Associate Program Officer; BF

Founded in 1962, the Buell Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to supporting the positive development of children across the state of Colorado through grants and partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded in the areas of early childhood development and teen pregnancy prevention. Since inception, the Buell Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in grants.

The Associate Program Officer is a junior level position with the Foundation. This individual will develop and maintain relationships with assigned nonprofit organizations applying to the Foundation for funding. Working closely with the program team, the Associate Program Officer will complete all aspects of the grant review process. The Associate Program Officer is expected to contribute to programmatic ideas and actively participate in all aspects of the Foundation’s work.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of foundation grantmaking, understanding of the work of the nonprofit sector, and a strong desire to work with and support the Buell Foundation and its grantees. She/he will demonstrate humility, integrity, and flexibility to represent the Foundation in diverse forums and organizational relationships. In addition, she/he will have a commitment to personal learning and development as well as openness to feedback.

The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude and the ability to see multiple possibilities and solutions. A sense of humor is also welcome.

The individual filling this position will report to the Vice President of Programs and work in close partnership with a small team of program staff. This position is based in Denver.

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Programs and with assistance from the Program Officers:

• Review and analyze assigned grant applications, conduct site visits, and compose evaluations, including recommendations.
• Work with individual grantees to identify, implement, and prioritize appropriate quality improvement efforts and evaluation.
• Build and maintain active, positive relationships with grant seekers and grant recipients.
• Represent the Buell Foundation in its interactions with philanthropic colleagues, nonprofit organizations, public officials, and the general public at various activities and meetings.
• Acquire and maintain a breadth of knowledge relative to the primary focus area of the Foundation (currently early childhood learning and development).
• Undertake other duties, including special projects, as assigned.

• Energetic, dependable, and flexible.
• Willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills.
• Commitment to being an enthusiastic and collaborative member of a small, cross-functional team.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to create documents at the highest level of writing standards, excellent editing skills, and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners, and grantees.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize large quantities of information into succinct, persuasive documents.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional and respectful manner.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Team player ready to pitch in wherever needed.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of three years of experience in the nonprofit and/or philanthropic sector in Colorado, five years preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in the field of early childhood learning and development preferred.
• Experience in program and/or project management preferred.
• Experience working in the state of Colorado, and rural communities in particular, preferred.
• Experience and comfort working in a small office that is team-oriented, mission-driven, and strives for excellence.

Working Conditions

• Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Denver office.
• Professional office environment.
• Workload will fluctuate due to deadlines and changing priorities.
• Extensive keyboard and…