Program Officer Jobs

ABOUT THE PERENCHIO FOUNDATION

The Perenchio Foundation is a private foundation established by the late A. Jerrold “Jerry” Perenchio. We believe that the arts play an essential role in creating more equitable, culturally vibrant, and inclusive communities.

Our mission is to support visual and performing arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create impactful experiences for current and future generations. The Foundation’s work is guided by Mr. Perenchio’s commitment to create a positive, lasting impact in the region through the arts, with a focus on our values of quality, accessibility, and permanence.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Foundation seeks a highly motivated Program Officer who aligns with our mission and values, to add expertise to our small, deeply collaborative team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Officer will play a central role in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission. The Program Officer will support the Foundation’s existing strategies and processes along with helping to develop new ones and supervising the Grants Associate.

As the role requires a high degree of initiative and a depth of knowledge, the Program Officer must have experience in grantmaking, nonprofit management and/or other relevant experience. They must also possess collaborative relationships across the arts sector and a strong ability to partner with grantees to meet the Foundation’s grantmaking objectives and timelines. The ideal candidate will thrive in an iterative, dynamic environment, be a resource of field knowledge for the team, share our focus on equity and funding historically undercapitalized communities, and demonstrate a drive toward excellence in their work.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Grantmaking & Facilitation Practices

• Facilitates peer-review process for the purposes of assessment, consensus-building, and/or decision-making
• Develops written and oral assessment of proposals and recommendations for funding that communicate their alignment with the Foundation’s values and strategies
• Identifies and designs a set of appropriate evaluation methods and processes to monitor grantees progress in achieving key objectives of the grant
• Assesses, prioritizes, and recommends grantee capacity-building and/or program development strategies based on identified needs and desired outcomes
• Oversees the review and analysis of open-call application process
• Analyzes financial documents and other due diligence materials submitted with grant proposals to assess fiscal strength of applicants and sustainability of programs
• Drives, manages, and participates in activities aimed at achieving shared goals both internally and externally
• Conducts site visits to existing and potential grantees, integrating empathetic listening and critical thinking skills to further assess organizational needs, capacity, and impact

Community and Sector Practices

• Convenes focus groups of current and prospective grantees, field experts, or partner foundations for ideation and/or shared learnings
• Represents the Foundation to external stakeholders, current and prospective grantees, and peers as requested
• Remains well-informed of current policies, reports, activities, and trends in the Los Angeles County arts and culture landscape

Staff Management

• Supervises and evaluates the Grants Associate performance, including enumerating, directing and clarifying their responsibilities and duties, while encouraging development
• Other special projects as assigned

QUALIFYING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including ability to give and receive feedback graciously
• Experience managing and contributing to a culture of learning
• Excels at analyzing and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data to drive decision-making and problem-solving, unearthing relevant insights and opportunities from multiple sources
• Fluency in a second language is highly desired
• A commitment to and professional experience in working with historically undercapitalized communities and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
• Valid driver’s license and current insurance required
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in grantmaking, nonprofit management and/or management consulting experience preferred
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and authentic dedication to the Foundation’s mission
• Self-directed with demonstrated ability to set and achieve objectives, while balancing multiple priorities with excellent attention to detail
• Experience developing, launching, and implementing complex projects that require engagement and support from multiple stakeholders
• Experience using GivingData and/or other grants management software a plus
• Bachelor's degree required; Masters degree highly preferred
• Proficient in Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability to build effective partnerships and networks and sustain collaborative relationships at multiple levels both internally and externally
• Knowledge and understanding of issues impacting disciplines across the arts and nonprofit sector and expertise to assess the capacity and financial health of nonprofit organizations
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time exempt position based in Pasadena, CA in a hybrid work environment (3 days in-person and 2 days remote). This position is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, and stoop; occasionally lift or carry up to 15 lbs. On occasion, this position will be required to attend events, which may occur in the evening. It may be necessary to work in busy and loud environments sometimes.

This position offers:

• Additional office closure for the winter holidays.
• The hiring base salary range for this position is $95,000 to $115,000. The final base salary will be determined based on individual qualifications and experience.
• Benefits package to include comprehensive health benefits, holidays, vacation, and 401K plan.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered, send a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected], including “Program Officer Position” in the subject line. In the cover letter, please note why you are interested in working for the Foundation, a description of a recent project that showcases some of your skills and approach to the work, and desired salary.

The application deadline for this search is September 26, 2023. While the Foundation may accept and consider applications received after this date, we encourage you to apply by the priority deadline. Please note that meeting the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Perenchio Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences are essential to our mission and work. The Foundation provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.