Partnership for New Communities: Program Officer

Partnership for New Communities: Program Officer

Reports to: Executive Director
The Partnership for New Communities seeks a motivated self-starter with strong attention to detail who wants to make a contribution to Chicago’s effort to revitalize neighborhoods and improve lives through the transformation of public housing.
Established in 2003 by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and The Chicago Community Trust, The Partnership brings together business, civic and non-profit leaders to:

Support the goals of Chicago’s sweeping plan to transform public housing – the Plan for Transformation;
Stimulate large-scale economic revitalization of some of Chicago’s most distressed neighborhoods;
Promote the development of strong institutions that enrich community life and sustain mixed-income diversity; and
Invest in the human potential of community residents.

The Partnership is a staffed initiative housed at the Chicago Community Trust.

Job Purpose:
The Program Officer assists in developing The Partnership’s programmatic strategies, and implements those strategies by making and monitoring a portfolio of grants, providing active project management support, and serving as a representative of The Partnership to the community.

Job Functions:
Program Leadership

Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of program initiatives as set forth in the strategic plan.
Develop knowledge about and remain current with The Partnership’s program areas as well as community issues, needs and organizations within The Partnership’s areas of interest.
Attend and participate in monthly Colleagues meetings and quarterly Advisory Committee and Executive Subcommittee meetings. Prepare for and facilitate project-related meetings as needed, such as Opportunity Chicago’s Policy and Sustainability and Strategic Advisers meetings and 2016 Fund working group and funder meetings.
Work cooperatively with staff of The Chicago Community Trust and other foundations.
Attend and participate in programs, activities and training sessions that foster professional growth and an increased awareness of community.
Conduct research on issues or concerns of importance to The Partnership and present findings in written and oral formats, as directed by the Executive Director.

Program Management

Review and maintain a portfolio of letters of inquiry, follow up on invitations for proposal submission, and provide guidance to grant seekers regarding proposal submission.
Monitor grants from proposal approval through close of grant records to ensure compliance with terms of the grant, including review of grant agreements, progress reports, results, and payment requests. Respond to grant recipient requests for information.
Serve as manager and key point of contact for several major initiatives: Opportunity Chicago, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Living Cities / Weatherization Workforce Partnership, the 2016 Fund for Chicago Neighborhoods.
Carry out program evaluation as assigned, using the designated performance measurement tools.
Create reports analyzing and describing grant performance and project outcomes.
Manage consultant contracts on an as-needed basis


Proposal Review

Analyze and evaluate proposals including consideration of need, costs, capacity of organization, financial position, program outcomes and impact, usually requiring multiple site visits, reference checks and other due diligence.
Use the designated formats to write up an analysis and recommendation for review by the Executive Director and consideration by the Executive Subcommittee and Advisory Committee.

Community Engagement/Representation

Represent The Partnership to current and potential grant recipients at civic and community meetings and events.
Initiate conversations with community partners to develop and respond to new project ideas.
Organize and co-facilitate The Partnership’s annual conference for community partners.

Communications

Provide information on grants, organizations, and issues in the field(s) of expertise for the purpose of media and public relations.
Assist with content development and editing for newsletters, published reports, press releases, and Web materials.
Work with grant recipients to generate appropriate recognition for Partnership support and ensure alignment with Partnership branding and identity standards.

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in public policy or related field preferred
Minimum of three to five years of related experience
Excellent communication skills: written, verbal and presentation
Excellent analytical skills and ability to synthesize large amounts of information
Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize
Experience in one or more of the following program areas: workforce development, housing, community and economic development, evaluation preferred
Familiarity with metropolitan Chicago, its communities, neighborhoods, and community organizations.


This description should not be construed to contain every function or responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned.


Interested individuals should submit resume and cover letter to:

resumes@cct.org


NOTE: Please enter the job title of the position for which you are applying for in the subject header of the email.