Program Officer, Community

About the Internet Society Foundation

The Internet Society (ISOC) supports and promotes the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society. Our work aligns with our goals for the Internet to be open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. We seek collaboration with all who share these goals.

Together, we focus on building and supporting the communities that make the Internet work; advancing the development and application of Internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards; and advocating for policy that is consistent with our view of the Internet.

The Internet Society Foundation (Foundation) is a non-profit organization that works in concert with the Internet Society. It exists to demonstrate and support the positive difference the Internet can make to people everywhere and promote the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society.  

The Foundation is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion, where all individuals are valued for their distinct contributions.  Our people are the most valuable strengths we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our staff invests in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and the Foundation's achievements.

Job Description Summary

The Program Officer is a full-time position responsible for implementing and managing three to four of ISOC Foundation’s grantmaking programs and the staff that support those programs. The grant portfolio will include the Community Programs which include: Beyond the Net, Chapter Admin Funding, Internet Governance, and Opportunities (which is a board-directed, invite-only program).

The Program Officer works closely with the Senior Program Officer to successfully organize and implement their portfolio in collaboration with other team members to build strong relationships and partnerships in the community. This position will have two to three (2-3) direct reports who manage the day-to-day grantmaking processes and relationships with the grantee partners. 

Location

Remote- Deadline to apply October 31

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work independently and collaboratively to manage, monitor, and coordinate a grants portfolio covering the themes of Connectivity, Affordability, Internet Governance, Online Trust and Safety, and Mobilizing Communities. Implementation of grants program will include long-term grant planning; identifying prospective grantees; soliciting, reviewing and responding to grant proposals; (including helping determine the goals for a grant program, its activities, expected results, indicators of success and budget), conducting organizational assessments; undertaking periodic reviews of progress with grantees; and reviewing financial and narrative reports 
• Drive the establishment of internal/external partnerships and internal capabilities in support of short- and long-term ISOC and ISOC Foundation strategies 
• Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Team on strategic impact monitoring of assigned portfolio.
• Provide recommendations for funding for submission to the Senior Program Officer for review as well as outside experts for larger grants, and presenting select opportunities to the Board for discretionary approval of funds
• In collaboration with the Operations Team, manage internal processes and portfolio progress, and ensure appropriate documentation, grant budgeting and reporting 
• Create a positive environment for the portfolio team to feel valued and understand the impact of their work 
• Manage a globally distributed staff and support their professional growth 
• Provide intellectual leadership in areas related to the field of Internet technology, digital rights, and other areas of programmatic interest the Foundation supports 
• Contribute to the needs of the overall Programs Team with demonstrated knowledge and expertise from the grantmaking field.
• Propose and implement end to end programmatic launch plans.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• At least 7 years of relevant experience; at least 2-3 years in a leadership/management role, with direct supervisory experience
• Background in the development, implementation, and management of philanthropic program area strategies  
• Deep international partnership development experience with relevant stakeholders from governments, inter-governmental organizations, private sector, and civil society organizations 
• Exceptional communications skills - strong active listening skills, constructive verbal and written skills, strong public presentation skills; French and/or Spanish language skills a plus
• Experience with the full suite of grant making process including writing request for proposals (RFPs), reviewing grant applications; identifying high-quality candidates for review; recommending funding levels; and managing ongoing grantee projects 
• Experience working with membership and/or volunteer-led affiliates/chapter-type organizations
• Experience in a role requiring collaboration in complex internal and external organizations; ability to manage groups of diverse stakeholders in different geographical and cultural contexts 
• Demonstrates ability to contribute to setting a functional area strategy. 
• Builds a network of strong working relationships to pursue opportunities for strategic partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders to advance the organization's mission
• Ability to contribute to department/functional area budget forecasting and monitoring budget usage including identification of budget discrepancies
• Creates development goals with and for others. Ensures alignment with team members' career aspirations and organization goals. 

What You'll Love About Us

• Make an Impact. We have an exciting vision and mission to bring the internet to everyone!
• Great Company Culture. We are a global team and live our values of collaboration, inclusion, respect, people and passion in all of our HR programs including our new recognition program!
• Holiday/Vacation. Generous paid time off and paid public holidays.
• Benefits. Based on local in-country guidelines.
• Give back. Get paid to volunteer in your community!
• Professional Development and Educational Benefits. Annual company contribution towards professional development or higher education.
• Flexible Work Models. Flexible work-from-home.

Compensation and benefits for this position will be paid in local currency and based on the country and geographic location’s local salary and benefits market data for the position. Exact pay will be based on factors including but not limited to relevant qualifications, experience, geographic location, education, business and organizational needs. 

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, color or any other protected class. Compensation and benefit package for this position will be competitively commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications.  Applications will be evaluated until the position has been filled. The list of applicants will not be posted publicly and will be reviewed in confidence by members of the evaluation committee.