Program Officer, C3 Grantmaking; NVF

C3 Grantmaking is an integral part of the Catalytic Capital Consortium (“C3”), an investment, learning, and market development initiative conceived by the Mac Arthur Foundation. Its aim is to increase the use of catalytic capital [1] globally, thereby helping the impact investing field realize its full potential. The Rockefeller Foundation and Omidyar Network join the Mac Arthur Foundation in this effort, acting as strategic partners who add their expertise and financial resources.

To advance C3, the Mac Arthur Foundation is investing up to $150 million on a matching basis through “field partnerships” that demonstrate a powerful use of catalytic capital across sectors and geographies. These investments are complemented by an initial $10 million in grants to increase the knowledge, awareness, and use of catalytic capital among diverse investors.

An advisory board composed of staff from the Mac Arthur Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Omidyar Network will set the C3 Grantmaking strategy. Members of the advisory board will contribute funds to the New Venture Fund (NVF), which fiscally sponsors the C3 Grantmaking project.

To implement the day-to-day grantmaking work for the approximately $10 million fund, NVF is seeking applications for a C3 Grantmaking program officer. The C3 Grantmaking program officer will originate and manage a portfolio of grants that will include support for research, data collection, case studies, communications and outreach projects, convenings, toolkits and other types of activity prioritized by the advisory board.

The C3 grantmaking portfolio will be global in scope and will span diverse geographies, sectors, asset classes, and investor types. Through this work, the program officer will gain exposure to a wide range of impact investors, foundations, academics, and peer networks. Activities related to investments are not in scope for this position.

Based in Chicago, the position will report to the NVF President, taking direction from the C3 Grantmaking advisory board. Day-to-day oversight will be provided by one designated member of the advisory board. The expected duration of this assignment is three years, with the possibility of an extension.

The ideal candidate for this position is a self-starter, a creative problem-solver, and someone who is energized by building a strong, effective grant-making program with visible results. The work demands someone who is excellent at delivering in a fast-moving, continuously evolving environment. Strong collaboration skills and a commitment to making a difference in the world of impact investing are essential.

Governance, Grantmaking Approach, and Program Management

• As needed, work with the advisory board and fiscal sponsor to implement and refine an effective governance process that aligns with NVF, including navigating the compliance considerations of a fiscally sponsored project with multiple institutional funders and high public visibility. This work also includes setting meeting agendas, preparing materials, and facilitating such meetings as appropriate.
• Offer input and analysis as the advisory board refines the C3 Grantmaking approach (and, if appropriate, guidelines) based on experience and learning.
• Develop and maintain an overall workplan for C3 Grantmaking (including elements such as key activities, timelines, deliverables, and responsibilities), reporting on status and progress for the advisory board.
• With support from the advisory board, develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective grants.
• Manage the development, tracking, and monitoring of the grants budget.

Support for Scoping, Solicitation, Execution, and Ongoing Management of C3 Grants

• Implement decisions on the go-to-market/solicitation approach for different grantmaking activity approved by the advisory board, including elements of procurement options (request for proposal, etc.).
• Play a role in the grant solicitation process, including:
  • Undertaking programmatic work related to prospective grants and answering questions from prospective respondents, seeking input and guidance from the advisory board as appropriate.
  • Coordinating and…