Program Officer, Regional

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in non-profits from across arts and culture, education, conservation, medical science, and economic opportunity. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 50 years. We also support non-profits that strengthen the communities in other regions of the country where Fidelity Investments employees live and work.     

Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.      As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity. 

Through its regional program, Fidelity Foundations make grants to non-profits across its sector focus areas. Fidelity Foundations prioritizes its regional, place-based giving in 10 communities across the United States in the following locations: Albuquerque, NM; Covington, KY/Cincinnati, OH; Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, FL; Jersey City, NJ; Merrimack, NH; Raleigh/Durham, NC; Salt Lake City, UT; and Smithfield, RI.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As a member of the Fidelity Foundations' regional program staff, the Program Officer will be responsible for developing, managing, and evaluating a portfolio of philanthropic investments focused on capacity-building in a few select regions. The incumbent will deeply understand the local context, contribute to strategy development, and actively cultivate and assess potential investments. They will represent the Fidelity Foundations and its Trustees to existing and prospective grantees, external stakeholders, and community members. The Program Officer will also participate in programmatic efforts that cut across grant portfolios and support organization-wide learning. This position reports to the Program Director, Regional.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Gain a deep understanding of each region's context and develop responsive and impactful grantmaking strategies across our sector areas of focus
• Identify and cultivate potential grant opportunities by initiating and managing relationships with potential grantees and other prospecting activities
• Work to assess and advance promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through site visits, in-depth material reviews, financial analysis, and other activities
• Develop and refine proposal requests, and prepare detailed written analyses and grant recommendations for senior management and Trustee approval
• Participate in and contribute to the research agenda and strategy development in collaboration with the Foundations' Strategy and Impact team
• Evaluate grant effectiveness against stated objectives and overall portfolio effectiveness
• Support grant administrative processes, including inputting relevant and timely information into grants management system
• Provide expertise in support of other program areas and projects as required
• Follow media and literature to stay abreast of nonprofit trends and best practices, and attend relevant conferences to broaden knowledge
• Travel to conduct site visits within designated communities two to three times annually will be required

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

It is critically important that the Program Officer be a highly collaborative and collegial team player who listens and communicates well.

To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

• A minimum of 8 years of related work; experience in philanthropy or non-profit management is strongly preferred, but not required
• Analytical skills and experience, particularly in conducting basic financial analysis and due diligence for organizations and capacity-building projects
• Excellent communication skills, including strong writing and the ability to develop and present compelling narratives on complex topics
• High-level relationship building and interpersonal skills (e.g., collaborative, diplomatic, able to tailor communication to varied audiences) and a customer-service mindset
• A proven track record of delivering against goals
• Developed areas of special knowledge or expertise and demonstrated interest and commitment to becoming expert in a variety of issue areas
• Ability to multi-task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, changing, and complex environment
• Experience developing and executing against strategic priorities
• Exceptional judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality
• Ability to move work forward independently while collaborating with a team and applying a keen eye to detail

This position will be based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule with a weekly requirement to work in-person with colleagues 3 days per week; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.  

   The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.