Position Summary

In partnership with and reporting to the US Program Director, the Program Officer will develop Unbound Philanthropy’s US grantmaking strategies. The Program Officer will oversee implementation of specific program areas, through managing a portfolio of grants and identifying partnerships and innovative projects that advance Unbound’s mission and strategic plan. This is a hybrid position with preference given to candidates in commuting distance to NYC.

About Unbound Philanthropy

Unbound Philanthropy is a private foundation that invests in leaders and organizations in the US and UK working to build a vibrant, welcoming society and just immigration system as part of a pluralist and inclusive democracy. One of the reasons Unbound focuses on the phenomenon of immigration is because responses to immigration are litmus tests for healthy societies, with immigration at the crux of inclusion versus exclusion. We have also adopted a foundation-wide strategy to address climate-related migration. We are investing in an emerging ecosystem of leaders, organizations, and movements that are tackling interconnected issues in climate, migration, race, and democratic governance. Read more about Unbound’s core values and approach in What We Stand For.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development

• Develop and continuously refine program strategies – including grantmaking, convenings, communications, and capacity building initiatives – aligned with Unbound’s strategic plan
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities and propose responses to shifting conditions or new circumstances, including through grantmaking and “funder plus” activities
• Build and maintain close working relationships with national and local immigrant justice leaders and peer funders
• Work with Unbound’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning partners

Grants Management

• Manage a grants portfolio, including
  • Working with applicants to develop grant proposals
  • Preparing grant recommendations for the US Program Director
  • Performing grantee site visits
  • Ensuring grantee submission of narrative and financial reports
• Support preparation for US Grants Committee meetings, including program memos and presentations
• Monitor the performance of grantees, with an eye towards helping to strengthen their work

“Funder Plus” Activities

• Educate and engage peer funders on emerging issues related to Unbound’s strategic plan
• Help promising or innovative projects raise funds to scale their work
• Participate in field-related meetings and conferences
• Participate in the development and planning of program-related events (e.g. convenings) and foundation-wide projects (e.g. research)

Leadership

• Represent Unbound externally, building strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including grantees, peer funders, and other prominent thought leaders
• Develop and facilitate internal and external strategy meetings and events
• Support program development for the annual US board retreat

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of eight years of experience in social justice, human rights, climate justice, and/or migration fields (i.e., advocacy, community organizing, field experience)
• Extensive knowledge of the immigrant rights field in the US; experience with federal and state policy and with overseeing or working closely with broad ecosystems and campaigns to advance and build support for immigrant justice; government experience on immigration- related issues is valued
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing effective strategies to advance priorities within Unbound’s strategic plan; demonstrated ability to be responsive, proactive, and innovative
• Strong and effective relationships with a diverse and respected peer network of leaders in the immigrant and social justice fields
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a small board of directors, staff members, advisors, and external stakeholders
• A perspective shaped by collaboration, coalition-building, and bridging more than one vantage point to find impactful solutions
• Direct grantmaking experience is beneficial but we value experience garnered as a consultant to funders or as a grant recipient
• Ability to travel for site visits to grantees, Unbound retreats, and key conferences
• A sense of joy and humor; low-ego; committed to advancing the whole rather than oneself

 We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience in the communities we serve or whose identities are underrepresented in the immigration, climate, and migrant justice ecosystem.

 Unbound Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer for all qualified job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital/partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other attributes protected by law. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. 

Compensation

This is an exempt position with a salary commensurate with experience $115,000 – $160,000. Employee benefits include 401(k), health, dental, and vision insurance, health saving/health reimbursement plans, group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, commuter benefit, generous leave, and company holidays.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter that describes how your experience has prepared you for this role.

Unbound Philanthropy’s recruiting process includes interviews with a recruiter and staff teams, as well as a brief job simulation. Final interviews are with the US Program Director and the Executive Director.