Program Officer

JOB OVERVIEW

Philanthropy Northwest is seeking a limited-term Program Officer to join our team for 18 months and contribute to the successful execution of the Thriving Communities grantmaking program. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in partnering with community-based organizations to facilitate their access to and management of federal grant funds.

As a Program Officer, you will partner with a multi-disciplinary team to 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 justice.

We are looking for candidates who are well-versed in participatory grant-making practices and are committed to advancing our program's overarching goals while championing principles of equity. While familiarity with federal grant-making practices is advantageous, it is not mandatory for consideration.

If you are passionate about empowering communities, fostering equity, and driving positive change, we encourage you to apply and join us in this important endeavor.

About the EPA Thriving Communities Environmental Program

EPA’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking program makes it easier for small community-based organizations to access federal funding, responds to community feedback about the need to reduce barriers to federal funds and improve the efficiency of the awards process to ensure communities that have long faced underinvestment can access the benefits of the largest climate investment in history. Communities will be able to apply to a Grantmaker for a subgrant to fund a range of different environmental project activities. Philanthropy Northwest is the Region 10 grantmaker, serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington; and will collaborate with regional philanthropic partners to ensure the equitable distribution of funding to support community-led environmental work.

• FLSA classification – Exempt
• Role TypeFull-time (
• 18-month LTE[JF1] [DC2] [3] )
• 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

• Manages 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.
• Implement and manage user-friendly data collection systems to streamline reporting processes for grant recipients, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist subgrantees in the accurate and timely submission of required documents and reports.
• 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.

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated success in implementing participatory practices and driving community-led initiatives that promote equity and social justice.
• 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.

The annual compensation for a full-time position includes a package of benefits consisting of medical, dental, retirement contribution by employer (6% of salary and additional up to 2% dollar to dollar match (upto $1,800/year) to employee contribution), professional development paid holidays and generous vacation policy, and flexible schedule.