Baltimore, MD

The Organization
The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) is a fast-paced, dynamic tax exempt organization dedicated to inspiring donors to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, civic leadership and strategic investments. BCF believes that one of the great strengths of the Baltimore area is the rich diversity of its residents. We believe that our region is stronger, better and more prosperous when all residents have equal opportunities to participate in civic life. We strive to incorporate considerations of diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of BCF’s work. Our core values are trustworthy, inclusive and entrepreneurial.

With assets over $170 million comprised of over 800 charitable funds, BCF has granted over $392 million since its inception in 1972 and is one of the Baltimore region’s top grantmaking foundations. BCF is the fiscal sponsor for three major program initiatives and is affiliated with four supporting organizations. BCF undergoes a vigorous accreditation every five years and is certified under the Council on Foundation’s National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.

BCF operates from the knowledge that profound disparities in opportunity exist between people of color and their white counterparts; and we acknowledge the historic and ongoing role that structural racism plays in creating and perpetuating those disparities. That is why we are committed to reducing racial disparities, identifying and combating structural racism, and fostering more equity and inclusion through our grantmaking, initiatives, and advocacy.

Position Overview
Reporting to the Vice President for Community Investment and serving as a member of the Community Investment Department, the program officer will be responsible for grants management and donor stewardship.  BCF makes charitable contributions to support a wide range of issues affecting the Baltimore region, currently with a focus on investments in two interest areas: Neighborhoods and Education.

The position requires strong organizational, analytical and evaluative skills. Superb written and oral communication skills are necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons and organizations throughout the Baltimore community. The Program Officer is expected to have extensive knowledge of the Baltimore nonprofit community, its programs, services and resources. The individual is expected to maintain a knowledge base of current trends and activities within the community that relate to the Foundation’s interests, the nonprofit sector and the community at-large.  Program Officers must be able to function productively in a fast-paced environment, in which a wide variety of tasks are expected of each employee and the ability to work collegially with staff, trustees and volunteers is extremely important.  Integrity, discretion, self-motivation and flexibility in attitude and working style are important assets.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated, outgoing professional with diverse experiences and a proven track record to work in a collaborative, mission-driven organization to effect positive change in Baltimore.

BCF Program Officer Responsibilities include:

·         Work with members of the Community Investment Department to effectively administer BCF’s grantmaking, initiatives and advocacy efforts.

·         Work collaboratively with BCF’s President, Development Department, trustees and volunteers to raise funds for current grantmaking as well as build a permanent civic endowment;

·         Review and evaluate grant applications for discretionary grantmaking – including identifying prospective grantees, reviewing and responding to grant requests, conducting site visits, preparing and presenting grant recommendations, conducting research to provide background and support for grant recommendations, attending committee meetings and other duties as assigned;

·         Facilitate grants management and monitoring with the support of the Program Associate, including reviewing progress reports, conducting site visits and accessing program outcomes;

·         Work collaboratively with the Development Department to maintain relationships with current and prospective donors and facilitate opportunities for donors to fulfill their philanthropic interests to support critical community needs;

·         Provide staff support to BCF’s family foundations, giving circles, donor-advised funds and affiliated foundations;·         Support one or more the program committees of the Board of Trustees;

·         Provide outreach to the nonprofit community, grantmakers, and other public and private organizations for the purpose of building and strengthening Baltimore communities, residents and their effectiveness in the community; and

·         Stay current with best practices and literature and apply this knowledge to grantmaking strategies.

BCF Program Officer should have the following qualifications:

·         A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is a plus;

·         Minimum 5 years nonprofit experience with increasing responsibilities as a member of a team of professionals;

·         Knowledge of Baltimore civic and community issues and an understanding of non-profit management;·         Professional experience and knowledge in the area of education, community development/neighborhoods; public policy advocacy, and data analysis;

·         Ability to work comfortably and effectively with people from a broad range of backgrounds and settings;·         Demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies, e.g. community and nonprofit leaders, donors, trustees, volunteers and elected and other public officials;

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

·         Demonstrated competence in grants and donor management database; and

·         Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, and attention to detail.