Program Officer, Economic Opportunity

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Based in Boston, MA, the Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund diverse programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through investments in nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture, conservation, economic opportunity, education, and medical science. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 60 years. We also support organizations that strengthen the communities in select additional metropolitan areas across the United States.

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.

Our operating principles since we began nearly six decades ago still guide our grantmaking today: we strive to support our grantees' long-term effectiveness and build organizational capabilities to better fulfill their missions and serve their constituencies. 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.

One of the Foundations' priorities is to promote conditions for individuals to achieve upward mobility from poverty and live with agency and dignity, regardless of the circumstances into which they are born. Specifically, the Foundations' Economic Opportunity Program seeks to improve the wellbeing of individuals, children, and families from historically underserved backgrounds by focusing on the following strategies:

• Early Childhood Development: Babies are born healthy, to healthy and prepared parents, and continue to thrive during early childhood.
• Youth Engagement: Young people are healthy, engaged, connected, and on a path to economic mobility.
• Generational Prosperity: Individuals are creating and building lasting financial stability for the next generation.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Program Officer, Economic Opportunity, will partner closely with internal and external resources to build and grow a portfolio of philanthropic investment that advances the Foundations' Generational Prosperity work. The position is new and will report to the Program Director, Economic Opportunity.

• Develop a pipeline strategy and execute grantmaking centered around financial education and empowerment, including investments in areas such as financial health and capabilities, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion
• Identify and cultivate potential grant opportunities aligned with the Foundations' Generational Prosperity strategy by initiating and managing relationships with potential grantees
• Partner with team members to advance promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through site visits, financial analysis, and other activities
• Develop, draft, and refine proposal requests and prepare detailed grant recommendations for senior management and Trustee approval
• Evaluate grant effectiveness against stated objectives and overall portfolio effectiveness
• Input relevant and timely information into grants management system and maintain adherence to grant administrative processes
• Draft clear and concise internal summaries, documents, and analyses for regular updates to Foundation management and leadership teams, and to support Trustee engagement
• Participate in the Foundations' research agenda and strategy development, and serve as a thought leader on issues relating to Financial Empowerment in collaboration with the strategy & impact team
• Follow media and literature to stay abreast of nonprofit trends and best practices, and attend relevant conferences to broaden knowledge

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 8-10 years of work experience in the financial education and empowerment sector with strong project management skills; experience in philanthropy and/or as a nonprofit practitioner is ideal
• Prior experience working with or in nonprofit organizations that focus on increasing economic opportunity through access to capital, and building personal financial capabilities
• Demonstrated interest in advancing opportunities and removing barriers for underserved populations
• The ability to translate complex and voluminous information into clear, concise written project previews, descriptions, and recommendations
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, for both internal and external audiences, with a proven ability to write succinctly and compellingly
• Analytical skills and experience, particularly in conducting due diligence for organizations and projects; ability to assess information to draw sound conclusions
• Exceptional relationship-building and management skills who can create meaningful long-term relationships to support the Foundations' Financial Education and Empowerment efforts
• A proven record of delivering against goals; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting and executing priorities and guiding investments in projects and systems
• An ability to move work forward independently and think big picture while collaborating with team and applying a keen eye to detail
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality

This position is based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule with a weekly requirement to work in-person with colleagues; 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.