For more than a century, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) has been inspiring philanthropy, serving donors and strengthening communities. Together with its donors and many community partners, the Foundation guides and shares a collective vision that Greater Milwaukee becomes a vibrant, economically thriving region comprised of welcoming and inclusive communities that provide opportunity, prosperity and a high quality of life for all.

You can make a difference, as we are seeking a Program Officer! The Program Officer is responsible for the development, management and evaluation of a portfolio of grants and initiatives to fulfill the mission of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. In partnership with program officers and philanthropic advisers, this role will identify opportunities to engage donors, nonprofits and partners in efforts to support the Foundation’s Racial Equity and Inclusion Framework and strategic priorities. The incumbent will advance priority grantmaking/community engagement strategies by managing a portfolio of grants and serving on relevant taskforces and community committees to address significant community issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Community Impact team on investigation and research to inform strategic direction, utilizing convening, advocacy/public policy to advance grant portfolio/focus areas(s) goals.
• Oversees grants and related projects that advance GMF’s work in the respective portfolio/focus area(s).
• Conducts careful analysis to identify opportunities for GMF to have significant impact in promoting racial equity and inclusion in the grant portfolio, including developing and utilizing strategies for grantmaking focus.
• Partners with Development and Philanthropic Services staff to create and execute on opportunities that help expose, educate and engage donors in the Foundation’s strategic priorities; this may include providing information and/or meeting with donors interested in assigned portfolios, as well as collaborating on longer-term volunteer engagement.
• Investigates, evaluates and reports on letters of inquiry and full proposals for recommendation to Community Impact Committee and Board.
• Prepares committee recommendations with ability to provide rationale and support for grantmaking.
• Conducts site visits to assess progress of grantee organizations and projects and reviews and evaluates progress and final reports to assess and document grant impact.
• Represents the Foundation at community meetings and events that align with strategic priorities.
• Serves on interdepartmental cross-functional teams as necessary/assigned.
• Completes due diligence reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience required.
• Four (4) or more years of professional experience in one or more of the following program areas: health, community development, economic development or social services required. Knowledge about and experience with nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Experience in managing or directing a major initiative or project; writing, editing and reviewing proposals; facilitating group discussions around community issues; and general community networking preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and reliable transportation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Adept at research, analysis, problem solving and strategic thinking.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and prepare brief summaries.
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Self-directed and able to work independently. 

Equal Opportunity Employer