The Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein Fund is one of three family foundations that comprise the Klingenstein Philanthropies. The Fund has well-established programs in neuroscience and early childhood. In the past two years, the Board of Trustees added grantmaking programs in the environment and early literacy.
The Program Officer will play a critical role in the development and expansion of the Early Literacy program. The goal of our Early Literacy Program is to improve literacy outcomes for children in early elementary school (kindergarten through grade three) by supporting instructional practices that align with the science of how children best learn to read. The program has two strategies:
- Support national organizations that advocate for and implement science-based literacy practices so that schools and teachers throughout the country can successfully teach students to read.
- Support schools in one or more of the following locations where the Klingenstein family lives or has roots: New York, Maine, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., or Maryland.
The Program Officer will work closely with the Executive Director and Advisory Committee. This position is an opportunity to work with a small group of friendly colleagues in a hybrid environment that includes a beautiful office based in the Chelsea area of Manhattan (candidates seeking remote only work will not be considered).
The candidate will have program expertise in early literacy. Change management experience working with teachers and school leaders to improve literacy outcomes in public educational settings is highly desired.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Grantmaking
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Advisory Committee to develop and manage the Early Literacy program. The Program Officer will collaborate to:
- Develop program strategy, goals, and plans
- Establish annual funding priorities that reflect program plans
- Research, develop, and present ideas for grantmaking initiatives that realize program strategy
- Source and conduct due diligence on potential grantees
- Write recommendations for new grantees and renewals, and present at Advisory Committee meetings
- Assist in preparation for, and participate in, board meetings
- Manage life cycle of grants in the organization’s online grants management portal, including applications, interim and final reports, and ongoing correspondence with grantees
- Conduct site visits nationwide to assess grantee progress
- Build and establish strategic relationships with philanthropic colleagues, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners
- Represent the Fund at conferences, briefings, and in coalitions with partners and funders
- Recommend outside experts for the Advisory Committee
Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with at least eight years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, including program expertise in early literacy
- Change management experience working with teachers and school leaders to improve literacy outcomes in public educational settings is highly desired
- Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills
- Experience in evaluating and interpreting nonprofit financial statements
- Ability to partner effectively with nonprofit leaders, researchers, and policy experts
- Willingness to travel within the US (particularly to meet with grantees)
- Willingness to work non-traditional hours (to meet with grantees, attend grantee events, attend panels and conferences, etc.)
- Willingness to help with other program areas as needed
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with Box, Foundant, or similar software products
The estimated salary range for this role is $130,000-$155,000.