Job Title : Program Officer - Civic Engagement & Grant Writing
Reports To : Executive Director
FLSA Status : Hourly
Job Type : Part-time / 20 hours
Location : Role will require work from the office and local community sites
Position Summary :
The Program Officer, Civic Engagement & Grant Writing will play a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation’s relationships with local city governments, overseeing the management of a civic accelerator program, and providing support for grant writing efforts. This position requires an individual with strong project management, relationship-building, and communication skills, combined with experience in local government engagement, community development, and grant writing.
The Program Officer will serve as the bridge between the community foundation and local government while supporting the foundation’s grant-writing efforts.
Key Responsibilities :
- Local Government Liaison :
- Develop & Maintain Relationships : Serve as the foundation’s key liaison to local city governments, municipal leaders, and government agencies. Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships to ensure the foundation’s initiatives align with city priorities.
- Advocate for Community Needs : Advocate for policies, programs, and funding opportunities that address critical community needs and foster positive social impact. Act as a conduit for communication between the foundation and city officials.
- Coordinate Collaborative Initiatives : Work with government stakeholders to co-create initiatives that benefit local residents, including community development projects, civic engagement efforts, and social service programs.
- Policy and Advocacy Support : Support the foundation’s involvement in advocacy efforts by tracking relevant local government policies, regulations, and funding opportunities. Work with internal teams to align program objectives with city policy goals.
- Civic Accelerator Advocacy :
- Provide Technical Assistance & Capacity Building
Offer guidance, training, and support to accelerator participants, helping them refine their business models, develop sustainable strategies, and navigate the challenges of working within the civic sector.
Partnership Development : Cultivate relationships with local government, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community stakeholders to support accelerator participants. Identify funding, resources, and strategic partnerships that can help innovators scale their solutions.Facilitate Networking & Collaboration Organize networking events, workshops, and mentoring sessions for accelerator participants, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages idea exchange and partnership building.Grant Writing & Fundraising Support :Grant Research & Writing : Support the foundation’s fundraising efforts by researching grant opportunities, writing compelling proposals, and ensuring that submissions align with the foundation’s mission, goals, and the needs of the community.Grant Management & Reporting : Assist with the management of grant-funded projects, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, timelines, and reporting obligations. Prepare and submit grant reports to funders as needed.Proposal Development : Collaborate with program teams to develop grant proposals for new and ongoing programs, including the civic accelerator, government partnerships, and community development initiatives.Building Relationships with Funders : Cultivate relationships with potential funders, including foundations, corporations, and government agencies, to secure funding and support for the foundation’s programs and initiatives.Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement :Work with Internal Teams : Collaborate with the foundation’s leadership, program, and communications teams to ensure alignment of civic programs and funding strategies. Help develop and refine program strategies that support the foundation’s overall goals.Community Engagement : Engage with local residents, civic leaders, and community organizations to understand their needs and priorities. Ensure that the foundation’s initiatives are responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.Promote Public Awareness : Represent the foundation at local government meetings, public hearings, and community events to raise awareness of the foundation’s initiatives and strengthen its presence within the civic ecosystem.Qualifications :
Education :Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Nonprofit Management, Urban Planning, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.Experience :3-5 years of experience working in civic engagement, community development, local government relations, or a related field.Demonstrated experience managing or leading accelerator programs or innovation-focused initiatives, especially in the civic or social impact sectors.Proven success in grant writing, including researching funding opportunities and preparing high-quality proposals for foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners.Experience working with local government officials, community-based organizations, and other civic stakeholders to drive collaboration and community impact.Skills :Strong project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives, set priorities, and manage timelines.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive proposals and reports, as well as present to diverse stakeholders.Ability to navigate complex relationships with government, business, and non-profit partners.Familiarity with civic innovation, social enterprises, and the challenges and opportunities of working in urban development.Knowledge of community development, public policy, and local government systems.Personal Attributes :A passion for civic engagement, community empowerment, and social impact.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, civic innovators, and community members.Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented with a commitment to excellence and results.Collaborative, team-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Compensation
Pay range is $38 / hr - $44.5 / hr. Benefits package includes flexible work schedule, 403b retirement plan and opportunities for professional development.
How to Apply :
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to
kathylera@lamvcf.org
Salary : $38 - $45
