Foundation Senior Program Officer – Job #3460

Job Description:

The GoWest Foundation is seeking an experienced Senior Program Officer with experience in cross-sector collaboration, entrepreneurial ecosystem/small business support, and complex grant management.  This position will lead the Washington Credit Building Pilot Program, which is a time-limited program funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce utilizing federal grant dollars made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  The project period is June 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024 and all positions funded under this pilot are time-limited.

The Senior Program Officer will lead the design, implementation, and administration of the pilot program through collaboration with the Washington Department of Commerce, credit unions, the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN), and other stakeholders.

Powered by a network of credit unions, GoWest Foundation is uniquely positioned to leverage and deliver resources that strengthen the financial lives of people and communities across a six-state region.  As a part of the GoWest Credit Union Association family of organizations, GoWest Foundation serves not-for-profit member-owned financial cooperatives. Credit unions are more than financial services providers. They are socially responsible pillars in their communities, helping consumers achieve financial wellness while positively impacting the areas they serve. When you join the GoWest Foundation, you play a critical role in supporting the region’s credit unions, so they can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of their members and communities.

We offer a smart working environment which provides flexibility and choice for our team members.  Employees have the flexibility to work where it makes sense for them to accomplish their work in support of the organization’s priorities.  This position offers the flexibility of working remotely from within one of our regional states (AZ, CO, ID, OR, WA, & WY) or in one of our offices (AZ, CO, ID, OR, & WA) with a strong preference for candidates based in Washington State.

The Senior Program Officer’s key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• In partnership with the GoWest Foundation Executive Director, develop and execute a comprehensive and successful Credit Building Pilot Program.
• Create goals, objectives, and KPI system with aligned budgets to manage programs and initiatives as aligned with key project elements.
• Oversee timelines, resources, stakeholders, and pilot program deliverables to ensure successful completion of Credit Building Pilot Program milestones and deliverables (as outlined in the program’s Scope of Work).
• Lead the design of a pilot alternative, safe and affordable financial program and develop, create, and implement financial, credit, and capital product(s) that are flexible and easy-to-access. Ensure collaboration with Commerce, consultants, industry and community leaders, economic development organizations and trusted community-based messengers, including SBRN partners.
• Provide effective relationship building and management between GoWest pilot partners, and stakeholders to foster ongoing productive and impactful relationships.
• Co-create and implement financing programs that provide safe, accessible, and affordable capital for small businesses. Develop tools and products for individuals to increase savings, credit scores, access to capital and net worth for entrepreneurs of color, with a particular focus on building the intergenerational wealth of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and rural small business owners and entrepreneurs.
• In collaboration with Commerce, provide guidance and structure to attract and use additional funding, including philanthropy, to maximize reach and impact of the pilot program and product(s).
• Ensure compliance with Washington State Department of Commerce Federal Services Contract No. 23-F21420120-002, including all provisions and Attachment A: Scope of Work, and Attachment B:  Budget.
• Ensure compliance with all Washington State Department of Commerce monthly and other invoicing and reporting deadlines.
• Ensure registration with federal System for Award Management (SAM), Commerce Contracts Management System (CMS), and other required state and federal systems remain active throughout the life of the Credit Building Pilot Program.
• Inform the development and implementation of communications strategies and materials.
• Establish and enforce procurement policies and procedures in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
• Track the progress of pilot including key phases and milestones, progress with key partners, capturing and synthesizing best practices, ideation, and lessons learned.
• Measure, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact of the pilot program to evaluate its effectiveness and make suggestions for changes/adjustments as needed.

The ideal candidate is an intrepid leader with ten years of sector experience in cross-sector collaboration, systems change, community development finance, and management of complex and/or government grant awards.  This position requires you to possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to design and implement complex initiatives, an attention to detail, and a team work ethic.

Salary ranges from $95 – $125k base salary, depending on experience. Employees (and dependents 50%) are covered by medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability.  Employees are eligible to enroll in our 401k plan.  New employees will accrue 15 days of vacation and 8 days of paid time off. In addition, employees will enjoy eleven paid holidays and two floating holidays.

GoWest is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Apply by emailing your resume to [email protected] with the job #3460 in the subject line, or by faxing the same to 206.340.4802.