Program Specialist, Corporate and Issue-based Programming

About SoCal Grantmakers

SoCal Grantmakers (SCG) is a membership association where our region’s philanthropic leaders unite to learn, connect, and take action. We aim to champion effective philanthropy and advance collaborative efforts to create meaningful community change. SCG connects grantmakers through sector-wide conferences, trainings, and networking opportunities—providing support and leadership for collaboration on projects and action on our region’s pressing issues. SCG currently brings together 300+ members who represent the spectrum of philanthropy, including foundations, family philanthropy, corporate giving, consultants to philanthropy, and government grantmakers.

Over the past several years, SCG’s size and scope have grown dramatically. We have reorganized and expanded so we can deepen and strengthen our impact in the ways that our members and partners are seeking: more intersectional issue-based programming and professional development that helps funders connect and take bold action for equitable and just impacts in communities, robust, nimble action on policy and advocacy; convening and facilitating collaborations and partnerships; and investing in our sustainability and capacity to lead as an organization with racial justice at the center.

Position Description

Under the direct supervision of the SVP, Programs, and Strategic Partnerships, the Program Specialist manages the development of regional and statewide funder educational and networking opportunities, including support for specialized membership segments such as corporate philanthropy, regional funder groups, and established partnerships. The Specialist will work closely with the Director of Programs and Conferences and the SVP to cultivate and integrate regional, corporate, and partner content into a broader range of programs and conferences.

This position is an integral team member and will be vital in managing program and conference strategy and contributing to the organization’s overall success. It is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with solid project management and facilitation skills. SCG has a collaborative and dynamic work culture with ample learning and professional development opportunities. The position offers flexibility in working from SCG’s offices in Downtown Los Angeles or from home. However, it must be available to staff in in-person programs and conferences in the greater Los Angeles area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy and Leadership

• Serve as lead in developing regional and statewide educational programs and networking opportunities with corporate, regional, and other partners.
• Provide direction, thoughtful leadership, and thought partnership to corporate consultants by co-creating scope of work, regional funder groups, and other strategic partnerships.
• Work closely with the Director of Programs to integrate topics of interest to members into annual conferences.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external partners to collaborate and amplify community-centered solutions.

Cross-Departmental Responsibilities

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including knowledge and communications, membership and sustainability, executive office, and consultants, to meet objectives and timelines.
• Contribute to overarching organization and department goals by participating in cross-functional working groups.
• Draft external communications for funders and partners, such as educational tools, resources, and announcements.
• Work closely with the communications team to deliver ongoing corporate newsletters, conference emails, etc.
• Work with consultants to create ongoing communications strategies for corporate and regional funders.

Programming and Events

• Organize funder briefings that are responsive and timely to a diverse membership.
• Facilitate funder group meetings, briefings, and planning calls with detailed note-taking and immediate follow-through for the next steps.
• Lead ongoing educational series to provide funders with updates, resources, and support for partners, including in the population areas of aging, child welfare, early childhood, justice reform, and opportunity youth.
• Provide logistical coordination to develop programs and support regional and statewide peer networks.
• Provide timely, relevant, intersectional content to support conference planning and raise funders' understanding of the areas of interest to the specific segments of the membership, as outlined.

Partnerships

• Monitor program partnership request submissions, prioritize, and make recommendations to the program team for execution.
• Oversee public-private partnerships, regional funder groups, the SCG Corporate Advisory Council, and the Inland Empire Funders Alliance.
• Attend meetings regularly and share back at cross-team meetings.
• Any other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organization’s Values