New York, NY

The Organization
Our mission at the Foundation for Child Development is to harness the power of research to ensure that all children benefit from early learning experiences that affirm their individual, family, and community assets, fortify them against harmful consequences arising from economic instability and social exclusion, and that strengthen their developmental potential. We achieve this mission by funding research, awarding fellowships, and informing policy in order to make significant positive impacts on young children, birth through age eight, and their families.In support of this mission, the Foundation’s current programmatic direction and strategies focus on the Early Care and Education (ECE) Workforce. As such, our work strives to support the professionalization of the ECE field, improve preparation and professional learning, and enhance the quality of professional practice to strengthen the quality of early learning experiences for young children.

Position Overview
The Program Officer is a key position that reports to the Chief Program Officer. This full-time position is accountable for identifying, designing, managing, and evaluating grant opportunities within a portfolio that supports the Foundation’s programmatic directions, including the Foundation’s Fellowship program.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

·         Assist  the Chief Program Officer in conceptualizing programmatic grants that meet the Foundation’s mission

·         Manage and monitor grantee performance and compliance through positive grantor-grantee relationships

·         Conduct research that is critical to refining the development of grant making areas and provide recommendations for grantmaking  strategy

·         Review, track, and analyze grant impact and value added to measure programmatic performance and meeting the Foundation’s objectives

·         Write coherent and accurate briefs, reports, and presentations in a clear and concise manner, translate research findings into policy and practice, and synthesize complex issues in writing

·         Act as a liaison, influence, and maintain communication with multiple contacts and related stakeholders, plan logistics for Foundation meetings and convenings, and represent the Foundation in meetings, conferences, and in building collaborative partnerships

·         Assist in coordinating the Foundation’s communications strategy to advance organizational program directions and maximize exposure across a variety of media channels

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree and/or degrees compatible with psychology, education, and public policy preferred

·         A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in philanthropy, experience in early care and education and/or in non-profits is preferred

·         Basic knowledge of research on child development and early care and education systems and policies

·         A comprehensive understanding of the cycle of engagement for the grantmaking processes

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:

The Foundation is seeking an individual who can work successfully within a mission-driven organizational culture that requires adept handling of complex issues, creative thinking, effective problem solving, and a results-oriented mindset. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

·         Eloquently compose clear, concise, and crisp messages to a variety of audiences

·         Excellent research and analytical skills, especially for landscape analysis

·         Handle multiple projects seamlessly and efficiently

·         Foresee roadblocks and prepare creative alternatives

·         Set priorities and meet deadlines

·         Listen to others and welcome diverse perspectives

·         Ability to travel locally and nationally as needed