Job Description

The Wege Foundation has entrusted Management Business Solutions as a strategic recruitment partner in their pursuit of a Program Officer to join their office in Grand Rapids, MI. Aligned with The Wege Foundation’s robust talent strategies, we have meticulously structured our processes to adeptly identify, screen, and recruit qualified candidates for this pivotal opening.

SUMMARY: The Program Officer will work with the President to provide leadership, coordination, logistical and administrative support for cultivating strong community ties and relationships with prospective and current grant applicants in West Michigan and the Foundation’s areas of geographic focus. The Program Officer will also support the President and other Program Officer in the cultivation of applicants, evaluation of grant applications and evaluation of grantee results. The Program Officer will demonstrate a strong commitment to equity in every aspect of internal and external work, collaborations and networks and strong, diverse work experience including in but not limited to Communities Of Color, LGBTQ community, and with people with disabilities and diverse social and economic background. The Wege Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. The foundation operates with a hybrid work schedule. This position will be based at the Wege Foundation’s office in Grand Rapids, MI.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Officer’s responsibilities will include:

• Implement with other staff the Foundation’s strategy and funding interests in the four “pillars” in the areas of geographic focus.
• Work with the President and program staff in the content development of grant portfolios by assisting in planning, research, development, monitoring, and assessing grant proposals and reports. Assist in assessing grantee and program progress toward strategic outcomes and goals. Develop and implement proactive strategies to identify eligible organizations not typically supported by the Wege Foundation or foundations generally.
• Review, summarize and make recommendations concerning geographically focused grant applications for specific applicants for which the Program Officer is identified as the lead staff contact, including making site visits, communicating with funder colleagues, and meeting with prospective grantees.
• Review and monitor grantee goals and outcomes, including review of progress and final reports for grantees for which the Program Officer is the assigned lead contact.
• Assist the President, and grants management team in outreach, planning, tracking and following up on contacts with prospective and current grant applicants, including attending off-site meetings, events and site visits as appropriate.
• Support the mechanics of the program and grant portfolios by managing program pipeline, budget, document workflow and maintaining files.
• Contribute to the Foundation’s voice and presence by representing the Foundation externally with affinity groups, funding partners and community leaders.
• Support the program’s day-to-day operations and events by scheduling, producing expense reports, and providing meeting support and events planning.
• Contribute to the Foundation’s operations on board meeting preparation, staff committees, organization development (contacts and mailing list, teambuilding, recruiting/training). Executes special projects as assigned.
• Conduct research to advance and stay apprised of field developments.
• Assure the timely preparation and uploading to Blackbaud of notes from grant applicant meetings and site visits.
• Track and undertake, as identified by the President, specific tasks following up on grant applicant meetings and site visits.
• Assist the President in the scheduling of, preparation for, and follow-up on Trustee meetings.
• Assist the President in the scheduling of, preparation for, and follow-up on Grant Committee meetings.
• Assist the President in the scheduling of, preparation for, and follow-up on webinars, conference calls and other special meetings of the Trustees, Grants Committee or ad hoc working groups.
• Assist the President in planning, developing agendas for, and following up on regular and special staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as needed consistent with Wege Foundation’s collaborative office culture.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, public administration, social work, or related disciplines is preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in grantmaking, program management, or nonprofit work, preferably with demonstrated knowledge of equity-focused initiatives.
• Strong understanding of equity principles and experience working with Communities of Color, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse social and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to assess grant proposals and evaluate grantee outcomes effectively.
• Proficiency in project management, including planning, budget tracking, and document workflow management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex information and make data-driven recommendations.
• Experience with grant management software, such as Blackbaud or similar systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other productivity tools.
• Strong relationship-building and networking abilities with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and other funding partners.

MANAGEMENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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