About the Trust
The May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust is a private foundation that stewards the charitable intentions of Mr. and Mrs. Smith beyond their lifetimes, and aims to focus, deepen, and enhance efforts to achieve significant, lasting, positive changes that promote well-being for individuals and communities. The Smiths practiced a quiet, modest generosity with interests ranging from education to horticulture. Mr. Smith passed away in 1968 and Mrs. Smith in 2006. The Trust was founded in 1989 and gives the Trustees broad powers to develop strategies and funding interests. Over the years, the Trustees have used the Smiths’ own examples of individual achievement given the opportunity and effort, along with Mrs. Smith’s own suggestions for grants when the Trust was established, as guidance in defining the scope of the Trust’s activities.
Under the Trust’s current strategic plan, grantmaking supports organizations that offer opportunities to Adults & Transitioning Youth with Disabilities, Elders, Foster Youth, and Veterans & Military Families, primarily in the 14 Western United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Most Trust grants fund direct services intended to develop the capacity of individuals to realize their full potential, promote self-sufficiency, and improve their quality of life. A large percentage of these grants are for general operating support. In addition, the Trust also supports organizations working to bring about changes in systems, policies, and/or behaviors that contribute to improved well-being and opportunity for its focus populations. The Trust is in the process of developing its next strategic plan, in which the populations will remain the same, however the grantmaking goals, strategies, and approaches will evolve.
The Trustees, CEO, and staff work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and are guided in all activities and grantmaking by the values and beliefs of Respect, Humility, Interdependence, Stewardship and Dignity. The financial assets of the Trust are valued at approximately $500 million. Trust grantmaking in 2023 will be approximately $20 million.
About this Opportunity
The Trust seeks a collaborative, inquisitive, inclusive, and equity-centered professional to lead strategic development, grantmaking, evaluation, and engagement for the Veterans and Military Families program. The program officer is the content expert and thought leader of the program area, reporting to, and working in partnership with the Director of Programs (DOP). At this time, annual grant payments for the program area total $4.5 million. This is a full-time, exempt position.
Currently, the Veterans and Military Families program aims to strengthen programs and services that support veterans, service members, and their families in the transition to successful new lives and careers after leaving the military. Grantmaking in the Veterans and Military Families program addresses four strategies, which collectively support veterans and their families to realize economic self-sufficiency and a good quality of life: Mental and Behavioral Health and Wellness; Education, Training, and Employment; Housing Stability; and Community Integration. The Trust’s new strategic plan, which will be completed in December 2023, will include some changes to the Veterans and Military Families program. The new program officer will work closely with the DOP to ensure a thoughtful transition to the new work. It is anticipated that this position will see the program through this transition and be a key strategic partner in envisioning the future of grantmaking.
Key Responsibilities
- Assists the Trust in developing, implementing, adapting, and communicating the priorities, goals, and strategies of the Trust’s Veterans and Military Families program area
- Assures that grantmaking in the Veterans and Military Families program area aligns with the grantmaking goals and strategies set forth in the strategic plan
- Serves as a liaison between the Trust and grantseekers
- Oversees the program area grantmaking budget in collaboration with the DOP
- Builds trusting relationships with applicants, grantees, communities, field leaders, and philanthropic partners
- Reviews, develops, and analyzes grant proposals; and prepares written summaries and funding recommendations for presentation to the Board of Trustees
- Monitors and evaluates grants, maintains communication with grantees, and periodically reviews and reports on the overall effectiveness of the Veterans and Military Families grantmaking program
- Remains current in issues and trends in the Veterans and Military Families field, the nonprofit sector, and in philanthropy in general
- Represents the Trust at local, regional, and national conferences; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with grantmaking colleagues, professional associations, philanthropic service organizations, and other community members
- Establishes and maintains collaborative and positive working relationships and effective communication channels with and among team members
- Collaborates in development of Trust communication materials
- Identifies and undertakes professional development opportunities and training
- Undertakes other duties or projects as assigned or initiated
Core Competencies
- Committed to continuous learning and growth
- Listens with an open mind and deep commitment to respecting diverse viewpoints
- Facilitates authentic conversations with anyone, no matter their level of responsibility or the circumstances, works with and gains grantees’ trust to neutralize any power imbalance
- Writes well, and is able to translate complex information into concise, descriptive, and comprehensible documents
- Communicates well verbally, and is able to deliver verbal presentations in multiple settings with a variety of audiences and diverse stakeholders
- Collects, analyzes, and shares implications of large amounts of information, including research, data, stakeholder input, and grantee reports to inform actionable insights and develop recommendations for strategic shifts
- Collaborates well with team members
- Manages multiple priorities effectively and delivers timely results with clear team communication
- Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
Key Qualifications
- At least five years of relevant experience working to maximize support and inclusion of Veterans and Military Families either in safety net institutions, community-based organizations, government agencies, the philanthropic sector, or advocacy organizations (experience working with a private or community foundation desirable)
- Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree a plus), or more than seven years’ experience as outlined above
- Significant experience as a practitioner, policy expert, or funder on issues related Veterans and Military Families
- Knowledge of best practices for grantmakers
- Proficiency in basic financial analysis, budgeting, and related business skills
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and with database/information management systems
Physical Demands / Work Environment / Travel
The Trust is based in the San Francisco Bay Area but utilizes a hybrid remote work model. The successful candidate will be located in one of the 14 Western United States detailed above. Employees based in the Bay Area may work in the Trust’s office as often as they wish, but all staff are required to be in the office six times per year for groups of consecutive Core Days, including staff and Trustee meetings. Employees based outside of the Bay Area will be required to travel for these Core Days. Additional travel for conferences, meetings, and site visits may be required, as necessary, to carry out the responsibilities and duties of this job. Anticipated travel requirements are 10-20%. Work-related travel expenses are reimbursed by the Trust. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to spend extended periods of time at a computer and to communicate via phone, video conference, and email.
Salary and Benefits
$127,000 - $139,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications.
Generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401K retirement plan; FSA; and paid holidays, time off and wellness time.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@smithct.org with “Program Officer” in the subject line. No phone calls please. The initial review of applications will begin on September 20, 2023; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All applications submitted will be considered, but only those candidates demonstrating a suitable combination of the competencies and qualifications described above will be contacted for next steps. Interviews, if invited, will be conducted online. Final candidates will be asked to provide three relevant employment references, and to verify authorization to work in the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team with a wide range of life experiences, perspectives and capabilities. The Trust does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a veteran, or status as an individual with a disability, or any statuses protected by law.Qualified applicants with lived experience in any of the Trust’s focus populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
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