Program Officers at the Golden LEAF Foundation are responsible for implementing grantmaking processes, conducting due diligence regarding grant applications, managing grants that have been awarded, and participating in other program-related activities. This Program Officer position will work across the Golden LEAF priority areas of Workforce Preparedness, Agriculture, and Job Creation and Economic Investment. The ability to critically evaluate and analyze programmatic and financial information is key to this position. Program Officers have the primary functions listed below and perform other duties as assigned. This is a full-time position based in Rocky Mount, North Carolina with a hybrid work-from-home schedule (see Location and Work Schedule below). Program Officers are supervised by the Directors of Programs.

Primary Functions
Reviewing and Analyzing Applications

• Reviewing and analyzing grant applications and supporting materials, including technical reports, meeting with applicants and conducting due diligence, preparing written summaries of applications, developing funding recommendations for discussion, and collaborating to formulate recommendations for funding to the Board of Directors

Monitoring Grants

• Working with new grantees to finalize the budget, outcomes, activities, and any special conditions against which projects will be measured
• Reviewing grantee progress reports and modification requests, analyzing the information presented, following up on missing items, identifying and addressing questions or concerns, identifying and reviewing appropriate supporting documentation to verify grantee programmatic outcomes and conducting site visits as warranted
• Reviewing financial reports and disbursement requests, comparing reported expenditures to approved budget line items, and identifying and reviewing appropriate documentation necessary to verify reported expenditures, including invoices
• Completing written analyses of reports and materials received from grantees
• Making recommendations regarding payment of grantee disbursement requests, approval of modification requests, and acceptance of grantee reports
• Identifying instances of grantee non-compliance and making recommendations for appropriate corrective action
• Serving as a resource for grantees with questions regarding Golden LEAF grant administration policies and procedures

Supporting Outreach

• Researching and collecting data regarding outcomes of grants supported by Golden LEAF to be used for internal purposes, for distribution to constituents of Golden LEAF, and for other communications. Gathering information for reporting and outreach purposes

Preferred Attributes

• Effective communication skills, including written communications, and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Strong research, analytical, investigative, and organizational capabilities as well as the ability to distill ideas and clarify issues
• A strong work ethic, including ability to work independently, plan, set goals and objectives, organize, follow through, and meet deadlines
• Capacity to manage multiple responsibilities at once and to prioritize projects to align with organizational needs
• Knowledge of the nonprofit, educational, and/or governmental sectors
• Understanding and appreciation for economic challenges and opportunities of North Carolina’s rural communities
• Demonstrated interest in the mission of the Golden LEAF Foundation and a desire to be part of a mission-driven team are highly desired
• Exceptional standards of professionalism, integrity and honesty, and commitment to quality in all aspects of work

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years experience relevant to the Primary Functions of the Program Officer position listed above
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of common software programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn to use a grants management database system

Preferred Qualifications

• A four-year degree in a related field or other relevant educational experience
• Experience with finances of governmental, educational, and/or nonprofit sector entities and with programmatic reporting

Location and Work Schedule
This position will be based at the Golden LEAF offices at 301 N. Winstead Avenue in Rocky Mount, NC, with some travel within the state expected (amount varies, but approximate average of two days per month).

Golden LEAF staff are required to work from the office Mondays and Thursdays, with the option to work remotely the remainder of the week.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Following are physical and mental requirements of the position as typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical and mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Foundation may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Operates in a professional office environment and performs primarily sedentary work.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and phones.
• Sits for prolonged periods at a desk. Frequent standing and walking. Occasional stooping, reaching, bending, climbing, pushing, pulling.
• Repetitive use of fingers and hands for typings and other tasks.
• Frequent listening, speaking, and use of visual acuity.
• Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Ability to use all senses to safely drive a vehicle, and ability to drive a vehicle.

Compensation and Benefits
Program Officer is a full-time, professional position with compensation and benefits commensurate with responsibilities and experience. This position has an anticipated hiring range of $65,000 – $78,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Golden LEAF provides the following benefits to employees:

• Golden LEAF paid contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan at the rate of ten percent (10%) of base salary with no required contribution by the employee. There is no waiting period for participation in the 403(b) retirement plan.
• Enrollment in Golden LEAF’s medical insurance plan for the employee and dependents. The plan pays a benefit of 90% of medical costs once the deductible has been met. Golden LEAF contributes to a Health Savings Account (HSA) in the employee’s name to help offset the cost of the deductible. Golden LEAF pays all medical plan premiums, provided that premiums plus HSA contribution total less than $23,000. Medical insurance begins after the 30th day of employment.
• Enrollment in Golden LEAF’s dental plan for the employee and dependents, maximum benefits are $1,000 per person in the plan year.
• Enrollment in a vision coverage plan for the employee and dependents, at no cost to the employee.
• Enrollment in a long-term disability insurance plan and a life insurance plan.
• Annual leave and sick leave. Golden LEAF has 12 official holidays per year.

Timeline
Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and the position will be filled once the successful candidate is identified. Applicants may be asked to complete a short writing assignment. This role has a start date of no earlier than July 1, 2024.

Golden LEAF will conduct a criminal background check and may conduct additional background checks and drug tests of applicants as a condition of employment.

How to Apply
Questions about this position can be directed to Marilyn Chism, Director of Programs, by email: [email protected].

Cover letters and resumes must be submitted using the form on the Golden LEAF website below. Completion of all fields in the form below is required for submission. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided following successful submission. If you have any questions or experience technical difficulties, please contact Kasey Ginsberg at [email protected].