Job Announcement
Senior Program Manager,
Democratic Community Development
Posted November 2015
Open Until Filled
Neighborhood Funders Group (NFG), a national membership association of grantmaking institutions, is hiring a full-time Senior Program Manager to lead NFG’s efforts to connect philanthropy with Democratic Community Development efforts in places around the country.
The Senior Program Manager will facilitate and coordinate the efforts of NFG funder members interested in leveraging and expanding support for innovative community organizing efforts focused on community development that benefits established residents in low-income communities.
ABOUT NFG
NFG’s mission is to build the capacity of philanthropy to advance economic, social, and racial justice and community well-being. NFG organizes the field of social change philanthropy, develops leaders in the field, cultivates thought leadership among its national base of members, and encourages the support of policies and practices that advance economic, social, and racial justice. NFG offers cutting edge, member-driven programming that examines the critical connections between people, place and power and coordinates philanthropic support for community-centered strategies. Our network is growing rapidly: over 800 people have participated in our programming over the past two years. We provide highly regarded national convenings, strategic funder-field partnerships, and ongoing support for member-driven projects that advance community change work and philanthropic support for it.
ABOUT THE POSITION
NFG seeks a leader to shepherd its Democratic Community Development programming, support funders in moving toward strategic alignment in their grantmaking, and conduct outreach efforts to funders and field leaders. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience in community development and/or philanthropy, as well as a demonstrated commitment to economic and racial justice, a solid understanding of community organizing, program management skills, an easy rapport with a wide variety of people, and an excellent sense of humor.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to NFG’s Director of Programs, the Senior Program Manager will:
 Organize and facilitate regular committee meetings for funder members providing
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leadership in NFG’s Democratic Community Development program.
 Lead and implement a specific program component on solutions to gentrification and displacement in California and nationally, including coordinating partnerships with field leaders and facilitating a planning process with funders to develop a comprehensive antidisplacement framework to encourage strategic, aligned grantmaking.
 With logistical support from other NFG staff, organize meetings, learning tours, convenings and webinars to broaden understanding and interest in philanthropy for approaches for
Democratic Community Development.
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Track major developments in fields, policies and issues related to community development such as gentrification and displacement, affordable housing, local and/or regional economic development, community benefits agreements, land use, environmental health and sustainability, transportation, access to healthy food and recreation, wealth building, entrepreneurship, etc.
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Maintain relationships with current Democratic Community Development program funder members and build relationships with new ones.
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Develop strategic relationships with field leaders to inform funders on an ongoing basis and identify opportunities to make connections among field leaders.
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Develop and manage the Democratic Community Development program budget with support from NFG’s finance team.
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Work closely with active members and the NFG President on fundraising.
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Develop and update written program plans and content for grant proposals and reports, working closely with NFG’s development consultant.
 Develop written content and updates about the Democratic Community Development program for communications (internal and external) in collaboration with NFG staff.
 Represent the Democratic Community Development program externally with other funders, philanthropy associations and affinity groups, field leaders, and philanthropic media and at conferences.
 Participate in planning and execution of NFG’s biennial national conference.
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Work with other NFG staff and leadership to provide integration and connection between
Democratic Community Development and other NFG programs.
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DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 At least 7 years of experience in social justice-oriented community development or placebased work, either in the field or in philanthropy. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of issues and policy areas described above.
 Visionary and strategic thinker with strong program development skills.
 Well-organized and detail-oriented, with capacity to prioritize and meet deadlines; demonstrated experience coordinating or managing projects to completion.
 Personable with a good sense of humor; demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with different kinds of stakeholders.
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Demonstrated experience and comfort with facilitating committees or coalitions.
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Flexibility and comfort with overlapping projects, competing deadlines, and engagement with multiple stakeholders.
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Strong writing and analytical skills.
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Ability to travel regularly.
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Facility with technology and comfort with office software and online collaboration.
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Demonstrated commitment to NFG’s social justice mission and values.
 Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 Prior experience working in philanthropy, particularly place-based philanthropy, is a strong preference for this position.
 Familiarity with issues, organizations, foundations and government in the state of California as well as other parts of the country.
 Experience with one or more CRM databases (we currently use NationBuilder).
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Prior experience with events or conference management.
COMPENSATION
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Salary is commensurate with experience, within a range of $65,000 - $85,000. Full benefits package includes generous leave, health insurance, and retirement contributions.
LOCATION
It is preferable that the successful candidate work full-time in NFG’s Oakland, California office.
However, telecommuting from another location will be considered for the right candidate.
PROCESS
Please send a cover letter, resume, three references and a writing sample to jobs@nfg.org.
NFG is an equal-opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply.
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