PROGRAM FELLOW – MIDWEST REGION
Job Announcement • August 2015
the job
Marguerite Casey Foundation is seeking a community change agent with an interest in advocacy, social justice, movement building, organizing and community and family empowerment to serve as its new Program Fellow - Midwest Region. This is an 18-month opportunity and foundation experience, while not required, is a plus. The position is based at Foundation headquarters in Seattle and involves extensive travel to Chicago, along with some surrounding southern states, working closely and collaboratively with grantee organizations across the region. The position reports to the Associate Director, Grantmaking & Evaluation.
Momentum Fellowship
The fellowship is offered through a partnership with the Momentum Fellowship Program at Philanthropy Northwest (please see https://philanthropynw.org/2015-momentum-fellowship-application for more information). In addition to opportunities Marguerite Casey Foundation, the fellows will be part of a regional Momentum Fellowship Program learning and networking cohort with peer fellows from other participating foundations. This will include participation in quarterly cohort meetings, coaching sessions, and mentoring/training opportunities.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As Program Fellow – Midwest Region you will work as an integral part of the team to accrue a strong working knowledge of philanthropy and support for grantees in your assigned region. This role is designed to provide an opportunity for high-level, experiential training and development through hands-on learning and assigned responsibilities.
The key responsibilities of the Fellow are:
· Grantmaking. With support and strong guidance from the foundation's grantmaking team, evaluate current grantees, potential grantees, and grantees up for renewal to determine organizational fit, assess financial status and viability, determine whether each grantee's work matches the mission and values of the Foundation, and monitor each current grantee's progress toward goals and objectives outlined in each grant.
· Regional Oversight and Analysis. Analyze the region to assess family needs, identify potential grantees and opportunities for Foundation work.
· Grantee Engagement. Communicate and relay messages to the grantees that are integrated and in alignment with the Foundation's communications strategy and overall organizational strategy.
· External Relations. Maintain a field presence throughout the region on behalf of the Foundation. Represent the Foundation at regional conferences and meetings, build and maintain a network of community and political contacts throughout the region, facilitate networking among grantees and between grantees and other community organizations.
· Writing/Communications. Write grant recommendations, region analysis reports, and reports on the effect of grant making throughout the region and with specific grantees. Present findings and incorporate into quarterly Board reports. Contribute written articles and reports and support the development of Foundation publications, Board Books and public relations initiatives.
· Facilitation. Facilitate coordination of various meetings to advance the work.
· Participation: In Momentum Fellowship cohort meetings and mentoring/training sessions.
qualifications & ATTRIBUTES
Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree required in Public Policy, Community Development or related field. Relevant Master's Degree is a plus.
· A minimum of five to seven years' experience working as a leader and change agent in the social justice and advocacy field. Demonstrated interest in philanthropy or not-for-profit work.
· Experience working with local communities and the non-profit sector to affect change through organizing, movement building, collaboration, networking, issue education, activism, advocacy and strategic communications.
· An understanding of the complex issues facing low-income families and communities.
· Proven ability to define program and regional objectives, evaluate progress, and independently manage projects through a complete lifecycle.
· Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work closely, collaboratively and respectfully with grantees to help them develop their own organizational capacity.
· Excellent writing and presentation skills. Ability to synthesize ideas and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
· Ability to travel frequently (25%-40%).
Personal Attributes
· Commitment to the values and mission of Marguerite Casey Foundation.
· Exceptional ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse and dynamic environment, and work collaboratively with external partners.
· Capacity to learn from experience, to adapt as needed, to co-generate new ideas, to listen, and to work with others to shape emerging issues.
· Capacity to communicate persuasively, orally and in writing, in a range of settings.
· Demonstrated work style that is humble, flexible, respectful and collaborative.
· Personal and professional commitment to issues of social justice, diversity, equity, integrity and fairness.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is dependent on experience. The annual compensation for this 37.5 hour/week position includes a generous benefits package.
Application process
To apply for this job position, please submit your application online at https://philanthropynw.org/2015-momentum-fellowship-application no later than 5 p.m. on September 4, 2015. Your application should be uploaded to the Philanthropy Northwest site as a single PDF file. Please name your file [YOUR LAST NAME_POSITION TITLE]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
ABOUT MARGUERITE CASEY FOUNDATION
Marguerite Casey Foundation is dedicated to creating a movement of working families advocating on their own behalf for change. The Foundation was founded by Casey Family Programs in October of 2001 to help expand its outreach and further enhance its more than 30-year record of leadership in child welfare. In the 14 years since Marguerite Casey Foundation's creation, its grantees have engaged more than 1.5 million adult and youth community members. They have conducted policy campaigns to bring about change – at the neighborhood and community levels to state, regional and national levels – achieving wins and building their capacity to improve the well- being of all of America's families.
ABOUT PHILANTHROPY NORTHWEST
Philanthropy Northwest is the network for philanthropists of all types who are committed to Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. We promote, facilitate and drive collaborative action by community investors to build resilient, equitable and inclusive communities.
