Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Program Officer will play a key role in advancing the Foundation's mission by managing a portfolio of grants and advancing strategic initiatives that align with the Foundation's priorities and long-term goals. This individual will support the full lifecycle of grantmaking, including outreach, proposal review, due diligence, grant monitoring, evaluation, and relationship management.
The Program Officer will cultivate and manage strategic relationships with grantees, community leaders, funding partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and maximize the impact of the Foundation's economic investments in rural communities. This role requires strong communication, analytical, project management, and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.
Key responsibilities include developing strategy and implementation of funding programs; conducting research and organizational assessments; monitoring grant performance and outcomes; preparing written recommendations and reports; and representing the Foundation through meetings, site visits, and community engagement activities.
The ideal candidate will bring a passion for rural economic advancement, a commitment to community-led transformation, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with strong operational execution.

Job Description

Essential Functions

Strategy Development

• Collaborate with Foundation leadership and external partners to advance strategies that support innovation, economic vitality, and rural community development.

• Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and challenges impacting rural communities, economic development, and the Foundation's focus areas.

• Conduct research and analysis to inform grantmaking strategy, program development, and long-term community investment priorities.

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders, including economic development organizations, government agencies, higher education institutions, and philanthropic partners to support strategic alignment and shared learning.

• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and team learning around rural economic, workforce, and community development trends to strengthen organizational strategy and impact.

• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance sector knowledge, leadership capacity, and strategic effectiveness.

Grantmaking and Program Development

• Identifies, assesses, and advances strategic funding opportunities aligned with the Foundation's priorities.

• Conduct due diligence on grant applications, including the review of proposals, budgets, and supporting materials.

• Prepare thorough analyses and funding recommendations to support funding decisions.

• Develop and manage grant agreements, ensuring clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.

• Manage a pipeline of strategically aligned grants and initiatives that support the Foundation's annual charitable spending goals and long-term impact strategies.

Grant Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor grantee progress and performance, providing guidance, support, and strategic partnership throughout the grant period.

• Conduct site visits and regular check-ins with grantees to assess program implementation, outcomes, and community impact.

• Review and analyze grantee reports to ensure compliance with grant agreements and identify opportunities for improvement or additional support.

• Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations on grant outcomes and program impact for the Director of Programs and Board of Directors.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with grantees, community partners, and internal and external stakeholders.

• Serve as a key liaison between the Foundation and grantees, fostering communication, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

• Represent the Foundation at community meetings, conferences, site visits, and public events as needed.

Operational Support

• Assist with the development, management, and tracking of program budgets and related expenditures.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of grant activities, documentation, and outcomes.

• Support the Director of Programs with administrative responsibilities, cross-functional initiatives, and special projects as needed.

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing grant applications, reports, budgets, and financial documentation.

• Proactive and resourceful, with the ability to anticipate needs, take initiative, and manage projects effectively.

• Collaborative and relationship-oriented, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams, stakeholders, and community partners.

• Adaptable and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to changing needs and deadlines.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in addressing complex community challenges through grantmaking and partnerships.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.

• Commitment to the Foundation's mission and values, with a passion for supporting and strengthening rural communities.

Skills and Experience

• Experience in rural economic development or related sectors impacting, such as banking, workforce development, chambers of commerce, community development, or regional planning.

• Strong understanding of rural trends across Kansas and Missouri communities.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and understand the interconnected nature of rural community challenges, developing integrated and collaborative approaches to advance long-term impact.

• Proven track record of building relationships, connecting partners and projects, and fostering collaborations that contribute to meaningful community outcomes.

• Intellectual curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, including exploring new ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and staying informed about emerging trends and best practices impacting rural communities.

• Background in developing and implementing programs and initiatives that align with organizational and community goals.

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate insights and inform strategic decision-making.

• Experience managing multiple projects, initiatives, budgets, and/or multimillion-dollar program portfolios simultaneously while ensuring timely, high-quality execution.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-management skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholders and sectors.

• Experience in grant management software (eg: Salesforce), preferred.

• Experience managing and monitoring grants, including conducting due diligence, analyzing proposals, and evaluating outcome, preferred.