Program Officer (Local Jewish Community) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is a grantmaking public charity that delivers over $60 million of annual philanthropic impact. Grantmaking activities are directed by the Strategy & Impact Department.

The Program Officer is responsible for managing core components of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s local grantmaking portfolios in Jewish education, engagement, and social services across Greater Philadelphia. Reporting to the Local Director of Strategy & Impact, this position supports the implementation of departmental strategy by overseeing assigned grants and relationships, monitoring program performance, and contributing to impact assessment and learning.

The Program Officer exercises independent professional judgment within established grantmaking frameworks, works collaboratively across departments, and serves as a key liaison between funded organizations and senior Strategy & Impact leadership to ensure effective stewardship of philanthropic investments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Grant & Portfolio Management

• Manage assigned grants throughout the full lifecycle, including pre-award review support, post-award monitoring, compliance tracking, and documentation.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager to ensure grant records, timelines, and requirements are accurate and current in the grant management system.
• Identify emerging risks, opportunities, or strategic considerations within assigned portfolios and escalate budgetary, strategic, or compliance issues to the Director as appropriate.

Community Partner Engagement

• Serve as a primary day-to-day point of contact for assigned funded organizations, fostering strong working relationships and supporting effective communication.
• Coordinate and conduct site visits and meetings across the five-county Greater Philadelphia area to support program monitoring, learning, and relationship building.
• Prepare briefing materials and summaries from site visits and partner meetings for Strategy & Impact leadership and internal stakeholders.

Research, Learning, & Impact Support

• Conduct literature reviews and peer-foundation research to identify best practices in grantmaking, program design, and impact measurement.
• Review data and narrative reports submitted by funded organizations and synthesize findings into clear summaries and draft reports for internal and external use.
• Contribute to departmental learning by tracking trends, outcomes, and lessons emerging from funded initiatives.

Internal Coordination & Knowledge Sharing

• Liaise with internal Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia departments to share relevant information about funded organizations, initiatives, and community needs.
• Regularly brief Strategy & Impact team members on developments within assigned portfolios and document updates in internal systems.
• Support preparation of materials for committees, leadership briefings, and cross-departmental coordination as needed.

• Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex organizational environments.
• Judgment & Independence: Demonstrated ability to manage projects and priorities with limited supervision and sound professional judgment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with grant management systems preferred.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with Philadelphia Jewish communal organizations, values, and the nonprofit ecosystem strongly preferred. Knowledge of Jewish customs and traditions required.

Education & Training Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, relevant experience required; advanced coursework or a Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, nonprofit program management, or a related field.

Work Conditions & Environment:

• As part of our organization's hybrid policy, the Program Officer will work 2 days per week in the office, as well as participate in agency site visits and attend community events.
• This role will collaborate with colleagues located in Philadelphia and Israel.
• The role involves local travel for site visits and meetings across the five-county Greater Philadelphia area, as well as occasional domestic travel for conferences.

Overview

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.

Our Mission

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.

Commitment to Diversity

We deeply value the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience brought by people from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Jewish institutions. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.

About the Organization:

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we care for those in need, combat antisemitism and global crisis, and strengthen Jewish identity.

Benefits

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.