Program Officer, Civic Participation​/Democracy

Park Foundation seeks nominations and applications for the position of Program Officer, Civic Participation/Democracy.

The Program Officer will directly report to the Senior Program Officer, Media in managing grants and grantee relationships for the portfolio as well as assisting in other intersectional program-related work.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience related to our programs, as well as people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Park Foundation is a family foundation dedicated to advancing a more just, equitable and sustainable society and environment, both nationally and in our local Ithaca community. We are principled, strategic and fearless in our grantmaking, collaborative with our partners, and nimble and innovative in our approach. We are committed to challenging the powers that threaten an independent media, a robust democracy, and the future of our planet.

Park Foundation was formed in 1966 with an original focus on education and grant‑making in communities where Park Communications had interests. The Staff includes 8 team members and there are three local priority areas and five national programs that reflect the mission of the Park Foundation.

These priorities include national grantmaking programs in Media, Environment, Civic Participation, Democracy, Animal Welfare and local support for Community Needs, Sustainable Ithaca and School Food and Nutrition.

The Civic Participation Program supports the implementation of democracy through the exercise of the franchise and other direct forms of civic involvement. Priorities include support for:

• State‑based organizations that are educating, motivating, and mobilizing voters
• National and state groups protecting voters' rights and election integrity
• Groups thwarting attempts to suppress participation in the democratic process

The Democracy Program supports a broad array of initiatives intended to strengthen the foundations of democracy and good governance. Park supports programs that promote a just, inclusive, sustainable society and advance the cause of full participation by all races, genders, and underserved populations through support of movement‑led organizations.

The Program Officer collaborates with staff and trustees on program development, proposal review, discretionary grantmaking, evaluation, and related grants management, as well as special projects as assigned. The role provides objective analysis and clear rationale for grant recommendations and program decisions. The role will engage with philanthropic peers, conduct relevant research, incorporate input from grantees and sector partners, and communicate program priorities to the public and to current and prospective grantees.

The Program Officer is expected to be an expert in their field who will build relationships with diverse communities and monitor field trends and funding dynamics to advise the Executive Director and Trustees accordingly.

• Strategy:
  Lead research and development of grantmaking strategies; identify program priorities, opportunities, and long‑term direction informed by field research and current events.
• Grantmaking & Administration:
  Review proposals; conduct fiscal and programmatic due diligence; serve as primary contact for applicants and grantees; develop written grant recommendations and present program dockets to trustees.
• Internal
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Stay informed of Foundation‑wide priorities, share insights with colleagues, and contribute to cross‑program collaboration and special projects.
• External Engagement:
  Build and maintain relationships with key partners and organizations.
• Manage trustee‑initiated giving and related grant administration; other duties as assigned.

• Masters degree in a related field, or bachelors degree with equivalent experience.
• At least 7 years of professional experience advancing democracy, including relevant work in grantmaking and nonprofit or government settings.
• Strong knowledge of democratic structures, civic…