Program Officer, Racial Justice

POSITION SUMMARY

In consultation with the Program Director, the Program Officer is responsible for key grantmaking functions for Trinity's Racial Justice initiative, which seeks to reduce racial disparities in educational outcomes and support communities directly impacted by the criminal legal system in New York City. The Program Officer will manage a diverse portfolio of grants and ensure that the portfolio's grantmaking processes are executed efficiently and in a manner consistent with best practices within Trinity's Philanthropies department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grants Monitoring and Management

• Work collaboratively with members of the Racial Justice team to contribute to the implementation of the strategic goals and objectives of the Racial Justice initiative
• Manage a portfolio of grants focused on racial justice priorities, including criminal justice and education equity
• Review all assigned letters of interest and full proposals to ensure that required information has been provided
• Consult with organizations regarding specific grant proposals to ensure that the proposal meets Trinity’s guidelines
• Prepare proposal analysis, including written summaries and funding recommendations, and conduct site visits when appropriate
• Manage ongoing relationships with grantees – from initial contact and receipt of the grant proposal to grant close
• Represent Trinity during the grantmaking process and be the point of contact for grantees on administrative questions.
• Ensure that data is entered accurately into the grants database and that information is updated as necessary
• Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support to grantee convenings/meetings
• Monitor and track grants to ensure compliance with all financial, legal, and other Trinity requirements.
• Develop reports to aggregate evaluation results and communicate Trinity’s impact.
• Assist with the evaluation of grantee performance and progress
• Keep abreast of emerging issues and trends in philanthropy and racial justice movements, including education equity and criminal legal system reform, and incorporate findings into the grantmaking process

External Engagement & Partnership

• Identify and assess grants and partnership opportunities
• Develop and maintain relationships with philanthropic peers, organizations, and community leaders to help advance the goals of the Racial Justice initiative
• Represent Trinity within the philanthropic community and beyond, as appropriate to advance Trinity’s mission and vision

Internal Engagement & Team Culture

• Liaise with grants management, finance, legal, and other teams within Trinity to ensure compliance
• Ensure that all work is approached with rigorous execution and the highest standards of ethics, aligned with Trinity’s values
• Assume other responsibilities and take on special projects as required
• Perform all duties in a manner that promotes Trinity Church NYC’s mission
• Adhere to confidentiality guidelines and all other Trinity policies, procedures, and rules

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ACTIVITIES

• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with grantmaking and managing relationships with grantees.
• Solid analytical, strategic thinking and problem solving skills; and the ability to create and seize opportunities to improve effectiveness and outcomes
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
• Maintains professional demeanor in all situations and proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work in a mission/results-driven environment.
• Ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities, and work independently on projects, from conception to completion.
• Ability to work well with all levels of internal and external leadership and management as well as outside constituents.
• Desire to work as a part of a small team in a highly collaborative environment

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CREDENTIALS

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred
• 4-7 years of experience in non-profits, philanthropy, or program administration
• Experience with grants database programs preferred.
• Knowledge of trends statewide and national trends in criminal legal system reform, education, and youth development
• A strong understanding of the dynamics presented by Trinity being a religious institution.