Senior Program Officer, Native American Initiatives and Organizational Equity

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY

The Senior Program Officer is responsible for developing and managing programs in alignment with California Humanities’ grants and program goals and identifying issues and opportunities in the public humanities that advance the mission of California Humanities, with a focus on initiatives impacting Native California tribes and peoples.  In addition, this position serves as a strategic facilitator for incorporating and centering equity practices internal to the organization with external impact.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the President & CEO and Program staff to develop programmatic goals and strategies that center equity and advance California Humanities’ mission and long-range plans; identify new opportunities and avenues for programming, especially those focused on Native American communities in California.
• Focus on design and management of specific grantmaking and/or operating program activities—including program research and development, grant review processes, program activities and delivery mechanisms, partnerships, and assistance with monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs.  Specific program responsibilities may include:
  • Development and implementation of humanities-based programs that focus on the interests and concerns of Native California tribes and peoples;
  • Oversight of Humanities for All Quick Grants program (part of the Humanities for All grant line);
  • Management of Literature & Medicine program
• Develop and manage an advisory committee to advise on interests and concerns of Indigenous and Native American communities in California.
• Conduct targeted and proactive community outreach to underserved and rural communities, with focus on Native California tribes and peoples.
• Provide timely and helpful feedback and guidance to applicants and grantees, as appropriate.
• Build and maintain knowledge of significant policy and research developments in the public humanities, philanthropy, and equity through review of reports and publications, attendance at meetings and conferences, etc. as relevant to program development.
• Develop and monitor program budgets and timelines, in coordination with the CEO and finance staff.
• Collaborate with the CEO and senior program staff to supervise, train, and evaluate program support staff as required.
• Contract, oversee, and/manage program-related consultants as needed.
• Work with the Program staff to develop informational documents and presentations for the Board; attend Board program committee meetings, and full Board meetings.
• Collaborate with all California Humanities staff as needed on organization-wide projects such as NEH compliance report, events, annual/biennial reporting, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.
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EQUITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Building on previous organizational work highlighting equity, continue to provide strategic facilitation to center equity into our operational practices, in partnership with the President & CEO.
  • Serve as a thought partner with the CEO in the development and implementation of an organizational strategic framework centering equity.
  • Provide leadership in the implementation of equity in the organization’s infrastructure and externally with applicants, grantees, and partners.
  • Provide learning opportunities and act as a resource for the staff and board related to equity.
  • Develop a tracking system for the staff as a group and as individuals to continue to build our equity practices
  • Represent California Humanities externally at equity-focused conferences, meetings, and events.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong interest in, and commitment to, the humanities and California Humanities’ mission and programs.
• Background and experience working in and with Native California tribes and peoples.
• Demonstrated experience with equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts in a professional setting.
• A successful track record and 3-5 years of experience in grants and/or program management in a nonprofit setting, preferably a cultural organization.
• Experience with grant and other databases, particularly Salesforce.
• A flexible, supportive, and collaborative approach in the workplace, as well as a good sense of humor and a desire to innovate to develop new programs and processes.
• Ability to communicate effectively in different circumstances and through different means (written, oral, visual) with a wide variety of stakeholders.

While California Humanities is based in Oakland, with a second office in Los Angeles, the position can work remotely from anywhere in California. Candidates must be willing to travel 20% of their time as part of their work. Personal vehicle is preferred for local travel.

Salary range is $100,000 to $115,000, depending on experience. Benefits package includes a 7% employer contribution to a 403b plan; 100% medical, dental, and vision for employees; and life, short term, and long-term disability coverage. 

Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] by October 31, 2024. 

California Humanities is an equal opportunity employer and believes in a diverse workforce, and applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA HUMANITIES

California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, promotes the humanities – focused on ideas, conversation and learning – as relevant, meaningful ways to understand the human condition and connect us to each other in order to help strengthen California. California Humanities has provided grants and programs across the state since 1975. To learn more visit www.calhum.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.