Community Programs Officer

Hours:

Mostly M-F 8:30am-5:00pm, with occasional evening and weekend assignments

Location:

Aptos, CA (Mostly in-person, with some work from home flexibility)

Reports to:

Kevin Heuer

Salary Range: $115,000 - $135,000 annually (Actual salary will be determined by the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and expertise.)

Benefits:
Medical, dental, disability & life insurance (dependent coverage available, employee pays dependent premiums); options for Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts; retirement 401k + employer contribution; sick time; 4 weeks’ vacation; 12 paid holidays + 2 personal holidays

Final date to receive applications:
Nov. 6, though qualified candidates will be interviewed and possibly offered the position prior to the closing date

The Community Foundation was born in the wake of the 1982 floods and mudslides that devastated the Pajaro and San Lorenzo valleys. Generous people looking to help were searching for a central organization to send donations to—one that would support the long-term recovery efforts. But such an organization didn’t yet exist, and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County was formed to meet that need.

From those humble beginnings 43 years ago, we’ve grown to address needs far beyond disaster. Since our founding, our donors have helped us award $279 million in grants, loans, and scholarships across education, the arts, human services, the environment, health, and economic development.

Our vision is to make Santa Cruz County thrive for all who call it home, now and in the future. We do this by bringing together people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and accomplish great things. We value community-driven solutions that are based on trusted relationships with our nonprofit partners and donors.

This is an important moment for Santa Cruz County. Nonprofits, donors, and community leaders are navigating increasing challenges alongside emerging opportunities. The Senior Community Investment Officer will help the Foundation identify where philanthropy can make the greatest difference, strengthen nonprofit organizations, and foster collaborative solutions that help our community thrive. Few roles offer the opportunity to influence so many aspects of community wellbeing in Santa Cruz County.

You'll gain a unique county-wide perspective across issues spanning housing, arts, health, environment, economic mobility, youth development, seniors, racial equity, disaster resilience, safety net needs and more.

The Community Programs Officer provides leadership for the Foundation's grantmaking, scholarship & fellowship programs while supporting nonprofit capacity‑building efforts, and community engagement activities. The role ensures effective grantmaking practices, cultivates partnerships with community leaders and nonprofit organizations, and supervises program staff. The role serves as an ambassador for the Foundation and helps position the organization as a trusted funder, convener, and catalyst for community change.

• Promote the Foundation's visibility, credibility, and community leadership role.
• Monitor emerging community needs, nonprofit trends, relevant policy and funding environment developments, and philanthropic best practices.
• Support organizational strategic planning and implementation.
• Lead special community initiatives and strategic projects as assigned.

• Manage the Foundation's competitive, discretionary, and strategic grantmaking programs, evaluating 100-200 applicants annually.
• Oversee administration of an annual scholarship program and a bi-annual visual arts fellowship program, evaluating…