NOTE: We will be accepting internal applications from May 20 - May 31, 2024. We welcome external applications beginning June 1, 2024. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (CFWM) Everything we do begins with local generosity: People in our region who want to give back to their communities in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. When our donors give to us, they know that their gifts will be invested, stewarded, and shared to support people where they need it most.
As your community foundation, we're passionate about serving by bringing together resources, expertise, and devoted regional partners to tackle complex and complicated issues. We're deeply devoted to seeking solutions, building connections, and collaborating to have an effective and positive impact where we live.
CFWM is committed to working together across our community to increasing equity and opportunity so that all who live in our three counties have access to a satisfying quality of life.
ABOUT OUR HYBRID WORKPLACE MODEL Our hybrid model is designed to keep community at the heart of what we do. We offer a hybrid workplace as part of our ongoing efforts to respond to employees' needs and feedback that allows for individual needs to be met while balancing our ability to collaborate and build relationships in our workplace and across our community. We continue to recognize that some of our work can be done remotely, some work must be performed in the office, and much of our work takes place in our travels and activities throughout the region. All employees are required to come into the office, and work across the region for some CFWM events and activities. Some positions may require more of an office or community presence than others.
Please reach out to Briana Wales-Thaxton, Vice President for People and Culture at or if you need assistance or an accommodation to complete your application.
ABOUT THE POSITION We will be accepting internal applications from May 20 - May 31, 2024. We welcome external applications beginning June 1, 2024. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Program Officer for Postsecondary Education Programs administers and implements programs related to education and workforce development, with a significant focus on the Foundation's scholarship and interest-free education loan programs which distribute approximately $2 million annually to local students. Using a data informed approach, the Program Officer is responsible for process improvement for education programs which include, but is not limited to, the on-line application, scholarship and interest-free loan review and decision-making process, and outreach plan. The Program Officer is responsible for working in collaboration with the Senior Program Officer for Education and Economic Mobility to integrate a student-centered approach and community leadership model into program implementation, and will develop relationships with volunteers, high schools, colleges, and other outside organizations to meet the goals of the department and Foundation. All programs and projects are developed and implemented in alignment with our strategic priorities including equity, diversity, and inclusion, education, arts and creativity, and capacity building.
ABOUT YOU: You are excited to interact with students and caring adults to support them in their educational endeavors with support from CFWM. You are passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. You are dedicated to the Western Massachusetts community You have strong written and verbal communication skills You are organized and have the ability to manage multiple projects You have the ability to work independently when needed and enjoy working collaboratively with others You have experience with databases, data entry, and data cleaning. You have the ability to adapt to change and work in an evolving workplace WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING The Program Officer for the for Postsecondary Education Programs collaborates with the Senior Program Officer for Education and Economic Mobility, the Scholarship and Loan Associate, the broader Community Impact and Partnerships department, as well as across the organization to support the effective administration and implementation of CFWM's education programs.
Program Management and Administration
Including distribution of $2 million to local students through the oversight of over 150 scholarship funds as well as 2 interest-free loan funds; innovate process improvement to the application, selection, and decision-making processes; and implementation and/or integration of emerging initiatives into all education programs. Outreach
Including developing strategies that open access to the scholarship, loan, and other emerging education programs, using a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion; developing and participating in information sessions; and collaborating with the Director of Marketing and Communications, and Senior Program Officer to increase awareness of programs. Support Internal and External Collaboration
Works closely across departments, with grantees, volunteers, committees and working groups, team members, and a variety of community stakeholders in order to advance key priorities. Volunteer and Community Engagement
Coordinate volunteer recruitment and engagement for scholarship reviewers. Data Collection, Evaluation, and Reporting
Responsible for using a collaborative approach to design and implement evaluation procedures that support communications, reporting, and quality improvement efforts. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements or skills listed below.
Experience
At least two years of experience working with college students, preferably students from underrepresented populations and/or lived experience navigating financing for education/postsecondary training as a first generation college student or other underrepresented population. Knowledge of the current issues impacting college students. Familiarity with the financial aid process. Demonstrated experience implementing programs and process improvement. Experience extracting and understanding data. Demonstrated experience using computer databases, MS Excel, and other Microsoft products. Background working with volunteers and/or external stakeholders preferred. Knowledge of the philanthropic, grantmaking, and/or nonprofit sector preferred. Skills
Project management: Extremely detail oriented, ability to juggle multiple projects and work independently, as well as with others, in a collaborative, often fast-paced, team environment. Relationship management: ability to foster relationships cross departmentally and with a variety of community stakeholders. Effective communication skills: Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills with a variety of audiences and stakeholders. Technology skills: Ability to use and learn computer systems and programs quickly.
