Hartford, CT

The Organization
The Connecticut Health Foundation is the state’s largest independent health philanthropy dedicated to improvising lives by changing health systems.  Since it was established in July 1999, the foundation has supported innovative grantmaking, public health policy research, technical assistance and convening to achieve its mission – to improve the health of the people of Connecticut.

Position Overview
The senior program officer will be responsible for the following on an ongoing basis:

• Provide analytical and strategic thinking, operational planning and implementation of the 2013-17 Strategic Plan, especially as it relates to health equity.  Contribute to the operational and strategy planning processes to assure that our grantmaking fulfills the mission and vision of the organization.
• Identify and support strategies such as grantmaking, policy advocacy, capacity building, convening of stakeholders, leadership development, research and technical assistance to realize these goals.
• Work closely with the public policy team to coordinate strategies and activities to realize the foundation’s goals and objectives.
• Screen and assess prospective project proposals, work with applicants to refine plans and project budgets, provide due diligence for proposal review as assigned, review all proposals, and make funding recommendations to staff and board.
• Monitor grantee progress through the grant period via ongoing communication and conducting site visits when appropriate to assure that grantees are accomplishing the goals outlined in their project proposals.
• Manage the evaluation of program initiatives and utilize the findings to improve the effectiveness of initiatives in a timely manner.
• Develop and manage budgets, negotiate contracts and supervise consultants.
• Organize, facilitate, and represent CT Health in convenings and on committees with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination and foundation-wide communications/public relations efforts through social media, printed publications and conferences. Cultivate, develop and maintain effective working relationships with grantees, community partners, Health Leadership Fellows, and other critical stakeholders.
• Identify and leverage external resources to support specific program directions and projects.
• Remain abreast of current research, activities, and trends related to the health equity portfolio and draw attention to new developments in the discipline that may represent opportunities or necessitate midcourse adjustments.
• Provide support for the Health Leadership Fellows Program.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE
The senior program officer should have the following experiences and qualifications:

• Advanced degree with a preference for a degree in public health, public policy or a related field.Strong systems-level analysis. Demonstrated ability to think critically, problem solve, apply strong analytical and strategic analysis in order to set priorities.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in health, health equity (particularly racial and ethnic health disparities) and public policy required.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in the philanthropic field and/or nonprofit sector.
• Track record of working on initiatives from conception to implementation and through evaluation. Strong writing skills are essential. Ability to synthesize material and focus on the essence of an issue as well as see the big picture.
• Well developed public speaking skills. Ability to create excitement and energy around CT Health’s initiatives.
• A strong relationship builder with a history of collaborating successfully with a broad and diverse range of individuals and communities.  Culturally sensitive, open to different cultures and contexts, and able to relate to all contacts without judgment and preconceived notions.
• Ability to work well independently and in teams and to inspire others to work toward achieving common goals.
• Passionate about the mission of CT Health; dedicated to achieving health equity. Experience in problem solving and handling multiple priorities. Ability to organize, coordinate and negotiate.
• Ability and willingness to participate in social media activities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced, high energy work environment.
• Creative, flexible, good sense of humor, high tolerance for ambiguity.Reports to:  Vice President of Program.