Seattle, WA

Program Officer, Policy & Advocacy, Perigee Fund

The Organization

Perigee Fund is a philanthropic organization established in 2018 to focus on the early relationships between babies and caregivers, which are the foundation of healthy early development and later life outcomes. Pregnancy and an infant’s first few years of life is a time of immense change, and all families experience new sources of stress during this time. Respect and resources are most essential for Black, Indigenous, and families of color who bear the additional weight of generational trauma, racism, and poverty. When supports and relationships wrap around families, they can more easily tap into the power of joy, strength, healing, and connection. Perigee Fund centers efforts on prenatal-to-age-three families affected by trauma and toxic stress, which are magnified by racial, economic, and gender injustice. With grantmaking and programmatic investments of $25M per year, Perigee Fund focuses on Washington State and national efforts.

Position Overview

Perigee Fund is in search of a Program Officer with deep experience in advocacy and policy who is both a leader and a collaborator and able to work at the intersection of mental health, early childhood, and family economic security. This role cultivates and maintains a distinct portfolio of advocacy and policy grants. The role also engages colleagues inside the organization and across the fields in which the organization works, supporting others to pursue advocacy and policy change as vehicles for advancing Perigee Fund’s prenatal-to-age-three priorities.

Advocacy capacity building, power building and power sharing, and equity, diversity, and inclusion are core to the work. To date, Perigee Fund has chosen to resource partner organizations powered by families, those with lived experience, and those with subject matter/practice expertise to be the visible and vocal advocates. As a philanthropic organization, Perigee has chosen to resource advocates in the field rather than build capacity to be a visible and vocal advocate ourselves. The Program Officer will focus on advocacy and policy and has the latitude to further shape Perigee’s vision, priorities, and the role it plays as an organization.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate brings deep commitment to Perigee’s mission and a strong background in policy advocacy work. They will bring a high level of integrity, thoughtfulness, a commitment to creating equitable and just partnerships and processes, and a collaborative style to the Perigee team. Key qualifications include:

  • Minimum five years of experience working directly in policy advocacy and/or policy making. Preference for significant relevant work experience (8+ years) with strong networks and contacts.
  • Sophisticated technical, strategic, and relationship understandings about how policy gets made in the real world across legislation, appropriations, and administrative/regulatory action.
  • Background in early childhood, maternal and child health, and/or mental health advocacy and policy optional, but highly desired.
  • An understanding of the forces that create systemic inequities and systemic racism.
  • Thorough knowledge and grasp of systems change and the ability to identify and orchestrate the levers of change. Sound judgment and the ability to make complex, multidimensional decisions based on both facts and experience.
  • Track record advancing less visible issues through policy using both direct and leveraged approaches, and exceptional ability to navigate big and little “p” politics.
  • Skilled at power building and power sharing with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color advocacy and policy leaders, community organizations, grassroots advocates, and people with lived experience (e.g., parents/caregivers with young children, birthing people who have experienced perinatal mental health issues, users of safety net services).
  • Highly respected, trusted, and valued in both grasstops and grassroots circles.
  • Skilled in equitable policy analysis.
  • Experience with both federal and state policy a plus.
  • Experience in or familiarity with philanthropy’s role in supporting advocacy and policy a plus.
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative approach that enjoys contributing to a small, talented team with a mighty mission.

The salary range for this position has been set at $130,000 – $150,000 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The position is based in Seattle, Washington and the expectation is that the Program Officer will be fully based with the team in Seattle. Travel throughout Washington State and the U.S. will be required as the Program Officer builds relationships and engages with partners, particularly to support field building and advocacy efforts.

How To Apply

More information about Perigee Fund may be found at: perigeefund.org

This search is being led by Cara Pearsall, Christine Domingo, and Catherine Seneviratne of NPAG. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s website.

Perigee Fund is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity.

Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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