Program Officer, Community-Centered Economy Sector

HCF's Collaboration Philosophy

At the Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF), we believe that an organization's team as a "whole is greater than the sum of its parts" (Aristotle). To us, this means that we are committed to be a collaborative 'ohana (family) that lives and actionizes our mission, respects and cares for each other, and innovates and learns together. We understand that we must rely upon all our individual strengths as we partner to provide excellent value and achieve effective results for our generous donors, community partners, and all of Hawai'i's people.


Position Summary

Like all HCF team members and volunteers, the Program Officer brings a deep commitment to HCF's mission: to inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections, and invest in community to create a better Hawai'i.

The Program Officer plays a key role in advancing HCF's Community Centered Economy (C) Sector by managing grant programs, supporting social impact investing initiatives, and cultivating strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and funding partners. This position helps deploy philanthropic capital through both grants and impact investments to address community priorities and advance systems change.

Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Program Officer supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of grant and investment strategies while contributing to deeper donor engagement and stewardship. The position also helps strengthen HCF's understanding of community needs and opportunities to ensure that resources are aligned with the most effective solutions.

Essential Position Responsibilities

Key responsibilities fall within primary areas of focus and are as follows:


Grant Program & Impact Investment Management

• Manage an assigned portfolio of C-Sector programs, including Social Impact Investing initiatives, Community Grants (O'ahu Funds), Advancing Nonprofit Excellence, the Hawai'i Resilience Fund, and other initiatives.
• Design and implement grant programs, including developing strategies, Requests for Proposals, and selection processes.
• Support the evaluation and due diligence of mission-aligned social impact investments that advance community priorities.
• Coordinate grant program events, convenings, and learning opportunities for grantees and community partners.
• Track program performance and community outcomes to assess effectiveness and inform future funding strategies.
• Manage consultants, vendors, and external partners supporting program delivery.

Grant & Investment Review/ Monitoring

• Review and analyze grant and investment proposals, preparing clear funding recommendations and written summaries.
• Participate in peer review and collaborative decision-making with colleagues across HCF programs.
• Monitor funded projects and investments through progress reports, financial review, site visits, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Respond to inquiries from nonprofit organizations and community members regarding funding opportunities.

Community & Donor Relationship Stewardship

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with nonprofit leaders, community partners, and sector experts to deepen understanding of community priorities.
• Support HCF's relationships with donors, advisory committees, and private foundation clients by providing program insights and funding opportunities aligned with their interests.
• Partner with Development & Donor Relations (DDR) to inform donor engagement, stewardship, and fundraising strategies.
• Identify opportunities to connect donors and partners with community organizations and initiatives.
• Build relationships with community finance partners, CDFIs, and mission-aligned intermediaries to advance impact investing opportunities.

Collaboration & Organizational Impact

• Collaborate with colleagues across HCF to align grantmaking, donor engagement, and community investment strategies.
• Contribute knowledge of nonprofit sector trends, community challenges, and emerging opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with DDR to support comprehensive relationship management strategies for donors and partners.
• Help foster a culture of learning, accountability, and shared impact within the Grants Services team.

Data, Learning & Reporting

• Maintain accurate program data and documentation within HCF systems.
• Track program outcomes and impact investment metrics to support evaluation and reporting.
• Prepare program updates, reports, and communications materials for donors, partners, and internal leadership.
• Support budget oversight and financial tracking related to grant programs.

Community Engagement

• Represent HCF at community meetings, convenings, and events.
• Facilitate community conversations and gatherings that support collaboration and shared learning across the nonprofit sector.

Supervision

• Supervise and mentor staff as assigned.

Other Responsibilities

• Serve as a collaborative and knowledgeable representative of HCF in the community.
• Model HCF values by acting with integrity, treating others with respect and compassion, and embracing the power of partnerships.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

HCF believes our team members thrive when they bring both professional expertise and a deep commitment to community.

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic, or community development sectors preferred.
• Experience in grantmaking, program management, or nonprofit evaluation.
• Familiarity with social impact investing, community development finance, or mission-related investing preferred.
• Ability to assess both community impact and financial sustainability when evaluating funding opportunities.
• Strong understanding of Hawai'i's communities, including the history and complexity of Indigenous and multicultural perspectives.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills with diverse stakeholders including nonprofit leaders, donors, and community partners.
• Strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to handle sensitive donor and client information with discretion.
• Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Office and database systems used in grant and donor management.

Work Environment, Physical, and Mental Demands

• Works under regular office conditions with the ability to work remotely.
• General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with flexible hours, as needed.
• Required to travel, as needed.
• Ability to operate general office equipment including computer, copier, printers, fax machine, etc.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 25 lbs. of general office material or equipment.

This provides a general description of the common duties performed by a person in this position. It does not include every possible duty an individual in this position may be asked to perform and is not all-encompassing. Positions also may require "other duties as assigned" and such assignments are considered part of this position's assignment. This job description is provided as a general summary and does not constitute a contract for employment and does not in any way alter Hawai'i Community Foundation's employment "at-will" relationship with any employee in this position.