Detroit, MI

Philanthropy Fellowships, Council of Michigan Foundations

The Organization
About the Council of Michigan Foundations: CMF work focuses on emboldening and equipping Michigan philanthropy in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders, and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. Equity is a pillar of our work, and equity is embedded across our priority pillars of policy, practice, and people. CMF is a leadership organization driven by our values and the power of people, equipped with deep sector expertise and the ability to anticipate and adapt, ever committed to continuous improvement in support of Michigan philanthropy.
Read more about us at: http://www.michiganfoundations.org
Follow us on social media @michfoundations

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr Foundation began operations in 2015 to continue his legacy – one of generosity and innovation, healthy risk-taking and collaboration, and an unshakeable community focus. Today, his hand-picked Life Trustees have determined to focus the efforts of the foundation on Mr. Wilson home and adopted home regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a structure that dictates spend-down of our funds by 2035, we strive to match the urgency that people in need feel every day with community investments that consider both immediate and long-term benefit.

Read more about us at: www.ralphwilsonjrfoundation.org

Position Overview
Position: Philanthropy Fellows (2-Year Fellowship – 3 Fellowships available)
Location: Southeast Michigan

Position Summary
The Philanthropy Fellowship will give an emerging leader a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the Foundation and to the larger nonprofit community. Throughout the fellowship you will be exposed to all aspects of philanthropy in the Foundation’s focus areas. The Philanthropy Fellows will support the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) in leveraging the good work that is already underway in Western New York and Southeast Michigan. The fellows will be embedded in the Program team, with approximately 90 percent of time allocated to supporting the grant making activities of the Foundation, and 10 percent of time to their own learning and professional development through the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). Fellows will assist in identifying areas of mutual importance to RCWJRF staff and/or its grantees and advance research, communications and convening in support of shared issues.

Functions of the Position:
• Support the grantmaking activities within assigned focus areas, including reviewing and evaluating letters of inquiry and full proposal materials, as well as drafting and editing documents and other materials for grant review meetings.
• Assist in the management of the grant reporting process. Write preliminary close-out reports. Work with Learning, Evaluation and Reporting to assure grant metrics and indicators are in order.
• Support Program staff to manage all aspects of the grant cycle, including outreach to and engagement with grantees and potential grantees.
• Work with program and administrative staff to help organize meetings, conduct site visits, and research topics related to the Foundation’s grantmaking interests.
• Provide project management and other support.
• Identify and suggest opportunities to collaborate with other RCWJRF fellows and/or fellows from other foundations.
• Contribute to writing articles, web content, event recaps, newsletter profiles and other materials.
• Prepare and present reports to Wilson Foundation staff, grantees, and partners.
• Participate in the development of annual strategic planning and mission review.
• Participate in regular staff meetings with RCWJRF and CMF.

Professional Development
• Interact with staff and grantees, in Southeast Michigan and Western New York.
• Participate in monthly learning sessions with other fellows.
• Attend local and national stakeholder meetings and conferences as staff with staff responsibilities, but also to learn and participate.
• Brainstorm, develop and execute a Capstone-type project to guide your work during your second year of the fellowship.

Qualifications for the Position
The successful candidate should be an early career professional with experience working in the non-profit and/social impact/philanthropic sectors:

• Past or current resident of Southeast Michigan or Western New York, or graduate of a college or university located in Michigan or New York State.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 1-2 years of full-time work experience after obtaining an undergraduate degree and/or graduate degree.
• Skills: An overall commitment to excellence, excited to learn from others, placing high value on feedback along with excellent written and oral communication skills, eager to use strengths and contribute immediately.
• Characteristics: Relational and trustworthy, able to easily build rapport with all, hardworking, constantly seeking challenges and completing tasks quickly creative, self-starter with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, detail-oriented with good judgement, flexible and adaptable to new situations.
• Abilities: Works well independently and able to collaborate in a team environment, and with people and organizations of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.
• Desire and passion to develop a broad knowledge of the core funding areas that the RCWJRF supports and a personal commitment to improving Southeast Michigan and Western New York.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and other reporting programs.

Physical and Mental Activities and Requirements:
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel to perform the duties. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk around to perform the duties. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• The employee may operate any or all of the following: telephone, cellular telephone, copy and fax machine, imaging equipment, computer, and printer.
• This position may require travel by automobile and airplane.
• The employee must be able to read and interpret documents, understand/follow complex written and oral instructions, be able to express themselves clearly/concisely, perform mathematical functions and handle multiple, concurrent tasks.
• This position requires regular and predictable attendance.

Other Job Requirements
While the position will be exclusively virtual initially, as we monitor health and safety conditions, Fellow will be required to reside in Southeast Michigan and work in the Foundation’s Detroit office, for the duration of the Fellowship, as soon as COVID restrictions allow. Valid driver’s license and reliable auto with necessary insurance required. The Fellowships is expected to require periodic day and/or overnight travel within the SEMI and WNY with the potential for additional required travel outside this core geography.

How To Apply

Salary & Benefits: The annual salary for this fellowship is $55,000. In addition to salary, benefits include health insurance, a 403b plan with contribution matching, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, paid time off and other benefits. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter and resume to Tammie TenBroeke at jobs@michiganfoundations.org. Items must be received no later than July 23, 2021. If selected for an interview you will be required to submit a writing sample. The Council of Michigan Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All correspondence will remain confidential.

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