Program Officer (PFS)

Pacific Foundation Services, LLC (PFS) is a professional services firm that manages 30 separate and independent family foundations. We provide whatever a foundation needs to operate optimally, including strategic advice, board support, grantmaking programs, compliance, financial management, and a physical home. With a current staff of 31, we value competence and camaraderie and work together to make the most of our collective experience. We thrive on collaboration and share our talents to provide top-level service to our clients.

This position will focus on Sunlight Giving, a family foundation that supports local, state, and national organizations that provide basic services to low-income families with children ages 0-5. We are looking for a highly skilled professional with a deep commitment to human services to join the team. This position will focus on Sunlight Giving’s health care access and food security grantmaking portfolios, along with other grantmaking work as assigned. This position will require regular travel throughout Sunlight Giving’s 10-county geographic focus.

The Program Officer provides day-to-day management of relationships with applicants and grantees throughout the grant process. The Program Officer performs due diligence on applicant organizations and participates in grantmaking planning, strategy, and evaluation. This position is full-time exempt and reports to the Vice President of Program and the Managing Director of Sunlight Giving.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day management of relationships with applicants and grantees throughout the grant process, including responding to routine written and phone inquiries about guidelines;
• Identify potential new grantees, develop and sustain strong working relationships with current grantees, and offer technical assistance as appropriate;
• Perform due diligence on organizations and grant proposals: site visits as appropriate, review and analysis of financial data, assessment of capacity, and alignment with priorities;
• Prepare proposal summaries and grant amount recommendations consistent with foundation’s grantmaking guidelines for board review and action;
• Make presentations describing organizations, projects, and/or proposals at board meetings;
• Work collaboratively with foundation team on all aspects of the grantmaking process;
• Collaborate with senior program staff on grantmaking planning and strategy, including developing and implementing new initiatives and creative ways to serve the needs of the community;
• Represent foundation externally when meeting with organizations, giving presentations, or attending events and conferences;
• Attend and/or plan trainings and networking events with nonprofits and/or other foundations;
• Develop and maintain a knowledge base for relevant program areas, including staying current with public policy, and monitoring local and national trends related to poverty and safety net services;
• Special projects as assigned; and
• Responsible for producing own correspondence, managing calendar, editing, and proofreading, as needed.

Skills and Attributes Needed

• BA/BS or equivalent experience/education;
• At least five years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in the nonprofit and/or philanthropic field;
• Familiarity with the network of nonprofits in the greater Bay Area, particularly those that are working on issues of safety net services and programs supporting families (e.g., health care access, housing, food security, family support, safe spaces);
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, including the ability to conduct research, organize report material, and clearly translate content and data into accessible language;
• Ability to read and effectively analyze nonprofit financial reports and budgets;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Experience with Microsoft Office and database programs;
• Demonstrated ability to act as a representative to the community at large and maintain strong partnerships with nonprofit and foundation partners;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment;
• Adept at working with people from diverse backgrounds, including staff of grantee organizations, high net worth donors, and those with divergent political and world views;
• Empathy and respect for those who do the hard work of developing and raising money for programs and organizations;
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and discretion about confidential matters;
• Demonstrated commitment to PFS values of generosity, respect, integrity, inclusion, commitment, and humility;
• Access to a personal vehicle (car is needed for site visits).

Location

PFS has offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Santa Rosa. This position is based in the Palo Alto office.

Compensation

PFS offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience) and a comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, salary requirements, and a resume to:

Pacific Foundation Services is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment, and our company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, citizenship, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military service, legally protected medical condition, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

All final candidates must provide three relevant employment references and be able to verify the right to work in the United States.