The Collins Foundation Seeks a Program Officer

The application period for this position has closed.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Our Mission Toward an Equitable Future

Formed in 1947 by members of the Collins family, The Collins Foundation invests in Oregon nonprofit organizations, both rural and urban, that are dedicated to improving quality of life and well-being for the people in their communities. As a funder and partner, we are committed to the pursuit of equity, both in how we allocate resources across Oregon’s diverse communities and how we shape our internal structures.

Our Vision for Oregon

We want the state of Oregon to be a place where all people have access to high quality, culturally responsible services in sectors such as health, social services, education, housing, and employment. We also envision vibrant neighborhoods and communities where residents enjoy access to healthy food; a rich variety of artistic and cultural expression; and the benefits of Oregon’s natural environment.

Our Grantmaking

Racial equity is a high priority in our grantmaking. Further, we promote inclusion for all communities that are systematically denied access to resources and the opportunity to make decisions on matters that affect them, particularly people of color, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, low income individuals and families, and rural communities.

We understand that organizations, including The Collins Foundation, are at different stages in their pursuit of equity based on their history, leadership, and community, and we are interested in supporting the learning and growth of our grantees throughout Oregon. 

The Foundation has assets in excess of $200 million and in 2020 awarded more than $16 million in grants.


ABOUT THE POSITION

The Program Officer (PO) is responsible for developing relationships with nonprofits, funders, and other community partners; conducting grantmaking activities; looking for opportunities to strengthen nonprofit organizational effectiveness, support innovation and collaboration, advance racial and social justice through equitable funding strategies, and build capacity for change; and working with others to enhance the Foundation’s responsiveness, relevance and effectiveness in Oregon.

Key Relationships

Reports To: The Director of Programs

Direct Reports: none

Other Key Relationships

Collins Staff: Other Program Officers, Grants Manager, CFO, CEO

External Community Leaders

Oregon Nonprofits

Other Foundations

Local and State Leaders


WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required Experience (Minimum Qualifications)

  • Significant work experience in the nonprofit sector, including significant experience specifically working in or with nonprofits in Oregon
  • Experience working effectively with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders, including people of color, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, or other people underrepresented in philanthropy
  • A solid understanding of the needs of different communities throughout Oregon, including rural communities and communities of color, and has experience and relationships here.
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, implementing effective strategies for building organizational and sector capacities (e.g. strategic and programmatic planning, fund development, leadership development, policy engagement, network development, and systems navigation) – to be used in assessing organizational needs and identifying ways in which the Foundation can build capacity
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; effective, engaging facilitation and presentation skills; excellent organizational and project management skills
  • A deep-rooted personal interest in, and commitment to, working in a diverse and inclusive work environment that places a high value on equity; commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture of collaboration and respect
  • Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information effectively and confidentially
  • Ability to travel within Oregon, and occasionally beyond, on an as-needed basis; an appreciation of and enthusiasm for community presence as an integral part of this role
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and function as a member of a team in a fast-paced work environment that sometimes requires “all hands” for any given circumstance 
  • An undergraduate degree is preferred; however, commensurate experiential learning will be considered.
 

LINK TO THE FULL POSITION PROFILE AND HOW TO APPLY.