Organization: Community Foundation of Greater Flint
Location: Flint, MI
Pay Range: $75,000-$85,000
Summary:
The primary duties of the Program Officer relate to the grantmaking, community leadership initiatives, and strategic partnerships undertaken by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (the Community Foundation). This position works closely with other Foundation staff, as well as many external stakeholders, including but not limited to faith communities, volunteers, schools and educational institutions, local government, social service agencies, community-based organizations, and donors.
The Program Officer provides professional staff support to the Community Foundation's Geographic Affiliate and Flint Women and Girls Fund grant programs, grantmaking and other selected volunteer committees, represents the Community Foundation with community groups, and assists the Vice President of Community Impact and other Foundation staff and volunteers in identifying and defining community needs and program strategies to meet those needs.
Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026, for consideration.
CLICK HERE to view a letter written by Community Foundation of Greater Flint
Position Responsibilities:
Grantmaking
- Offers technical assistance and clarifies the Community Foundation grant program priorities and processes by conducting grant applicant meetings, site visits, and one-on-one consultations.
- Conducts meetings with prospective grant applicants and provides feedback on the feasibility and clarity of proposed budgets, staffing, work plans, and anticipated project outcomes.
- Evaluates proposals, conducts site visits, monitors, and manages active grants, assesses their progress (including financial and programmatic reports), and actively communicates with grantees.
- Works collaboratively with the Community Foundation’s grants management team to administer grants from start to finish.
- Provides staff support to assigned Foundation grantmaking advisory committees through review and analysis of grant applications; preparation of materials for use by committees; and helps with identifying and securing additional financial and other material support for projects related to those advisory groups and their concerns.
- Researches, creates, and presents findings to the Board of Trustees regarding grantmaking activity, programmatic initiatives, and community leadership efforts.
- Encourages partnership and collaboration among grantees and other key stakeholders to increase the effectiveness of responses to community issues.
- Implements equity frameworks in grantmaking policies and procedures, interacting with other foundations/peers in the region/nation to leverage promising practices, and facilitating inclusive community processes in support of the Community Foundation’s strategic priorities.
- Provides information, data, and stories to Development and Communications staff for donor stewardship, impact reporting, proposals, presentations, and other external communications.
Donor Services
- Collaborates with the Community Foundation’s Development and Donor Services staff to inform and strengthen donor conversations, including relevant community data, emerging needs, grantmaking trends, and potential areas of philanthropic opportunity.
- Provides strategic support to donor-advised funds by analyzing community needs and strategic priorities to identify and develop relevant annual grantmaking opportunities for donors.
- Partners with Development and Donor Services staff to design and facilitate donor education and engagement opportunities, including community learning, briefings, and activities that deepen donor understand of community needs and philanthropic partnerships.
- Reviews and initiates processing of donor-advised grant recommendations in accordance with fund agreements and Foundation policies, ensuring information is accurate and complete for processing and maintaining responsive, professional communication with fund advisors.
Community Leadership
- Cultivates, develops, and maintains relationships with existing and prospective community partners, key stakeholders, and funders, as required.
- Serves as Foundation representative/liaison with community groups, coalitions, community initiatives, and organization partners as assigned.
- Leads key community leadership initiatives of the Community Foundation by helping to develop the strategic direction of community impact work.
- Assists with the communication of outcomes and impactful stories from the Community Foundation’s grantmaking and community leadership initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as nonprofit management, public policy, community development, or philanthropy.
- At least 3-5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities (SKA) Required:
- Excellent writing and research skills.
- Strong understanding of grantmaking processes, including supporting committees and working with volunteers to evaluate and make decisions on funding opportunities.
- Ability to communicate complex community issues, grantmaking strategies, and program outcomes in ways that are accessible and meaningful to donors, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders.
- Ability to assist in identifying and defining community needs and designing programs to address those needs in alignment with the Community Foundation's mission.
- Ability to work effectively with Foundation staff, leadership, and volunteers to drive community impact and program success.
- Ability to produce reports, communication materials, and provide strategic input on program strategies, ensuring they align with the needs of the community.
- Deep understanding of how to promote fairness, diversity, and inclusion in program development, ensuring the Community Foundation’s work addresses disparities within the community.
- Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
