George S. & Dolores Dore’ Eccles Foundation – Program Officer

By Buddy Rigotti | February 27, 2023

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The George  S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation  is a private family foundation based in Salt Lake City, Utah that furthers the philanthropic interests of its namesakes through statewide grants which enrich the lives of Utahns throughout the state. Its grants are awarded in five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Community (social services), Education, Health & Wellness, and Preservation & Conservation. The Foundation  is led by a Board of Directors, including Spencer F. Eccles, Chairman & CEO; Lisa Eccles, President  & COO; and Robert M. Graham, Secretary, Treasurer, & General Counsel.

COMMUNICATIONS  DIRECTOR REPORTS TO: President & COO

SUMMARY

The Program Officer is closely involved in the grant making process, including but not limited to: reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating inquiries and grant applications; researching grantees and conducting due diligence regarding their projects and programs; monitoring and analyzing grantee activities and reports; communicating and interfacing with grantees, conducting site visits; representing the Foundation in the community, reflecting its well-respected legacy of philanthropy; participating in special projects; and working with the Communications Director to draft and develop grant letters and other Foundation communications and documents.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR GRANT CYCLE

  • Develops deep knowledge and understanding of the Foundation’s  history, philosophy, and goals
  • Ensures consistency and standardization in grant review practices
  • Reviews and analyzes grant proposals, and prepares summary for quarterly Board of Directors meetings
  • Provides the President & COO with critiques and analysis of applications, grant reports reviewed, and reports  the grantees’  progress to the Board of Directors as needed
  • Coordinates responsibilities and activities with fellow staff members to ensure the smooth  operations of the Foundation’s  grant-making program

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR GRANTMAKING

  • Manages the grant application process in the Foundation’s  five grant-making focus areas (Arts & Culture; Community (social services); Education; Health & Wellness, and Preservation & Conservation, ensuring applicants comply with requirements
  • Analyzes operational conditions, financial statements, and effectiveness of partner nonprofit organizations throughout Utah
  • Performs essential due diligence and evaluation of grant applications; conducts site visitors and participates in meetings with nonprofit organizations/grant applicants as part of due diligence assessment
  • Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates Letters of Inquiry and Grant Applications in assigned focus areas, and determines appropriate next steps in consultation with Foundation staff
  • Represents the Foundation by maintaining relationships with grantees through collaboration, site visits, and engagement to coordinate, strengthen, and promote nonprofit/philanthropic sector interests
  • Reviews Grant Use Reports and other required reports submitted by grantees, ensuring goals and requirements are met, in order to assess outcomes and impact of grants for the COO
  • Communicates with grantees to ensure they comply with the terms of grants as outlined when awarded, particularly matching, challenge, and last-dollar grants
  • Communicates with applicants and grantees regarding the status of their applications, questions on applications submitted, questions on grant reports, and payment schedules

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Performs other duties as assigned by the President & COO
  • Ability to work proactively on projects outside of job description as needed

REQUIRED SKILLS

Communications

  • Excellent management, written, and verbal communications skills, with the ability to synthesize and present information efficiently
  • Ability to work in a professional setting as a cooperative team member with dependable interpersonal skills
  • Ability to lead meetings and discussions, and to direct them to a reasonable conclusion
  • Ability to communicate with tact and sensitivity in dealing with the Foundation’s grant applicants, grantees, and other nonprofits in written and verbal communications as well as in person
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding all Foundation-related information and discussions

Analytical

  • Ability to understand and interpret complex narratives and communications
  • Ability to make clear recommendations consistent with the Foundation’s  philosophy and culture
  • Understanding of philanthropy’s role in the community and state, and familiarity with nonprofit organizations

Organizational/Technical

  • Develops understanding of the Foundation’s grant-making goals and processes, including use of the grants management online application (called Foundant) and database system
  • Requires high degree of attention to detail, self-discipline, sound judgment, and personal initiative
  • Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects at one time
  • Computer literate and proficient in utilizing programs such as Word/Windows, Outlook Excel, PowerPoint,  etc.

IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Highest level of integrity, ethics, sound judgment, and confidentiality
  • Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information effectively and confidentially
  • Expressed commitment to the vision, mission, and goals of the Foundation
  • Professional demeanor demonstrating respect, integrity, judgment, cultural sensitivity, and flexibility to represent the Foundation in varying settings
  • Flexibility to take on a variety of tasks, along with an ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, team environment
  • Willingness to travel in the Utah grantmaking area (balancing time in the field with internal Foundation responsibilities)
  • A good listener who is approachable, knowledgeable, smart, and can develop positive working relationships with colleagues and others
  • A “doer” and self-starter who is willing to work hands-on as a productive team member with a high degree of initiative, energy, and collegiality

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of 10 years of related experience preferred

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and the George  S. and Dolores Dore’ Eccles Foundation  reserves  the right to do so at any time. Employee shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.

SALARY RANGE

$100,000 – $130,000 dependent on experience and expertise.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply or inquire about the position, please contact:

Lisa H. Mietchen, Senior Vice President
Fund  Raising  Counsel,  Inc. (FRCI) – Executive Search
8 East Broadway, Suite 410
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Cell: (801) 971-3443
Email: lisa@frcigroup.com

To submit application please include a resume, cover letter and a minimum of three professional references.

Confidentiality is maintained for initial inquiries.

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