Job Announcement

Akonadi Foundation Program Officer 2010 Job Description 

Position Summary

The Program Officer leads the planning, development, implementation and assessment for one or more of Akonadi’s grantmaking programs. Reporting to and working collaboratively with the President, the Program Officer helps Akonadi fulfill its mission by staying abreast of emerging trends in philanthropy and the field of racial justice, and building connections within the target communities to create synergies and extend the impact of our work. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Major Responsibilities

The Program Officer is responsible for designing and carrying out Akonadi’s grantmaking programs, and for ensuring the effectiveness of each program, on its own terms and as part of Akonadi’s overall strategy. This position provides input into and helps manage Akonadi’s communications; ensures the Foundation has efficient and effective grantmaking and reporting systems; conducts peer networking with program staff of institutional funders; and provides input into the formulation and implementation of Akonadi’s long-term foundation wide strategy and Theory of Change. Working collaboratively and constructively with other team members, the Program Officer may manage junior staff or oversee contractors, as required. Specific responsibilities include:

Program and Strategy

1. Program Administration. Take a lead role in developing priorities, criteria and content for RFPs for the Building a Movement (BAM) grantmaking program. Conduct site visits, proposal reviews and docket presentations. 
2. Field-Building. Conduct outreach and research on issues, policy and trends related to select programs, in order to improve and extend the impact of the grants. Coordinate and schedule field-building activities including: informational calls with potential grantees, convenings of grantees, grantmaking through all grantmaking programs as well as training and capacity building for grantees.
3. Peer Networking.  Develop peer networking approach and carry out strategy with program staff of institutional funders.  Participate in national peer networking with racial and social justice, economic justice and arts/culture funders. 
4. Strategy.  Play a lead role in the articulation, implementation and assessment of Akonadi’s Theory of Change and long-term foundation wide strategy.   Responsible for research, strategy development, assessment and refinement for select programs. Provide input to President on grantmaking portfolio strategy.

Institutional Relations

1. Partner Relations.  Help the Foundation develop strong, collaborative working relationships with grantees, peer funders, and philanthropic and nonprofit leaders. Ensure that communication with stakeholders is cohesive and strategic.  Participate in networks and associations providing mutual support.
2. Information Technology.  Utilize the Foundation’s database, website and other computerized systems for managing client and constituent relationships. Provide input for improving or expanding systems for added efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Communications/Outreach.  Take a leadership role in building the profile of the Foundation by writing to and speaking in public forums, and by contributing to the development of internally developed materials, such as the website, brochures and/or annual reports. 

Job Requirements

The position is based in the Foundation’s offices in Oakland, CA. Required skills and qualities include:

• Deep understanding of, and strong commitment to, the mission and goals of the Foundation; extensive experience with the programs under this position’s direction
• Strong research and analytical skills, and ability to relate findings clearly
• Excellent oral and written communication and meeting facilitation skills, with a demonstrated ability to relate to and communicate with diverse communities
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and other computerized tools for developing text and graphic communications and reports
• College degree
• Ability to meet deadlines and motivate others to do so
• Must be able to work independently and multi-task with high degree of project and time-management capacity
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to create positive, long-term working relationships by demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and customer service, tact, dependability, diplomacy and flexibility
• Ability to work in a small and friendly office environment where each staff person assumes multiple responsibilities while striving to achieve shared goals
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to meetings and conferences

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for long periods while using a computer with keyboard, screen and mouse; talk and listen on a telephone and in person; read and write; apply logic and focus attention in the presence of distractions. Limited travel is required for participation in relevant conferences, site visits and meetings.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job’s essential functions.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is competitive. Akonadi provides medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits.

To Apply

Please provide the following information:

•   A cover letter stating your interest, availability and general qualifications
•   A resume or CV outlining your education, skills and experience

Please submit your complete application via email to info@akonadi.org by February 8, 2010.

Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action Statement

Akonadi Foundation believes in equal opportunity for individuals without regard to race, ancestry, religion, creed, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical abilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, color, gender identity characteristics or expression, marital status, economic status, veteran status, past criminal record or medical condition (for example, AIDS, AIDS-related condition or cancer).  Opportunity is provided to all applicants and employees on the basis of qualifications and job requirements.