Program Officer, Rural Impact Initiative

ECMC Foundation is a nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures.

Job Summary

As key members of the program team, the Program Officers ensure ECMC Foundation deploys grants and investments to support project-based and reform-oriented efforts aimed at advancing systemic change to improve postsecondary persistence and degree completion for students from underserved backgrounds. Guided by a strategic framework which was launched in 2022, Program Officers manage a portfolio of strategically responsive grants which positions the foundation to remain open to the changing needs and opportunities identified by the field and/or oversee an initiative which focuses resources on deeper engagements and sustained commitments to address specific challenges in postsecondary education.

The ECMC Foundation team observes a hybrid work model. Additionally, Program Officers travel domestically up to 25% of the time to engage with partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate potential grant opportunities aligned with the Foundation’s strategic framework and grantmaking approach by initiating and managing relationships with mission-aligned organizations, thought leaders, and fellow funders
• Conduct due diligence (e.g., review funding requests, conduct external research, meet applicant staff) and make recommendations to senior management
• Prepare written documents for the ECMC Foundation senior management and Board of Directors summarizing key grant-funded activities and making the case for support
• Engage in ongoing monitoring (e.g., virtual check-in meetings, site visits, report reviews) to evaluate progress towards stated goals and learn from grantee challenges and successes
• Input relevant and timely information into grants management system (Fluxx) and maintain adherence to grant administrative processes in collaboration with the grants management team
• Amplify grantee activities and learnings by collaborating with ECMC Foundation’s Communications team, convening stakeholders, and presenting during postsecondary-focused and grantmaking-oriented events
• Work closely with ECMC Foundation’s Learning and Evaluation team (and, at times, contract an external evaluator) to analyze grantee outcomes and identify portfolio-wide trends
• Stay abreast of education trends, policy reform efforts, and best practices, and attend relevant conferences to broaden knowledge
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 years of related work in higher education and/or grantmaking
• Exhibits curiosity and ability to think creatively and collaboratively
• Displays humility; leads with a listening orientation, working in service of grantees
• Demonstrates superior communication skills, both speaking and writing in a clear, compelling, and concise manner that meet the needs of different audiences
• Possesses practical experience and/or content expertise regarding large-scale, systems-level approaches to postsecondary education
• Showcases strong project management – effectively manages long-term projects by backward-planning to meet goals; views project management as a key tool to achieve goals
• Excels at analyzing and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data to drive decision-making and problem-solving, unearthing relevant insights and opportunities from multiple sources
• Works collaboratively and independently and understands the big picture while applying a keen attention to detail
• Exhibits a willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 25% of the time
• Commits to ECMC Foundation's hybrid work model

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Demonstrates experience working at a higher education-focused foundation
• Possesses lived experience or has extensively worked with communities from underserved backgrounds (e.g., first generation college student, rural learner, student of color, student from low-income family, adult learner) navigating postsecondary pathways
• Exhibits keen inquiry skills and the inclination to seek evidence-based information from a variety of sources to support decisions
• Maintains a broad and deep professional network, making connections, and creating opportunities for deeper engagement; has interest in engaging in the broader postsecondary and philanthropic community via associations and conferences

ECMC Foundation may choose to conduct reference checks as part of the hiring process.

Salary range for this position is $120,000-$130,000. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, peer and market data, prior performance, business sector and geographic location.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ECMC Foundation also provides a comprehensive benefits package:

• Health & wellness benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options, with a generous employer subsidy. Company paid life & disability insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts and robust wellness programs.
• Financial benefits: Generous 401(k) plan with a company match up to 6% and additional discretionary contribution potential, paid time off starting at 20 days/year and commuter subsidy.
• Education benefits: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,500/year for approved programs and student loan payment reimbursement up to $4,800/year. Up to $5,250 of qualifying education benefits can be reimbursed pre-tax.

Salary : $120,000 - $130,000