Program Officer

Position Summary

Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Officer manages the Foundation’s grantmaking and scholarship programs and supports nonprofit capacity-building and community leadership initiatives. In alignment with the strategic plan, this role focuses on:

• Goal 1: Convening: Connecting for impact

  Strengthening the Foundation’s role as a community connector by increasing visibility and deepening understanding of diverse partners to help unite efforts around shared visions for great collective impact; growing the community Foundation’s role as a convener in the community.

• Goal 2: Funding and Grantmaking: Philanthropy in Action

  Aligning and growing fundraising efforts at the Foundation to the most impactful areas of need, increasing quality of life in Isabella County to create a culture of philanthropy; Enhance the revenue model for the Foundation to create more flexible dollars; Restructure how the Foundation grants money to have the most impact in serving community needs.

• Goal 3: Organizational Infrastructure: Strength from Within

  Strengthen our organization’s ability to make mission-driven decisions that prioritize community impact, even when those decisions may not align with the preferences of all stakeholders; Restructure the Community Foundation for greater efficiency and long-term capacity; Increase the community’s understanding of the foundation’s identity, role, and value as a driver of positive impact.

 Primary Responsibilities

• Grantmaking & Scholarship Management

  • Donor Intent: Understand, communicate, and uphold donors’ philanthropic goals for both grants and scholarships, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission.

  • Promotion & Deadlines: Publicize protocols, guidelines, and timelines for grant and scholarship cycles; actively encourage participation.

  • Application Processing: Screen and process all submissions, accurately enter data into the grants management software, and prepare corresponding agreements and correspondence.

  • Communication & Follow-Up: Maintain ongoing contact with grantees and scholarship recipients, ensuring they receive clear expectations and resources for successful projects.

  • Impact Highlighting: Share stories of funded projects and scholarship outcomes through reports, site visits, social media, and community events to keep donors and stakeholders informed and engaged.

  • Review & Compliance: Coordinate with grantees on reporting requirements; conduct site visits to assess funded projects and verify alignment with donor intent.

  • Capacity Building: Promote training and educational opportunities for local nonprofit staff and boards, enhancing their impact and sustainability.

• Committee Coordination

  • Grant Review & Scholarship Committees:

  • Maintain up-to-date volunteer reviewer lists and prepare materials for the review process.

  • Prepare and distribute review packets, ensuring compliance with established Foundation policies.

  • Develop agendas and take accurate meeting minutes for effective documentation.

  • Collaboration: Engage committee members, providing them with the information needed to make informed decisions about funding.

• Capacity Building & Community Leadership Support

  • Stakeholder Relationships: Develop and maintain strong connections with local schools, nonprofits, and government units, fostering an environment of collaboration and open communication.

  • Foundation Promotion: Seek opportunities—via events, presentations, and media outreach—to highlight the Foundation’s grantmaking, scholarship, and leadership efforts.

  • Committee Involvement: Actively participate in meetings and relevant task forces to identify community needs and share recommendations for strategic grantmaking.

  • Strategic Alignment: Gather data on critical issues, assist the Board in identifying funding gaps, and propose proactive grants that address pressing local challenges.

• Donor Engagement (Stewardship)

  • Relationship Cultivation: Work closely with team members to keep donors informed of project milestones, success stories, and emerging opportunities.

  • Reporting & Updates: Provide concise, impactful updates that highlight how donor contributions are strengthening the community—reinforcing trust and encouraging renewed support.

• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education & Technical Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based communication tools.

  • Ability to learn and use grant management software.

• Nonprofit & Grantmaking Knowledge

  • Previous nonprofit or substantive volunteer experience strongly preferred.

  • Familiarity with grant processes, including application review, compliance, and reporting.

• Analytical & Communication Skills

  • Capacity to evaluate proposals critically, maintain impartiality, and communicate alternatives clearly.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication for interacting with grantees, committee members, and community stakeholders.

• Organizational & Time Management Skills

  • Able to multi-task, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines.

  • Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.

• Teamwork & Professionalism

  • Effective collaborator who thrives in a small-staff environment.

  • Upholds confidentiality and demonstrates a genuine passion for philanthropy.

Interested?
Please email Jaimie Capen-Cascaddan, Program Director, at jcapen@mpacf.org with “Program Officer” in the subject line. Include 1) a resume, 2) a cover letter addressing relevant experience and why you are interested in this position, and 3) a list of three references. No hard copy submissions, please. For best consideration, please apply before November 20, 2026.

Salary Range:

$48,000 to $52,000 commensurate with experience. Benefit package includes health and life insurance, disability, retirement, paid vacation, and more. Full-Time, Exempt (40 hrs)

The position will remain open until filled. The Foundation reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.

MPACF is an equal-opportunity employer.