Program Officer

Job Description Summary

Reporting directly to the Deputy Director, the Program Officer will be responsible for all aspects of the Emerging Leader Fellowship program and will assist in: recruiting and overseeing Stoneleigh Fellows’ projects, and developing opportunities to disseminate Fellows’ work to maximize their broader impact on policy and practice.  The Program Officer will also represent the Foundation externally and form partnerships with stakeholders to advance its agenda and the work of its Fellows.

Stoneleigh Foundation Overview

Stoneleigh Foundation is a private operating foundation, dedicated to improving the life outcomes of the most vulnerable children and youth in the Greater Philadelphia region.  Stoneleigh provides Fellowships to individuals working across systems at the nexus of research, policy and practice, and focuses its efforts on young people who are involved in the child welfare, youth justice systems, and other youth-serving systems.  We elevate the work of our Fellows through establishing targeted, action-oriented partnerships that provide platforms to disseminate the work of the Stoneleigh Fellows nationally.  We also support this growing cadre of dedicated leaders through ongoing mentoring, convening, and other network activities to leverage their respective accomplishments.  Stoneleigh is at an exciting point in its development, and its board and leadership are committed to taking the Foundation to the next level by assessing what its impact and successes have been, and what challenges it faces.

Key Responsibilities

All Fellowships:

• Under the direction of, and in consultation with, the Deputy Director, develop and coordinate programming across a broad array of the Foundation’s Fellowship programs to address the interests and needs of Fellows and enhance their experience.
• Assist the Deputy Director in developing Stoneleigh Fellowship programming consistent with Fellows’ projects and the Foundation’s priorities.
• Enhance and broaden the impact of the Fellows by representing the Foundation publicly, and building relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and the larger community.
• Assist in recruitment of potential Fellows whose work can impact the lives of vulnerable young people.
• Connect Emerging Leader Fellows, Stoneleigh Fellows and alumni Fellows for mutual benefit.
• Meet regularly with Fellows to support progress in their work by providing advice and connections.
• Work with the Deputy Director and Director of Communications, to identify opportunities to disseminate the work of the Fellows and strategically maximize their broader impact on policy and practice.
• Keep current with new developments, best practices and innovative approaches in the fields relevant to the funding interests of the Foundation and specific project areas of the Fellows.
• Support the Executive Direct and Deputy Director in performing other tasks as needed.

Emerging Leader Fellowship:

• In consultation with the Deputy Director, manage all aspects of the Emerging Leader Fellowship program, including recruitment, programming, professional development opportunities, mentoring experiences and assessment of the program.
• In consultation with the Deputy Director, manage Emerging Leader Fellowship application process, including researching projects proposed, due diligence and the development of recommendations for funding to the Board of Directors.
• Act as primary contact at the Foundation for Emerging Leader Fellows, providing counsel and advice when needed and monitoring projects’ progress and Fellowship experiences.

Education Required

A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. public policy, social work, law, education or field relevant to the Foundation’s work).

Job Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• 7 - 10 years of relevant professional experience (e.g., in a nonprofit, academic, government or philanthropic organization addressing the needs of vulnerable youth).
• Strong project management skills with ability to move a project from conceptualization to implementation.
• Substantive expertise/familiarity with policies and youth-serving systems that impact the lives of children in the Philadelphia region, such as child welfare, youth justice, behavioral health and education.
• Deep commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable youth and social justice.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining relationships, and building credibility and trust among a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and tact, and the ability to represent the Foundation externally.
• Demonstrated interest and skills in working closely with individuals and in mentoring, cultivating and developing leadership in others.
• A creative and strategic thinker, who is proactive, analytical, and detail-oriented with demonstrated ability to synthesize large amounts of information and communicate it concisely and coherently.
• Interest in and the ability to address overall organizational questions.
• Exceptional work ethic, high level of integrity, professionalism, accountability and superior judgment and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communications abilities.
• Ability to work independently as needed, but also a team player who enjoys collaborating with others, and who brings a sense of humor and maturity to the workplace.
• An individual who has a flexible attitude toward work and can fill in where needed. The ability to maneuver effectively in the face of organizational transition is essential.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with basic understanding of research methods and project management.
• Ability to travel periodically to conferences and meetings is required.
• Ability to work both in an office setting as well as remotely to accommodate the Foundation’s needs.

How to Apply

To apply, visit https://stoneleighfoundation.org/contact/careers/. 

The Stoneleigh Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a racially and ethnically diverse staff.