The Jewish Heritage Fund (JHF) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven leader to oversee our Jewish Life grantmaking portfolio. The Program Officer will guide strategy, steward community relationships, and manage the full lifecycle of investments that strengthen Jewish life in Louisville. This is an opportunity to shape high-impact, mission-aligned grantmaking within a collaborative, thoughtful, and community-responsive foundation.
About the Role
The Program Officer leads strategy, grantmaking, and partnerships that advance JHF’s long-term goals for a vibrant, connected, and resilient Jewish community. This position manages the complete grantmaking lifecycle—from developing strategy and cultivating proposals to conducting due diligence, monitoring impact, and supporting grantees. The Program Officer works closely with the President/CEO, staff, trustees, and community partners to ensure JHF investments are effective, aligned, and forward-thinking.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management
- Lead strategy, planning, and execution for a multi-million-dollar Jewish Life grantmaking portfolio.
- Translate organizational goals into clear priorities, evaluation metrics, and learning strategies.
- Identify community needs, gaps, and opportunities—and explore potential responses, including new initiatives, partnerships, or RFPs.
- Analyze and synthesize trends, data, and community insights to inform internal and Board-level decision-making.
Grantmaking & Due Diligence
- Review, screen, and assess all proposals, LOIs, and inquiries in the Jewish Life portfolio.
- Support grant seekers through coaching, feedback, and strategic guidance to strengthen proposal quality and alignment.
- Conduct due diligence in partnership with Finance/Grants Administration; examine budgets, organizational capacity, charitable status, and mission fit.
- Prepare clear written analyses and recommendations for the Jewish Life Committee and Board of Trustees.
- Monitor grant performance and provide timely reports on progress, impact, and learning.
Community Partnerships & Relationship-Building
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with leaders, organizations, and stakeholders across the Jewish community.
- Serve as a connector—supporting collaboration, shared learning, and collective impact among grantees and partners.
- Represent JHF at meetings, site visits, convenings, working groups, and public events.
Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with the President/CEO and colleagues to ensure alignment across JHF’s programs and processes.
- Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and communication to enhance efficiency and clarity.
- Support Board and committee preparation, including materials, reporting, and logistics.
Innovation, Learning & Professional Development
- Stay current on trends in philanthropy, Jewish communal life, and fields relevant to the portfolio.
- Identify opportunities to refine strategy, strengthen evaluation practices, and evolve JHF’s approach to community partnership.
- Contribute to special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience in a related field.
- 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in grantmaking, program management, community partnership work, or related roles.
- Strong strategic thinking, project management, and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships and work collaboratively with diverse partners.
- Exceptional communication skills—written, verbal, and facilitation.
- Ability to synthesize complex information and make informed recommendations.
- Knowledge of Jewish communal systems, organizations, and cultural context is strongly preferred.
Compensation
The expected salary for this position is $80-$90,000. The position also offers a generous benefits package including health insurance and a PTO and holiday package.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About the Jewish Heritage Fund (JHF)
The Jewish Heritage Fund is a grantmaking organization dedicated to improving the health of the Greater Louisville community, advancing world-class medical research, and fostering a strong, vibrant Jewish community. Since its founding, JHF has invested millions in nonprofits and partnerships that align with this vision and drive lasting impact across the region.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
It is the policy of JHF to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person will be discriminated against in employment or promotion because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.