GMA Foundations (GMA) provides grantmaking, administrative, financial management, and consulting services to foundations, philanthropic families, and giving programs that support a wide range of local, national, and international causes.

We are seeking a Program Officer for a full-time position. The person hired as Program Officer will manage and guide the grant program of one or more client foundations. Program Officers may support clients in all stages of their development – setting up a new grantmaking program, shifting or focusing grantmaking portfolios, and evaluating impact. The Program Officer works closely with the foundations’ board members to ensure grantmaking strategies are carried out, and regularly interacts with grantees to support a thoughtful application process. Program Officers may have opportunities to join a consulting team. At GMA we focus on long-term positions, with ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.

This position will support the work of clients focused on the field of health (health care, public health, and health education). GMA’s mission is rooted in our belief in the transformative nature of philanthropy, that each of us in this field has the capacity to help shape a more just and equitable future. We are accelerating our efforts to become more diverse, culturally competent, inclusive and equitable. We value and promote diversity in our employee’s backgrounds, origins, and ideas and work to maximize employee growth and satisfaction. Read more about our values on our website.  

DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Officer will be supervised by a Senior Program Officer/Director, while working with several client teams alongside other program officers, program associates and foundation assistants. The Program Officer may supervise a Foundation Assistant or Program Associate.

Responsibilities include:

Program responsibilities

• Manage all or a portion of the grant program of assigned client foundations.
• Conduct grant proposal review, analyze grant requests, conduct research, and develop funding recommendations.
• Respond to applicant and grantee questions, continually improve communications with grantees and increase efficiencies in the grant process.
• Oversee standard terms and conditions for grant applications and evaluation forms, award letters, agreements and contracts.
• Monitor success/impact of grants and report to foundations’ boards on past-funded projects.
• Ensure board policies of assigned clients remain up to date.
• Serve as a resource at foundations’ board meetings and oversee all aspects of board and/or committee meetings, including the preparation of all materials, meeting minutes, and implementation of decisions.
• Conduct periodic reviews of grantmaking strategy and effectiveness with foundations’ boards.
• Interface with other advisors, such as accounting, legal, and investment to support the needs of clients.
• Oversee client foundations’ activities, and manage assigned foundations’ staff teams, as needed.
• As needed, conduct site visits and interviews with applicants and grantees.
• Represent client foundations in public meetings and events.
• Identify opportunities to regularly increase client awareness of their foundation’s progress and success/impact.
• Maintain awareness and current understanding of educational and funding opportunities of particular interest to foundation clients.

Organizational responsibilities

• Network with grantmaking colleagues to develop rapport with other funders that align with client interests.
• Participate in periodical review of assigned client foundations’ processes and grantmaking to identify possible improvements to advance impact, efficiency, and DEI.
• Identify opportunities to regularly share knowledge with clients, staff, and colleagues.

• Participate in public meetings and events to develop and maintain organizational visibility and accessibility for grantees and potential grant-seekers.
• Supervisory responsibilities may be relevant as related to managing staff teams, if needed.

  SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education and experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience in a grantmaking or nonprofit program position; or
• Associate’s degree with 9 years of experience in a grantmaking or nonprofit program position.

Preferred

• Previous foundation experience and interaction with foundation boards of directors.
• Previous research and evaluation experience.
• Previous experience managing client/donor relationships.

  Qualifications (knowledge and skills) Required

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the nonprofit field.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Interest in practicing effective philanthropy and advancing solutions to meet changing social needs.
• Experience analyzing and synthesizing information and developing written reports.
• Ability to communicate in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent customer service approach and manner.
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects/deadlines, while maintaining high level of attention to detail.
• Good judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative and supervisory relationships across the organization.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office Suite and interest in learning to use new IT resources.

Preferred

• Substantive knowledge in one or more aspects in the field of health.
• Knowledge of grants management software.

  DAY-TO-DAY DETAILS

Our work week is M – F, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Our office is located in downtown Boston, and staff members may take advantage of our new hybrid work policy after one month, with at least two-days in our Boston office weekly. This role will involve quarterly client travel including some weekend travel and evening committee calls. Flexible office hours are arranged, as appropriate. GMA staff occasionally travel to various locations, urban and rural, to participate in client meetings and educational programs. Valid drivers’ license or ability to travel by public transportation is required. The position requires long hours sitting, and using office equipment and computers, and may also include some light lifting of supplies and materials.

  COMPENSATION

Salary range: $70,000 - $85,000. GMA is an employee friendly company offering excellent benefits: paid vacation, holiday and sick days; health, vision, and dental insurance; medical and dependent care FSA; paid family and medical leave; and a 401k plan with employer match.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send resume and cover letter to Leah Even Chorev at jobs@gmafoundations.com. We encourage submission of application materials by September 15. Please include “Program Officer” in the subject line of your email. The position is open until filled. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.