California Community Foundation

Position Announcement

Director of Organizational Learning

 

The Foundation. The California Community Foundation (“CCF”) is a nonprofit grant making foundation that administers approximately 1,400 individual charitable funds to meet existing and emerging needs in the Greater Los Angeles area. Founded in 1915, CCF is one of the largest and fastest growing community foundations in the United States. With assets in excess of $1.3 billion, CCF awarded grants in excess of $100 million and received about $150 million in contributions during its most recent fiscal year. In partnership with its donors, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and public institutions with funds for arts and human development, neighborhood revitalization, education, and health care programs.

 

Position Summary:  The Director of Organizational Learning is responsible for three “insight-generating” functions on the strategy and effectiveness of the discretionary grantmaking program, program-related investments and special initiatives. These three functions include: (1) the monitoring and evaluation of the Foundation’s discretionary investments (grants and program-related investments); (2) developing a research agenda of studies and evaluations, to be completed either internally or externally, that help inform the Foundation of the effectiveness of its program strategies; and (3) data and information management, to ensure that grantee report data is captured and reported to the Foundation’s various audiences in ways that document and demonstrate the organization’s learnings and results. This individual works closely with Program and Civic Engagement staff and provides consultation on assessment, evaluation and research issues.  In addition, this individual will work closely with Communications and Marketing staff on messaging and reporting on the Foundation’s grant and loan investments.  Other major responsibilities include: training staff on organizational learning tools and issues; preparing reports and analyses to the Board of Directors; and managing external evaluation grants and contracts.  This position reports to the Vice President of Programs and supervises the Grants Specialist.

 

Major Responsibilities:

Assessment and Evaluation: Develops and implements the Foundation’s assessment and evaluation processes that focus on the strategy and effectiveness of discretionary grants, program-related investments and special initiatives (e.g., Community Building Initiative, Preschool Advocacy Initiative, Community Experience Partnership).  Works with Program and other Foundation staff to develop and refine program strategies that result in measurable goals and outcomes.  In concert with Director of Grants and Program Officers, help staff community advisory committees to elicit input, guidance and feedback on the Foundation’s core program strategies.

 

Grant Monitoring and Data Management: Supervises the Grants Specialist in developing grant application, grantee reporting and closing grant processes to capture results and impact data on discretionary grantmaking activities.  Works with grantees to strengthen their ability to report results by using effective outcome measures. Oversees the development, implementation and analysis of applicant and grantee surveys to improve the Foundation’s grantmaking processes.

 

Analysis, Research and Shared Learning.: Develops the Foundation’s research agenda, including both internally and externally generated research.  Uses data collected from grantees and other external sources to conduct impact analyses of grants and program-related investments and reports results to staff and the board of directors.  Manages the production of GIS-generated reports and maps that convey impact analysis of grant results. Works interdepartmentally to develop the Foundation’s plans and strategies in developing online community and peer learning opportunities. Keeps abreast of best practices in learning organizations.

 

Supervision and Training: Supervises the Grants Specialist in administering the grants management and reporting process and oversees the maintenance and reporting of the discretionary grants budget on an ongoing basis. Develops and implements training opportunities for Foundation staff in the use of organizational learning and data analysis tools (e.g., data collection methods, online data sources, GIS mapping tools, etc.)


Announcement – Director of Organizational Learning, page 2 of 2

 

Contract Administration and Management: Works with other Foundation staff to identify research and evaluation needs and manages external research and evaluation grants and contracts.

 

General: As appropriate, assists other departments and works as a member of interdepartmental teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of CCF.  At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with supervisors and coworkers.  Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills.

 

 

Qualifications:

Experience: A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in program and policy development, with at least 5 years in program evaluation in a nonprofit, governmental or academic setting. Solid working knowledge of program assessment and evaluation methods. Development/fundraising experience in a nonprofit environment helpful.

Education: Doctoral or Master Degree in organizational development, public policy, administration (business, nonprofit, or public), social sciences or related field.

Analytical, Writing and Communication Skills:  Superior analytical, written and verbal communication skills. Experience in developing and delivering presentations to multiple audiences that convey relevant trends and results.  Ability to communicate technical, budgetary and program details to staff, Board, applicants, grantees and potential Foundation partners. 

Convening and Facilitation Skills: Able to facilitate meetings and group processes for the purposes of fact-finding, decision-making, peer learning and problem solving.

Technology Skills:  Internet competency and strong computer proficiency, including mastery of the Microsoft Office software suite. Working knowledge of GIS tools and familiarity with database and desktop publishing software. Experience with Microedge GIFTS or similar grants management software required.

Organizational and Project Management Skills: Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.  Ability to both lead and participate on project teams, ensuring clarification of purpose, outline of work plan, delegation of tasks, allocation of resources and adherence to timeline and budgets through to completion of projects.  Ability to prioritize work effectively, work well under pressure and adjust to multiple and competing demands.

Community Knowledge: Knowledge of the Los Angeles County nonprofit community highly preferred.  Experience in working effectively with diverse and broad-based community constituencies including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, funders, and businesses.  

General:  Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently, take initiative, participate as an effective team member and follow tasks through to completion.

 

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt position. Salary is dependent on experience. A generous benefits package is provided to all full-time staff.  Please note that relocation and interview travel costs cannot be reimbursed or paid by the foundation.

 

To Apply Send All of the Following:

1.      A letter of interest explaining your relevant experience and how your background qualifies you for this position,

2.      Your resume and,

3.      Your salary history for the past five year and your salary requirements.

By email to:  selectioncommittee@ccf-la.org

Please reference “Director of Organizational Learning” in the subject line of your submission. 

 

Faxes will be accepted at (213) 383-2046, but emails with attachments in MS Word or .pdf format are strongly preferred. No phone calls, please.  The California Community Foundation is committed to diversity. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.