The Herb Block Foundation is committed to defending the basic freedoms guaranteed to all Americans, combating all forms of discrimination and prejudice and improving the conditions of the poor and underprivileged through the creation or support of charitable and educational programs with the same goals.

The Foundation is also committed to providing educational opportunities to deserving students through post-secondary education scholarships and to promoting editorial cartooning through continued research. All efforts of the Foundation shall be in keeping with the spirit of Herblock, America's great cartoonist in his life long fight against abuses by the powerful.

Job Position: The Herb Block Foundation is seeking a full-time Program Officer that would ensure that the programs they manage align with the goals and mission of the foundation.

Program Officer – the position will manage the Pathways out of Poverty program area and The Herb Block Scholarship program.

The Pathways Out of Poverty program area is a grant giving program that focuses on helping needy youth and adults gain a quality education and/or vocational career. For projects serving youth, The Herb Block Foundation supports improving student achievement and healthy development to increase graduation rates. Projects may include after-school activities, mentoring programs, as well as in-school and community-based educational programs. For projects serving adults, The Herb Block Foundation supports literacy education, GED preparation, vocational training, and job placement.

Herb Block saw education as the opportunity for a better life. In his will, he urged the creation of scholarships for post-secondary individuals with financial need. Established in 2005, The Herb Block Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school graduates, community college students, and adult learners who wish to continue their studies at Washington, D.C. area community colleges. Up to 100 scholarships are granted every year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and evaluate grant Letter of Inquiry and Full proposals
• Manage and monitor grants and prepare funding reports.
• Recommend grantees for funding to Board of Directors
• Provide guidance and maintain communications with grantee partners.
• Analyze and troubleshoot program challenges.
• Manage administration and monitor scholarship program
• Communication and outreach for scholarship program
• Develop best practices to improve overall program performance
• Assist in budget preparation and expense management activities for programs.
• Represent company brand in industry conferences, meetings and workshops.
• Assume and fulfill additional duties that the President may from time to time assign

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree (will consider Associate Degree)
• Comfortable working in a small office environment
• Must exhibit flexibility, reliability, professionalism, and a strong work ethic
• Interest in education and community
• Efficient time management and organizational skills
• Writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and as a member of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity

Preferred requirements:

• Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Blackbaud (grant management program).
• Fluency in another language desirable

• People with lived experience relevant to the position program area are strongly encouraged to apply.

  Preference will be given to candidates with strong ties to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for the Pathways out of Poverty and Scholarship program officer position.