Position Information

JOB OVERVIEW

Philanthropy Northwest is seeking a limited-term Program Officer to join our team for 12 months and contribute to the successful execution of the Thriving Communities grantmaking program. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in supporting community-based organizations with their identification, development and execution of environmental information operation (EIO) activities as they manage federal grant funds.

As a Quality Assurance Program Officer (QAPO), you will provide clear communication of expectations and requirements, collaborate to solve problems, and provide technical assistance with the goal of reducing administrative burden and increasing access to federal grant funding for environmental issues. In addition to managing a portfolio of subgrantees, this position will manage the oversight and continuous improvement of our organization’s EIO for the duration of the program. This position will coordinate with external firms that support QA activities, as well as manage our internal processes to ensure quality assurance expectations are in accordance with EPA requirements. By working closely with three PNW program officers and subgrantees, this role will support the identification, development, and management of their quality assurance plans. 

We are looking for candidates who can conduct annual internal assessments, revise the Quality Management Plan (QMP) as needed, and serve as main liaison with the EPA regional quality assurance team. You will be responsible for reviewing and supporting subgrantee projects, and ensuring compliance with QA policies.

• FLSA classification – Exempt
• Role Type- Full-time, 12-month limited term
• Reports to – Director, Grantmaking
• Location- - Hybrid position based in Seattle or anywhere in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington state, with periodic in-person presence at HQ in Seattle.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a portfolio of subgrantees which includes implementing a monitoring plan, providing technical assistance and support, monitoring program progress and evaluation, and managing communications and reporting
• In collaboration with Grant Administrators, work closely with grantee partners to foster understanding of grant processes and systems including programmatic, financial and data collection requirements.
• Serve as a key resource for subgrantees, providing information and connections to aid in the successful execution of environmental projects.
• Collaborate with grantee partners and other stakeholders to identify and address potential challenges, fostering a solution-oriented approach.
• With guidance from the grant systems analyst, support analysis of trends and identification of areas of improvement.
• Maintain comprehensive grant documentation in accordance with PNW and EPA requirements.
• Coordinate with technical experts to organize and facilitate both virtual and in-person meetings, providing essential information, resources, and technical knowledge to support project implementation.
• Lead annual internal assessment, reviews the QMP annually and revises accordingly, and provides revised QMP to EPA for approval as needed.
• Serve as primary liaison between PNW and the EPA Regional Quality Assurance team and other related departments for EIO (e.g., EPA construction team), including supporting PNW team with reporting to EPA on QA-related activities.
• Serve as liaison with external QA firm.
• Reviews all subgrantee Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) deliverables to ensure all elements are addressed and complete prior to submitting QAPP deliverables to the EPA for review and approval.
• Administer user-friendly data collection systems to streamline reporting processes for grant recipients, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage the process for documenting and tracking all subgrantee EPA crosscutter requirements.
• Assist grantee partners in the accurate and timely submission of required QA documents and reports.

Other

• Engage in enterprise-wide activities and team building, including staff meetings, peer coaching, learning and development, annual conference, staff committees and other enterprise events throughout the year.
• This is not a comprehensive list of duties and may be asked to take on other administrative and operational tasks, as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 4 years of demonstrated experience in community engagement fostering trust and confidence within diverse communities.
• Proven track record of effectively collaborating with diverse communities and cultures in the Pacific Northwest, specifically WA, OR, ID, or AK.
• Demonstrated success in working in a diverse and inclusive work environment that values racial equity and inclusion.
• Familiarity and experience providing grants management support either as a grant recipient and preferably as a funder
• Substantial experience in the philanthropic, nonprofit, or public sector, with a strong understanding of community dynamics.
• Familiarity with climate change, demonstrating a commitment to equity.
• Proficiency in participatory practices and community-based approaches, with a focus on empowering community voices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse groups.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, capable of handling multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite for documentation and communication purposes.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and a clean driving record for business travel.
• Ability to travel frequently and drive long distances, adhering to safety regulations and maintaining composure.
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in environmental science, information technology, data management, or a related field.
• Direct work experience at an environmental firm or related organization
• Technical Proficiency: Possess a range of technical skills to effectively manage and utilize environmental information.
• Compliance Standards: Knowledge of national and international standards for environmental data management and reporting.
• Familiarity with key EPA regulations, guidelines, and reporting requirements related to environmental data. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A capacity for self-reflection, humility, and curiosity, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented approach.
• Multi-lingual/multi-literate candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse communities effectively.
• Experience using a grantmaking/CRM platform for data management and tracking grants management and community engagement efforts.
• Familiarity with federal grant processes, including knowledge of grant requirements and reporting procedures, to support effective project implementation.
• Advanced degrees (Masters or Ph.D.) in relevant fields, which may include environmental engineering, computer science, or geospatial science.  
• Data Management: Proficiency in managing large datasets, ensuring data quality, and maintaining data integrity.  
• Experience in the philanthropic, nonprofit, or public sector, with a strong understanding of community dynamics. 

How to Apply