The Opportunity
The Senior Program Officer for the Grants team contributes to the development and management of a systematic approach to grantmaking as well as the development and oversight of philanthropic programs and initiatives for multiple families across two generations.  This includes reviewing and monitoring grant proposals, performing due diligence, managing current grants, evaluating grant results, and fostering community and grantee relations.    

Culture of Care
At RDV Corporation, we recruit only the most talented people who are highly capable, energetic, positive, results focused, and who naturally contribute to a premier service-oriented culture. In turn, our employees experience competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits programs that enhance their lives and experiences. They also enjoy a workplace that is meaningful, engaging, and collaborative; a place where they can grow their career in the vibrant heart of downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

Duties and Responsibilities

Grants Administration

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Philanthropy to develop systems and processes that meet the individual preferences for each family’s philanthropy.
• Make recommendations to upgrade processes and procedures to keep pace with the continued evolution of grantmaking.
• Create and administer a system to manage and evaluate active grants and assess progress and outcomes.
• Develop Philanthropy updates; briefing papers and reports that contribute to each family’s understanding of new approaches, best practices, and relevant issues.
• Remain up to date in the field of philanthropy, educate Philanthropy staff on trends and best practices, and recommend the application of best practices to department operations. 
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge, including research about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the program areas of focus in order to enhance the effectiveness of program strategy and the understanding of staff and Trustees.
• Represent the Foundations and Initiatives at public functions and private meetings as requested by the Senior Director of Philanthropy. 

Grantmaking

• Respond to inquiries and proposals across multiple program areas ensuring completeness of the information submitted.
• Contact representatives of organizations to clarify requests, actively assist to improve their application’s quality, and explore the appropriateness of funding. 
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and other Program Officers to recommend which proposals are considered for funding.
• Perform due diligence through review, analysis, and assessment of proposals; through research, use of professional contacts, phone calls, or site visits. Review proposal budgets, staffing, workplans and anticipated outcomes as related to proposal goals and institutional capability.
• Develop and present proposal summaries for funding by providing insights to clearly identify organizational and proposal strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
• Assist in the assessment for individual organizations; recommend or provide technical assistance to applicants and grantees as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Help identify and create communications to Trustees, connecting them with their philanthropy.
• Assist other Program Officers in the development and management of select programs connected with the Community Initiatives team.
• Manage special projects as requested by the Senior Director of Philanthropy for individual Foundations or philanthropic initiatives such as planning, connection to other resources, programmatic initiatives, nonprofit support, and others. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Elements of Success

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Seven to ten years of professional experience working in a related field. Preference given to experience in grantmaking, nonprofit management, program development, and program implementation.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience leading teams.
• Demonstrated ability to connect with people on a professional and personal level, makes others feel comfortable and inspired.
• A self-starter who is able to work independently on multiple projects and prioritize work.
• A desire to learn about a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, philosophies, and the philanthropic interests of the families we support.
• Flexibility to work with multiple teams and the ability to manage shifting workflow, clarify deadlines, and negotiate priorities.
• Demonstrated writing and editorial experience. Excellent proofreading skills and strong attention to detail.
• Experience or an understanding of communication in multicultural contexts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database usage. Experience with Grants Management Software preferred.
• Shared commitment to and comfortable representing the Christian beliefs and principles of the families we support and their philanthropic initiatives.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of management in a highly professional, confidential, and corporate environment.
• Flexibility to occasionally attend evening events and travel out of town.