Program Officer

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 a key member 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

Preferred Qualifications

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 :