing the needs of low-income people and communities of color
• High standards of excellence and a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong editorial skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated professionalism and originality
• Proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Excel; Internet savvy
• Familiarity with CiviCRM database, Drupal web platform and desktop publishing software a plus
• Ability to travel

Application Instructions

Salary, Benefits and Location

• Salary is $55,000 to $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Generous benefits including healthcare, paid vacation and retirement
• This position could be located anywhere in the country but there is a very strong preference for someone to work from Portland, Oregon where the FCCP office is located

Please send a cover letter and resume plus your salary history and requirements and three references (preferably as one PDF) to both staff listed below. Your cover letter must address your qualifications, state why you are interested in working for FCCP, and indicate if you plan to work from FCCP’s Portland office or from another location.

Please send your application to: Deb Ross, Executive Director at dross@funderscommittee.org and Nanci Champlin, Communications & Operations Manager at nchamplin@funderscommittee.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position is open until filled. The target start date is early January, 2013. FCCP is an Equal Opportunity employer. Finalists will be notified before references are contacted.