Program Officer

ABOUT THE PERENCHIO FOUNDATION

The Perenchio Foundation is a private foundation established by the late A. Jerrold “Jerry” Perenchio. We believe that the arts play an essential role in creating more equitable, culturally vibrant, and inclusive communities.

Our mission is to support visual and performing arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create impactful experiences for current and future generations. The Foundation’s work is guided by Mr. Perenchio’s commitment to create a positive, lasting impact in the region through the arts, with a focus on our values of quality, accessibility, and permanence.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Foundation seeks a highly motivated Program Officer who aligns with our mission and values, to add expertise to our small, deeply collaborative team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Officer will play a central role in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission. The Program Officer will support the Foundation’s existing strategies and processes along with helping to develop new ones and supervising the Grants Associate.

As the role requires a high degree of initiative and a depth of knowledge, the Program Officer must have experience in grantmaking, nonprofit management and/or other relevant experience. They must also possess collaborative relationships across the arts sector and a strong ability to partner with grantees to meet the Foundation’s grantmaking objectives and timelines. The ideal candidate will thrive in an iterative, dynamic environment, be a resource of field knowledge for the team, share our focus on equity and funding historically undercapitalized communities, and demonstrate a drive toward excellence in their work.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Grantmaking & Facilitation Practices

Oversees the review and analysis of open-call application process

Conducts site visits to existing and potential grantees, integrating empathetic listening and critical thinking skills to further assess organizational needs, capacity, and impact

Analyzes financial documents and other due diligence materials submitted with grant proposals to assess fiscal strength of applicants and sustainability of programs

Develops written and oral assessment of proposals and recommendations for funding that communicate their alignment with the Foundation’s values and strategies

Assesses, prioritizes, and recommends grantee capacity-building and/or program development strategies based on identified needs and desired outcomes

Identifies and designs a set of appropriate evaluation methods and processes to monitor grantees progress in achieving key objectives of the grant

Drives, manages, and participates in activities aimed at achieving shared goals both internally and externally

Facilitates peer-review process for the purposes of assessment, consensus-building, and/or decision-making

Community and Sector Practices

Convenes focus groups of current and prospective grantees, field experts, or partner foundations for ideation and/or shared learnings

Remains well-informed of current policies, reports, activities, and trends in the Los Angeles County arts and culture landscape

Represents the Foundation to external stakeholders, current and prospective grantees, and peers as requested

Staff Management

Supervises and evaluates the Grants Associate performance, including enumerating, directing and clarifying their responsibilities and duties, while encouraging development

Other special projects as assigned

QUALIFYING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in grantmaking, nonprofit management and/or management consulting experience preferred

Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience

Strong work ethic, integrity, critical judgment, and authentic dedication to the Foundation’s mission

A commitment to and professional experience in working with historically undercapitalized communities and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices

Knowledge and understanding of issues impacting disciplines across the arts and nonprofit sector and expertise to assess the capacity and financial health of nonprofit organizations

Proven ability to build effective partnerships and networks and sustain collaborative relationships at multiple levels both internally and externally

Experience developing, launching, and implementing complex projects that require engagement and support from multiple stakeholders

Experience managing and contributing to a culture of learning

Excels at analyzing and synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data to drive decision-making and problem-solving, unearthing relevant insights and opportunities from multiple sources

Self-directed with demonstrated ability to set and achieve objectives, while balancing multiple priorities with excellent attention to detail

Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including ability to give and receive feedback graciously

Proficient in Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite

Experience using GivingData and/or other grants management software a plus

Fluency in a second language is highly desired

Bachelor's degree required; Masters degree highly preferred

Valid driver’s license and current insurance required