New Orleans, LA

Program Officer, Greater New Orleans Foundation

The Organization

The Greater New Orleans Foundation has been a trusted philanthropic leader in the 13-parish Greater New Orleans region for nearly 100 years. Our vision is to create a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all, and our mission is to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action. As a community foundation, our resources are comprised of more than 900 charitable funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and a deep commitment to the Greater New Orleans region. As a civic leader, we bring together passionate people from nonprofits, business, government, and philanthropy to address our region’s greatest challenges.

The Foundation is an inspiring, engaging, challenging, thought-provoking, diverse, and dynamic place to work and advance your career. We pride ourselves on investing in high-quality staff members and encouraging success by allowing individuals the opportunity to both contribute and enhance their skills and talents as well as to share their unique perspectives as we address community challenges. Our workplace environment nurtures a diverse team and results in a broad base of staff knowledge and talent.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation Program Officer is a strong communicator and collaborator. The Program Officer interacts with all levels of staff to perform program responsibilities and build relationships with donors, grantees, nonprofits, and community stakeholders. The Program Officer reports to the Director of Grantmaking.

Position Overview

Principal Duties

Grantmaking Portfolio Management

  • ●    Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of grantmaking under the supervision of the Director of Grantmaking. Specifically:
  • Develop and improve grant guidelines, applications, rubrics, and reporting templates.
  • Conduct due diligence including reviewing proposals and financials for eligibility, accuracy, and viability.
  • Draft write-ups, grant agreements, memos, and decks.
  • Review and analyze reports and data for recommendations and decision-making.
  • Prepare and present grant recommendations to Foundation leadership, grants committees, donors, and community volunteers.
  • Coordinate and organize site visits.
  • Provide logistical and administrative support for grantee convenings and grants committee meetings.
  • Provide technical assistance to nonprofits and grantee partners.
  • Develop content expertise on community needs and opportunities in the areas of grantmaking through research and other sources.
  • Stay abreast of trends and promising practices in the field of philanthropy and equitable grantmaking.

Cross-Program and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

  • Establish and maintain a broad understanding of all areas in which the Foundation works, including grantmaking and programs, and, under the supervision of the Director of Grantmaking, actively seek opportunities for collaboration and cross-area work. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
    • Collaboration with the Communications Department to develop materials and outreach strategies to promote grant opportunities and highlight stories related to the impact of the Foundation and its grantees.
    • Cultivating relationships with Foundation stakeholders across internal functions and external stakeholders, such as nonprofits, grantees, donors, committee members, and volunteers.
    • Seek opportunities for creating “synergies” or collaborations between areas, avoiding the isolation of working in a silo.
    • Provide grantmaking and grant reporting support to Senior Program Officers and the Director of Nonprofit Leadership and Effectiveness.
    • As a member of the Foundation’s Programs Department, provide occasional support for special projects and initiatives in other program areas or departments.

Remain Flexible about Work Assignments

Because of the fluid and evolving nature of work at the Foundation, the Program Officer may, from time to time, be asked to take on other assignments not covered in this position description. The Program Officer is expected to demonstrate openness and flexibility when asked to take on these new assignments.

Required Qualifications

  •  Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to simplify and effectively communicate complex topics.
  • Strong interpersonal and project management skills, including the ability to work closely across a variety of internal and external stakeholders and to monitor project budgets, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office.
  • A preference for a quick pace of work, while maintaining high levels of detail-orientation and accuracy.
  • Receptiveness to feedback and course correction, and willingness to learn.
  • Steadiness and resilience under changing internal and external circumstances and needs.
  • Honesty, integrity, professionalism, politeness, and courteousness.
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Experience & Education

  •  Bachelor’s degree (master’s strongly preferred).
  • 3+ years of grantmaking experience and 5+ years working in the nonprofit sector.
  • Experience with program design, grantmaking, and research.
  • Experience in program evaluation, including tracking, analyzing, and reporting data.
  • Experience and strength managing partnerships and coordinating across initiatives.
  • Experience with supporting volunteer committees comprised of board and community members.
  • Experiencing reading and interpreting financials.
  • Experience with fund development, including grant-writing, reporting, budget development, and prospecting.
  • Salary commensurate with experience.

How To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to careers@gnof.org. Only complete applications will be considered. A writing sample will be requested for candidates who advance to late-stage interviews.

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