Program Manager, Just Democracy

The Program Manager, Just Democracy is a dynamic, engaged contributor to the overall efforts of Skyline Foundation focusing on the issue areas pertinent to Skyline’s just democracy program. The just democracy program currently focuses in four areas: civil rights and civil liberties, economic security policy; news and information; and voting rights. The Program Manager’s core responsibilities include working on the execution of Skyline Foundation’s grantmaking in just democracy with a commitment to trust-based philanthropy, equity, and building partnerships with grantees. The Program Manager will also contribute to grantmaking strategy by participating in continuous improvement within the program, analyzing and evaluating results to strengthen just democracy program strategy and impact.

Responsibilities

Grantmaking

• In partnership with the Program Lead, Just Democracy, identify and assess potential grantee organizations in relation to the program strategy
• Partner with grantees and potential grantees on applications and reporting to reduce the burden on grantees to access and manage grant funds
• Invite proposals and prepare docket materials to recommend prospective grants to the board
• Maintain relationships with grantees through periodic meetings and attending important convenings
• Guide applicants and grantees throughout all stages of the grantmaking process
• Partner with grants management to ensure efficient, accurate, compliant, and streamlined grantmaking processes and understand grantee financial health reviews
• Participate in assessing grants and programs by analyzing grantee reports to share learning, progress, and outcomes to build a better understanding of the ecosystem and program impact

Program Leadership & Relationships

• Deepen current and develop new relationships with a broad range of public, private, nonprofit and advocacy partners; work collaboratively to identify strategic approaches to support the just democracy field
• Become trusted partners to their grantees
• Provide thoughtful and relevant support and assistance to prospective and current grantees
• Continually survey the regional, national, and international landscape, where applicable, to identify emerging innovations, opportunities, and trends, further partnerships in the just democracy and in philanthropy to increase knowledge base about the needs of communities and grantees
• Conduct research and develop internal communication materials on just democracy topics that could become areas of focus for grantmaking
• Contribute to a continuous learning environment within the foundation team that includes creation of opportunities for shared learning with the staff team

Organizational Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Participate in foundation staff-wide activities to continuously improve foundation processes, build collegial culture and encourage cross-departmental learning
• Collaborate and share information with colleagues within the foundation through active use of foundation knowledge management systems

Experience

• Minimum seven years' work experience in just democracy, with a focus on one or more of the issues currently funded (civil rights and civil liberties, economic security policy; news and information; and voting rights); strongly prefer experience in a nonprofit organization
• Three years leadership experience in decision making or advising decision makers in nonprofit, government, philanthropy, or relevant private sector
• Demonstrated experience in implementing effective strategies for promoting equity in just democracy
• Proven experience with Microsoft Office, project management, and database programs

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge about research, trends, emerging practices, and innovations in just democracy
• An existing network in the just democracy field
• Excellent writing and editing skills and the ability to produce high-quality writing on deadline
• Willingness to challenge conventional thinking and research new and big ideas
• Commitment to trust-based philanthropy and a willingness to take on the burden of work for grantees
• Knowledge about nonprofit organizations and the infrastructure needed to execute the work
• Strong team player that embraces Skyline’s values
• Outstanding relational, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, both internally and externally
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Combines a curious, collaborative sensibility and work style with the ability to implement innovative ideas and solutions that serve the goals of the program and the entire organization
• Passion and commitment to advancing justice and equity
• High personal and professional standards of transparency and accountability
• Adept at working with people from diverse backgrounds, including staff and board members from grantee organizations and other funders, field experts, and those with divergent political and world views
• Empathy and respect for those who do the hard work of leading and raising money for programs and organizations
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and with discretion
• Welcome feedback as a means to personal and professional growth