Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Community Foundation Seeking Program Officer

November 02, 2026  /  Liz Conway

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is hiring a Program Officer to coordinate grants and scholarships, support local nonprofits, and help turn community generosity into meaningful impact.

We’re looking for a detail-oriented, resourceful team member who enjoys building relationships and helping others. If you’re passionate about making a difference in Isabella County, we’d love to hear from you!

Program Officer Position

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt (40 hrs)

Reports to: Program Director

 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Officer manages the Foundation’s grantmaking and scholarship programs and supports nonprofit capacity-building and community leadership initiatives. In alignment with the strategic plan, this role focuses on:

  • Goal 1: Convening: Connecting for impact

    Strengthening the Foundation’s role as a community connector by increasing visibility and deepening understanding of diverse partners to help unite efforts around shared visions for great collective impact; growing the community Foundation’s role as a convener in the community.

  • Goal 2: Funding and Grantmaking: Philanthropy in Action

    Aligning and growing fundraising efforts at the Foundation to the most impactful areas of need, increasing quality of life in Isabella County to create a culture of philanthropy; Enhance the revenue model for the Foundation to create more flexible dollars; Restructure how the Foundation grants money to have the most impact in serving community needs.

  • Goal 3: Organizational Infrastructure: Strength from Within

    Strengthen our organization’s ability to make mission-driven decisions that prioritize community impact, even when those decisions may not align with the preferences of all stakeholders; Restructure the Community Foundation for greater efficiency and long-term capacity; Increase the community’s understanding of the foundation’s identity, role, and value as a driver of positive impact.

     

 Primary Responsibilities

  • Grantmaking & Scholarship Management

    • Donor Intent: Understand, communicate, and uphold donors’ philanthropic goals for both grants and scholarships, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission.

    • Promotion & Deadlines: Publicize protocols, guidelines, and timelines for grant and scholarship cycles; actively encourage participation.

    • Application Processing: Screen and process all submissions, accurately enter data into the grants management software, and prepare corresponding agreements and correspondence.

    • Communication & Follow-Up: Maintain ongoing contact with grantees and scholarship recipients, ensuring they receive clear expectations and resources for successful projects.

    • Impact Highlighting: Share stories of funded projects and scholarship outcomes through reports, site visits, social media, and community events to keep donors and stakeholders informed and engaged.

    • Review & Compliance: Coordinate with grantees on reporting requirements; conduct site visits to assess funded projects and verify alignment with donor intent.

    • Capacity Building: Promote training and educational opportunities for local nonprofit staff and boards, enhancing their impact and sustainability.

  • Committee Coordination

    • Grant Review & Scholarship Committees:

      • Maintain up-to-date volunteer reviewer lists and prepare materials for the review process.

      • Prepare and distribute review packets, ensuring compliance with established Foundation policies.

      • Develop agendas and take accurate meeting minutes for effective documentation.

    • Collaboration: Engage committee members, providing them with the information needed to make informed decisions about funding.

  • Capacity Building & Community Leadership Support

    • Stakeholder Relationships: Develop and maintain strong connections with local schools, nonprofits, and government units, fostering an environment of collaboration and open communication.

    • Foundation Promotion: Seek opportunities—via events, presentations, and media outreach—to highlight the Foundation’s grantmaking, scholarship, and leadership efforts.

    • Committee Involvement: Actively participate in meetings and relevant task forces to identify community needs and share recommendations for strategic grantmaking.

    • Strategic Alignment: Gather data on critical issues, assist the Board in identifying funding gaps, and propose proactive grants that address pressing local challenges.

  • Donor Engagement (Stewardship)

    • Relationship Cultivation: Work closely with team members to keep donors informed of project milestones, success stories, and emerging opportunities.

    • Reporting & Updates: Provide concise, impactful updates that highlight how donor contributions are strengthening the community—reinforcing trust and encouraging renewed support.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education & Technical Skills

    • Bachelor’s degree.

    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-based communication tools.

    • Ability to learn and use grant management software.

  • Nonprofit & Grantmaking Knowledge

    • Previous nonprofit or substantive volunteer experience strongly preferred.

    • Familiarity with grant processes, including application review, compliance, and reporting.

  • Analytical & Communication Skills

    • Capacity to evaluate proposals critically, maintain impartiality, and communicate alternatives clearly.

    • Excellent written and verbal communication for interacting with grantees, committee members, and community stakeholders.

  • Organizational & Time Management Skills

    • Able to multi-task, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines.

    • Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.

  • Teamwork & Professionalism

    • Effective collaborator who thrives in a small-staff environment.

    • Upholds confidentiality and demonstrates a genuine passion for philanthropy.

 Interested? Please email Jaimie Capen-Cascaddan, Program Director, at jcapen@mpacf.org with “Program Officer” in the subject line. Include 1) a resume, 2) a cover letter addressing relevant experience and why you are interested in this position, and 3) a list of three references. No hard copy submissions, please. For best consideration, please apply before November 20, 2026.

Salary Range:

$48,000 to $52,000 commensurate with experience. Benefit package includes health and life insurance, disability, retirement, paid vacation, and more.

The position will remain open until filled. The Foundation reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.

MPACF is an equal-opportunity employer.

  

About the Foundation

Founded in 1990, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) serves as a focal point for philanthropy in Isabella County, Michigan. With assets exceeding $38 million, MPACF has awarded over $15 million in grants and scholarships to charitable nonprofits, schools, and units of government—supporting human services, cultural arts, education, recreation, the environment, and civic affairs. The Foundation is governed by a 22-member Board of Trustees and supported by four professional staff members plus multiple standing committees. Visit mpacf.org for more information.