Program Officer, President's Office

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.

The Foundations grants program is designed to strengthen the sustainability and impact of nonprofit organizations. We take a consultative approach in our grantmaking and collaborate with leaders to help them address organizational development needs so they can achieve their strategic priorities. Our grantmaking is guided by our values of excellence, integrity, respect, and collaboration. Rooted in humility, we execute our grantmaking quietly and most grants carry external anonymity.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Program Officer, President’s Office, will support the President in managing special projects and interests. The ideal candidate will possess strong research, due diligence, and synthesis skills, and will be adept at creating and maintaining efficient processes. Discretion and confidentiality are paramount, given the quiet nature of the Foundations. This position will report to the Chief of Staff.

Key Responsibilities

Meeting Preparation and Support:

• Prepare and triage relevant information in preparation for meetings.
• Support the development of meeting agendas.
• Attend key meetings with the President to capture notes, action items, and next steps.
• Support existing mechanisms for transferring information and knowledge from Trustees and the President to respective leaders and teams.

Operational Efficiency and Execution:

• Create a system for maintaining accurate and secure records.
• Establish and document standard operating procedures for more consistent work output, including tracking of action items.
• Identify new systems and technologies to further advance and/or automate processes, where possible.
• Implement efficient ways of managing special projects and interests across the Foundations and provide scaffolding for other program teams.

Grantmaking and Special Initiatives:

• Assist the President in assessing and advancing special projects and interests by conducting due diligence through site visits, in-depth material reviews, financial analysis, and other activities.
• When appropriate, work closely with functional teams and/or other program directors to develop scope, deliverables, required resources, work plan, budget, and timing for grants and/or special initiatives.
• Develop and refine proposal requests and prepare detailed written analyses and grant recommendations for the President and, ultimately, Trustee approval.
• Support grant administrative processes, including inputting relevant and timely information into the grants management system.

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 6-8 years of related work; experience in philanthropy or non-profit management is strongly preferred, but not required
• Analytical skills and experience, particularly in conducting basic financial analysis and due diligence for organizations and capacity-building projects
• Excellent communication skills, including strong writing and the ability to develop and present compelling narratives on complex topics
• High-level relationship building and interpersonal skills (e.g., collaborative, diplomatic, able to tailor communication to varied audiences) and a customer-service mindset
• A proven track record of delivering against goals
• Developed areas of special knowledge or expertise and demonstrated interest and commitment to becoming expert in a variety of issue areas
• Ability to multi-task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, changing, and complex environment
• Experience developing and executing against strategic priorities
• Exceptional judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality
• Ability to move work forward independently while collaborating with a team and applying a keen eye to detail

This position will be 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.

Fidelity Foundations is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that the most effective way to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce is to build an enduring culture of inclusion and belonging.