The Y & H Soda Foundation is seeking a Program Officer for Education and Youth Development.  The job description can be downloaded at: http://www.yhsodafoundation.org/browse/about/employment_opportunities

The application deadline is 10/30/08.

Y & H Soda Foundation Position Announcement

Program Officer for Education & Youth Development   

The Y & H Soda Foundation makes charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.  Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for the economically disadvantaged, disabled, elderly and youth; to promote their health and welfare; to provide opportunities for education and to support those organizations whose religious philosophy strengthens the spiritual and temporal well being of those they serve.  The Foundation has a strong commitment to supporting the Catholic faith and Catholic organizations in the East Bay.  We make grants in five program areas: Economic and Social Supports for Working Poor Families; Healthy Aging for Older Adults; Health and Human Services; Education and Youth Development; and Religion.  Last year the Foundation awarded approximately $6 million in grants to East Bay nonprofit organizations. 

  Position Responsibilities:

• Review letters of intent and grant proposals.  Conduct thorough assessment of requests, including site visits with requesting agencies and other due diligence. 
• Prepare written proposal summaries and make oral presentations to the Board of Directors, including recommendations for approval or denial.
• Monitor progress of grantees to assist in their success in achieving key objectives. Serve as primary contact in negotiating and resolving issues for the grantees.
• Under the supervision of the Executive Director, develop projects in cooperation with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and funders, or collaborations where the project appears to have shared interest with the Foundation’s mission and programmatic priorities.
• Initiate community outreach and serve as a liaison between the Foundation and grant seekers.
• Provide technical assistance to grantees, as needed.
• Participate as an active member of the Program team, providing collegial support to other program officers and collaborating in cross-program area projects and initiatives.
• Review and remain current in issues and trends in education and youth development, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector.  Maintain a working knowledge and professional working relationships in the education and youth development program area.
• Assess changing community needs that pertain to the Foundation's grants program, and prepare periodic policy issue reports for presentation to and discussion with the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
• Represent the Foundation on external committees, panels, and affinity groups, as needed, and remain professionally linked with other local and national developments in the education and youth development program area in order to enhance Foundation grantmaking.

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.  An advanced degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of experience as a practitioner or grantmaker in the education and youth development field is required.  A strong knowledge of East Bay issues and recent experience in the East Bay is required.
• Knowledge of the Catholic religion and familiarity with Catholic education and related programs of the Diocese of Oakland is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of youth development principles and practices, and their application in East Bay settings.
• Familiarity with school reform issues, especially at the local level (Oakland Unified School District Redesign, small autonomous schools, charter schools, community schools).
• Knowledge of after school programs in the East Bay.
• Familiarity with independent school programs in the East Bay.
• Experience that demonstrates the ability to conceptualize, administer, evaluate, and communicate education and youth development programs is essential.  Candidates must be interdisciplinary thinkers and knowledgeable of the complex issues confronting the East Bay.  Although previous professional experience in philanthropy is not required, a previous relationship with philanthropy as a grantee, consultant or advisor is helpful.

• Excellent written communications skills; excellent verbal skills including public speaking, meeting facilitation and presentations. 
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Group process, facilitation, and team-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and communities.
• Strong diplomatic skills: Ability to effectively and comfortably represent the Foundation in a variety of settings and maintain appropriate professional distance.
• Strong knowledge, expertise and experience working and partnering with nonprofits, school districts, and the Diocese of Oakland.
• Ability to take both the leader and follower roles as the situation requires.
• High integrity, honesty, and a commitment to quality.
• Excellent organizational skills: Ability to multi-task, track multiple projects, meet deadlines and set priorities.
• Ability to work independently, as well as with others in a small, collaborative team environment.
• Ability to read and effectively analyze nonprofit financial reports and budgets.
• Computer Literacy: proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Experience and desire to work within a team environment with an emphasis on learning and continuous improvement.
• A sincere dedication to the mission of the Y & H Soda Foundation.

The Foundation welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and seeks to hire qualified staff who reflect the rich diversity of the East Bay communities we serve.

Compensation: The salary and benefits package is competitive and commensurate with background and experience.  This position is a full-time, exempt, salaried position.

To Apply: Qualified candidates should send a resume, cover letter and two writing samples no later than October 30, 2008 to:

Bob Uyeki, Executive Director

Y & H Soda Foundation

1635 School Street

Moraga, CA 94556

Materials may also be emailed to:

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www.yhsodafoundation.org