Program Manager, Community Funds

# *A great experience starts with you!*The Samueli Foundation’s mission is to make Orange County a thriving mosaic of community well-being by supporting and uniting catalytic forces whose innovations yield a higher quality of life for everyone. Core to the organization are its values of integrity, gratitude, empathy, curiosity, creativity, and trust.Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel best suit you, as an applicant, you can always see your application status in your profile.Job Title:Program Manager, Community Funds**Pay Details:**The annual base salary range for this position in California is $140,000 to $160,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education/training, internal value, peer equity, external market demands, and organizational considerations.**About the Samueli Foundation**The Samueli Foundation, a private family foundation, has achieved significant milestones in recent years, including an accelerated rate of giving, team growth under new leadership, and the establishment of a renewed mission, vision, and values to guide its grantmaking and culture. Committed to the vision of well-being for all, the Foundation fosters community well-being in Orange County by supporting innovative initiatives that enhance quality of life. Guided by integrity, gratitude, and empathy, the Foundation invests in catalytic forces, fosters multisector cooperation, and inspires adaptation—all underpinned by professionalism, energy, and excellence.**About the Position**Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Program Manager of Community Funds will oversee the execution and continuous improvement of the Foundation’s open-application community funds, including the Breakaway Fund and Build OC Fund. In 2025, the Foundation launched its first open-call funding cycle, receiving more than 1,200 applications from Orange County nonprofits. Building on this early success, the Foundation is committed to continuing these funds as an accessible front door for the nonprofit community—a way to both expand access to hard-to-reach capital and continuously learn about the evolving needs of our region and the organizations serving it.This role will oversee the full grantmaking lifecycle, including fund awareness, applicant management, grantee diligence and assessment, portfolio analysis, and ongoing learning. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, community-oriented leader who is passionate about philanthropy’s role in supporting nonprofits, unafraid of innovation, and thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Read more about the inaugural cycle of Breakaway and Build OC Funds on our .**Key Responsibilities:****Fund Management*** Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of open-call funding opportunities, from application design and management to grantee portfolio analysis.* Lead applicant management process, including responding to external inquiries, ensuring accessibility of processes, and guiding organizations through the application lifecycle using our grants management system.* Design and implement external review processes, including recruitment, training, and calibration of input from volunteer reviewers and subject matter experts* Synthesize reviewer input and conduct portfolio analyses to develop funding recommendations for leadership and board consideration.* Collect and analyze data using our database to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.* Partner with our Grants Management and Finance teams to ensure timely and accurate communications, disbursements, and compliance tracking.**Community Engagement*** Serve as the primary point of contact for applicants during the funding cycle, ensuring clear, timely, and respectful communication.* Assist in managing relationships with nonprofit leaders, community stakeholders, and other partners to support the Foundation's open call processes.* Represent the Foundation at community events, convenings, and sector gatherings to promote funding opportunities and deepen local engagement.* Represent the Foundation in external meetings, coalitions, and public forums to surface insights, identify emerging opportunities, and position the Foundation as a trustworthy partner.* Lead efforts to coordinate events, such as partner appreciation gatherings and convening sector leaders around critical topics, in coordination with the President and the Foundation team.* Play a vital role in managing relationships with partners, including ongoing communications.* Respond to requests for information and resources or refer to the appropriate Foundation contact.**Operational Support*** Provide scheduling and logistical support for internal and external meetings related to fund management in partnership with the Chief Program Officer.* Assist with internal coordination by drafting agenda items, taking meeting notes, and tracking follow-up actions across teams.* Extract and synthesize insights from open call cycles to inform broader grantmaking strategies.* Collaborate with program colleagues to document lessons learned and contribute to Foundation-wide learning.* Work with our grants management, IT, and external vendors to troubleshoot any issues with our grants management portal.**Qualifications:**The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Equivalent combinations of work experience and training that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will also be considered.It is critically important that the Program Manager of Community Funds be a highly collaborative and collegial team player who listens and communicates well, while rooted in the confidence that comes with subject matter expertise. A successful candidate will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field such as nonprofit management, community development, or public administration.* Minimum 3–5 years of experience in grantmaking, program management, or nonprofit sector leadership.* Comfortable with, or willing to learn, a range of tools including the Microsoft Office suite, GivingData, and emerging AI-powered technologies.* Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables.* Listens with empathy, navigates differences with respect, and fosters a culture of inclusion and encouragement.* Writes and speaks with clarity, professionalism, and attention to detail.* Can balance multiple projects while staying grounded in what matters most; isn’t afraid to ask for help when needed.* Synthesizes complex information, makes informed decisions in uncertain conditions, and leads with curiosity and adaptability.* Exercises good judgment in when and how to say no; protects focus and organizational clarity with diplomacy.* Demonstrates flexibility and a growth mindset; offers inventive approaches to challenges.* Conducts thorough research that leads to actionable recommendations and sound decisions.* Maintains a high level of organization, punctuality, and follow-through.* Brings dedication and professionalism to work while remaining approachable and self-aware.* Thrives in a collaborative environment and contributes to a culture of mutual respect and shared achievement.**COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND LOCATION:**Compensation for this role will be highly competitive. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, #J-18808-Ljbffr