Program Officer of Education

ABOUT THE BARBERTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONThe Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) is a nonprofit organization providing funding, systems, and support to the Barberton community in order to build a stronger, more vibrant Barberton for generations to come. We invest in people, places, and systems, working alongside residents, donors, community partners, and elected officials to drive lasting change.Our 2025–2031 Strategic Plan is organized around four pillars: Birth-to-5 Early Learning, Downtown Revitalization, Workforce & Career Development, and Basic Needs.THE SOUL OF THE ROLEBCF believes that a child’s path from a healthy start in life to a meaningful career is one continuous system - and that a community’s strength depends on how well that system works for every family. The Program Officer for Education is the person who understands that system deeply, maps where it’s working and where it’s broken in Barberton, and builds the partnerships and funding that move it forward.This is a mid-career role for someone who can think in systems and plan for long-term change, while still being energized by the hands-on work of building partner relationships, tracking outcomes, and making things happen on the ground. This is not a senior executive role - it is a role for an experienced professional who thinks strategically and executes with discipline.The Program Officer for Education is BCF’s internal expert on early childhood and workforce development - the person the Executive Director turns to for analysis, the person grant partners turn to for relationship, and the person responsible for ensuring BCF’s investments in these areas (birth-5, out-of-school time, career pathways) are well-managed, well-measured, and moving the needle toward defined outcomes.What can we offer YOU:PAY: Starting at $80,000 per year, commensurate with experienceHealth, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance benefits401(k) match11 paid holidaysPaid Time Off (PTO)CORE RESPONSIBILITIESSystems ThinkingDevelop deep expertise in both the early childhood system (birth-to-5, childcare access, school preparedness, kindergarten readiness) and the workforce and career pathways system (employer partnerships, training providers, career navigation, post-secondary connections)Understand what a high-functioning version of the system (e.g. birth-5 early learning system, career pathways system, out-of-school time system) looks like - the outcomes, benchmarks, and indicators that signal real progressBecome BCF’s expert on the Barberton community context: how these evolving issues show up locally, who the key players are, where the gaps are, and where leverage existsStay current on research, policy, and practice in early childhood and workforce development at the local, state, and national levelsBring regular analysis and insight to the Executive Director to inform BCF’s strategy and investment decisionsPartnership Development & ManagementBuild and steward day-to-day relationships with early childhood providers, the school district, childcare networks, workforce boards, employers, training organizations, and career pathway partnersIdentify organizations doing strong work in BCF’s focus areas and assess their potential as grant partners or collaboratorsFacilitate connections between partners where BCF can play a convening or catalyzing roleRepresent BCF at relevant community tables, coalitions, and sector meetings as directed by the Executive DirectorGrantmaking - Education & Workforce CycleManage BCF’s Cycle 2 grantmaking for education and workforce - conducting outreach, reviewing applications, performing site visits, and synthesizing analysesPackage completed grant applications and all supporting documentation for the Director of Community Impact, who administers applications through the grants committee - ensuring materials are organized, complete, and committee-ready before handoffMonitor active education and workforce grants throughout their lifecycle - tracking milestones, reviewing reports, identifying issues early, and documenting outcomesMaintain accurate records of all education and workforce grantmaking; support organizational learning from grant dataCoordinate with the Director of Community Impact on grant process alignment and with the Director of Finance on grant accounting and paymentsFunding DevelopmentProactively identify grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and other funders aligned with BCF’s early childhood and workforce prioritiesWrite and submit grant proposals to support BCF’s education and workforce investments - both for BCF’s own programmatic work and in support of partner organizations where appropriateBuild relationships with program officers and funders in the early childhood and workforce space, in coordination with the Executive DirectorTrack funding pipeline, deadlines, and reporting requirements for all education and workforce grants receivedPolicy Landscape & AdvocacyMonitor federal, state, and local policy developments affecting early childhood systems, workforce development, and post-secondary access — including funding structures, program regulations, and legislative priorities that shape what is possible in BarbertonServe as BCF’s internal expert on the policy environment relevant to the cradle-to-career continuum, ensuring the organization’s systems-building investments are designed to align with current policy structures and positioned to take advantage of structures to comeBuild and maintain relationships with elected officials and their staff at the local, county, state, and federal levels specifically around education and workforce policy — familiarizing them with BCF’s work, its community partners, and the outcomes the cradle-to-career portfolio is working to achieveHelp tell BCF’s story to policymakers: translate the on-the-ground reality of what BCF and its partners are doing into clear, compelling narratives that help elected officials understand both the need and the progressRepresent BCF at relevant policy tables, advocacy coalitions, and government convenings in the education and workforce space, in coordination with the Executive DirectorIdentify policy opportunities and risks on the horizon — bringing analysis and recommendations to the Executive Director so BCF can be proactive rather than reactive in how it positions its workNote: As a 509(a)(3) supporting organization, BCF does not engage in lobbying or attempt to influence legislation. Advocacy work in this role is focused on nonpartisan education, relationship-building, and policy monitoring — ensuring BCF and its partners are informed, visible, and well-positioned within the policy landscape.WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORRight PersonSystems thinker who understands that sustainable community change happens through connected ecosystems, not isolated programsMid-career professional - experienced enough to lead independently, still energized by the field workRelationship-driven and genuine - proven track record of building trust with partners and community membersAnalytical and intellectually curious - digs into data and research, brings insight back to the team that can turn into actionable workOrganized and accountable - manages a complex portfolio without dropping detailsMission-aligned with authentic commitment to Barberton’s children, families, and working adultsRight Seat - Experience & Skills5+ years of experience in early childhood systems (related experience in social services, social work, etc.), workforce development, education policy, community development, or a closely related fieldDemonstrated understanding of systems change principles and long-term community investment strategyExperience building and managing relationships with community organizations, providers, or government partnersGrant writing or grant management experience preferredFamiliarity with the early childhood and/or workforce landscape in the State of Ohio preferredStrong written and verbal communication skills - able to translate complex work so it is accurately interpreted by different stakeholder groupsExperience with data, outcomes measurement, or program evaluation a plus Does this sound like the position for you? Apply with a current resume today!