Program Officer

 

ABOUT JAMES GRAHAM BROWN FOUNDATION

Through targeted philanthropic investments, the James Graham Brown Foundation (JGBF) works with other partners to build on and highlight Kentucky's unique strengths in ways that impact the well-being of the citizens of the city of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and that shed a positive light on the state. The foundation makes grants in four primary focus areas: Education, Community and Economic Development, Civic and Cultural Assets, and Health and Wellbeing.

Since 1954, JGBF has awarded over 3,450 grants totaling more than $686,000,000. In 2024, the foundation distributed grants totaling just under $15,000,000.

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Program Officer (PO) is an integral member of the JGBF's Impact Team in this highly collaborative environment. Reporting to the Program Director (PD), the PO works with the Impact Team and President to manage JGBF's Louisville-based grantmaking activities. The PO is critical in identifying, evaluating, and supporting projects that align with JGBF's mission and goals. The PO acts as a bridge between the foundation and its grantees, maintaining communication and building purposeful relationships that balance the needs of the grantees with the foundation's priorities, mission, and areas of focus. Under the direction of the President and PD, the PO also contributes to the design of JGBF's grantmaking programs, supporting the development of new funding strategies and initiatives. The PO must be able to work independently but understand that in a team focused culture, he or she will also be accountable to the other members of the JGBF team. While there will be site visits associated with the responsibilities of the position, this role works onsite at the foundation's downtown location.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITES

Grant Making and Grant Management

• Oversee a portfolio of grants within the Community and Economic Development focus area, from proposal evaluation to monitoring project progress.
• In collaboration with the Impact Team and President, manage a portfolio of grants for JGBF's responsive grantmaking program.
• Identify and assess community needs for potential funding opportunities that align with JGBF's mission and goals.
• Vet proposals and Letters of Intent (LOIs) and recommend action in consultation with the PD.
• Execute due diligence process and preparation of proposals for Board consideration.
• Maintain grants records and processes within JGBF's grants management system, collaborating with the Grants Management Coordinator.
• Collaborate with JGBF's Evaluation and Research Officer (ERO) to track the progress and impact of grants, conducting regular check-ins, and coordinating reporting processes.

Relationship Management

• Help communicate JGBF's mission, goals, and grantmaking priorities publicly.
• Act as a liaison for organizations within the PO's portfolio, for others as assigned and for prospective grantees.
• Maintain appropriate lines of communication with current and prospective grantees, providing guidance and support as needed.
• On occasion, under the direction of the PD and the President, the role may call for representing the foundation on committees and at public events to build partnerships and promote the foundation's work.

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Participate in planning and setting priorities for Louisville grantmaking.
• Stay informed on local community activity and needs.
• In collaboration with the ERO, contribute to staff learning on broader trends in the field.
• Under the direction of the PD and President, participate in research, planning, and design of funding programs and initiatives.

 

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in the philanthropic or nonprofit sectors.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to evaluate complex grant proposals and assess organizational health, financials, and the potential for impact.
• Commitment to the foundation's mission and willingness to uphold its values.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and build working relationships with grantees, community stakeholders, and other funders.
• Preferred candidate will understand the unique gifts and challenges of our community on both a local and state level.
• Flexibility and ability to work in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
• Capable of balancing working independently while functioning as part of a mutually supportive team in a small office environment.
• Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Integrity, discretion, humility and tact.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software. Prior experience with grant management systems or similar databases is highly desirable.
• Commitment to the Foundation's mission.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The James Brown Graham Foundation is prepared to offer a salary in the range of $90,000 - $110,000 commensurate with experience. The position also offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, long-term disability, downtown parking, and a generous PTO and holiday package.

 

CONTACT

For confidential questions or inquiries, contact Lisa Resnik at lresnik@ashleyrountree.com.

JGBF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, race, age, creed, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.

Apply Now