Program Specialist, Community Impact

At San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff who are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego’s communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package, and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.

San Diego Foundation is seeking an experienced Program Specialist to support Ready to Learn (R2L), a $15 million early literacy initiative made possible through a partnership with the Dr. Seuss Foundation. Launched in March 2025, R2L aims to expand access to early learning opportunities and improve literacy outcomes for young children in San Diego County.

The Program Specialist will play a key role in managing grantmaking operations, data collection, reporting, and stakeholder communications. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about education, early literacy, and community impact.

Essential Responsibilities:

Grantmaking Coordination

• Manage all aspects of Ready to Learn grant cycles, including RFP processes, application reviews, and grantee check-ins.
• Oversee grant administration by maintaining trackers, agreements, memos, and related documentation.
• Ensure timely communication with grantees regarding reporting requirements, deadlines, and compliance.
• Prepare grantmaking updates and reports for internal leadership and the program’s founding partner.

Data Collection & Impact Reporting

• Collect and synthesize grantee data, testimonials, and program stories to highlight outcomes.
• Aggregate and analyze data to produce impact reports and dashboards.
• Serve as a team resource on data systems and contribute to future impact reporting strategies.

Program Operations

• Develop and maintain process documentation, communication templates, and file organization systems.
• Use Asana and other project management tools to track program milestones and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Collaborate across teams to monitor program performance and share progress with leadership and the founding partner.
• Support system training and software updates in coordination with IT and the People Team.

Additional

• Create written content, data visualizations, and presentations in support of program goals.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

• 3+ years of program or operations support experience in a foundation, nonprofit, government agency, or related setting.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools (Asana preferred).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Must reside in San Diego County.
• Experience in early literacy, education, or family-centered programming.
• Knowledge of San Diego’s communities and regional equity issues.
• Experience preparing professional communications for funders, boards, or external audiences.
• Familiarity with data visualization and impact reporting tools.

Language

Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Hybrid work environment based in San Diego.
• Able to work in a fast-changing setting with multiple priorities.
• Able to enter and retrieve information using a keyboard or other tools.
• Able to sit, stand, walk, or drive for periods of time, with or without accommodation.
• Able to view and use a computer screen for up to two hours, with or without accommodation.
• Able to communicate by phone or alternative methods, with or without accommodation.
• Able to remain seated or standing for extended periods, with or without accommodation.

• Salaried Exempt: $69,000.00 - $75,000.00(San Diego Foundation is committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. Actual offers will be reflective of qualifications, skills and experience, internal equity, alignment with market data, among other relevant factors.)
• Supportive, inclusive company culture; awarded Top Workplace by the…