Program Officer, Jewish Education & Engagement

Responsibilities:

Planning and Strategy

Work with the Jewish and Israel Giving Team (Committee Co-Chairs, Director, and CFP and Jewish Federation teams) to develop strategy and goals, guide direction of
the portfolio, develop grant recommendations, assess current grant initiatives, and coordinate learning opportunities aligned with the lead pursuit strategic framework.
Participate and, when appropriate, lead effective, dynamic Committee meetings.
Drive program development and expansion and identify opportunities to enhance engagement in Chicago’s Jewish ecosystem, working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders. Maintain an understanding of regularly shifting issues in the field in order to inform trustees and facilitate their decision-making.
Identify and bring in experts around specific questions to inform strategic impact and educate the Committee and Board.
Build and maintain deep relationships with diverse stakeholders, working closely with grantees, funders and other external stakeholders to maximize impact on systems change. Utilize best practices and collaborate with other funders on field-wide activities that build on Committee strategies

Grantmaking

Manage grant portfolios, develop issue area expertise, and monitor emerging developments in the field. Research issues of interest and maintain current understanding of trends related to the work of the Jewish and Israel Giving Committee and the Foundation. Based on research results and the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, identify, prepare, and present grant dockets to the Committee consistent with the lead pursuit framework.
Analyze nonprofit organizations’ financial statements and operational conditions to determine organizational strength and effectiveness. Formulate recommendations for grant size and term.
Lead analyses on grantee organizations and grant outcomes. Lead the design of data collection tools and the development of narrative and oral presentations resulting from analysis. Develop frameworks to evaluate impact of grants and maintain a dashboard to assess impact of lead pursuit strategies.
Cultivate and foster thoughtful partnership relationships with grantees.
Plan and conduct site visits as appropriate, representing CFP to candidate organizations and grantees. Act as primary point of contact for committee grantees.
Lead the preparation of materials for Committee meetings, including grant summaries, progress reports, grant dockets, budget materials, meeting materials and minutes, and additional content as assigned.

Leadership

Serve as key staff contact for the Jewish and Israel Giving Committee, including as primary contact for select grants.
Participate in planning and strategy meetings with other Jewish funders and Jewish Federation.
Support and mentor senior program analyst and analyst, including guidance on ongoing professional development.
Identify areas of possible cross-collaboration with the Foundation’s other issue areas.
Serve as an active participant and leader in relevant conversations and associations at the local and national level.

Qualifications:

A college degree is required; MBA or commensurate experience preferred
Minimum 10–12 years in philanthropic, non-profit, or for-profit work with significant engagement in the Jewish communal sector (professional, volunteer, and/or Board experience)
Ability to conceive and execute strategy and align tactical needs creatively and effectively
Ability to set clear goals and develop and implement metrics to measure outcomes
Significant knowledge and understanding of issues related to the Chicago and national Jewish community
Entrepreneurial spirit; ability and inclination to think creatively, explore opportunities, and puzzle out solutions with teammates
Highly collaborative team player who enjoys engaging with colleagues
Experienced in detailed project management
Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to listen and synthesize multiple inputs with sensitivity, diplomacy and professionalism
Superb organizational skills, including ability to prioritize agendas and manage conflicting needs
Excellent problem-solving skills
Growth mindset with eagerness to receive feedback and seek opportunities to grow
Demonstrated ability to act with humility, sensitivity, and discretion
Meticulous attention to detail
Ability to respond flexibly to shifting priorities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite