Now Hiring: Program Officer
Applications Due August 3rd, 2026
Job Title: Program Officer
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Sanilac County Community Foundation (Sandusky, MI)
Position Type: Flexible; Dependent on Candidate (Regular Employment Schedule)
Estimate: 20-30hrs per week. Full-Time may be available.
Position Compensation: Flexible; Dependent on Candidate
Additional Benefits: SIMPLE IRA, Flexible Hours/Hybrid Work Environment, Paid-Time-Off (PTO)
About the Sanilac County Community Foundation
The Sanilac County Community Foundation (SCCF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents by promoting philanthropy, developing permanent endowment, and supporting projects that benefit the community. We provide leadership and serve as a trusted resource for donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to address the current and future needs of Sanilac County.
Position Overview & Key Responsibilities
The Program Officer is responsible for leading and managing the Community Foundation’s scholarship program and supporting the organization’s broader grantmaking and youth philanthropy initiatives. This position plays a key role in ensuring scholarship, grant, Youth Advisory Council, and Sanilac Women Who Care programs are administered with accuracy, professionalism, consistency, and alignment with the Community Foundation’s mission.
The Program Officer works closely with Community Foundation staff and committees, K-12 school district staff, high school students, and nonprofit partners to support effective program delivery and meaningful community impact.
Scholarship Program Leadership
The Program Officer is responsible for leading the full administration of the Community Foundation’s scholarship program, which provides more than $250,000 annually in support of Sanilac County students. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Managing all aspects of the scholarship program, including application, review, selection, award, and communication processes.
- Coordinating with students, schools, committees, reviewers, and donors to ensure a smooth, accessible, and compliant process aligned with donor intent and organizational policies.
- Performing site visits to local schools to present to high school students regarding the Community Foundation scholarship program.
- Meeting with students, school staff, donors, reviewers, and stakeholders regarding individual scholarships and fund needs.
- Overseeing review committees, timelines, eligibility criteria, documentation, and recordkeeping, while preparing award communications and reports.
- Working with the Office Manager on tracking payments, enrollment verification, and required documentation, alongside identifying opportunities to improve program efficiency, accessibility, and outreach.
- Building, maintaining, and optimizing the scholarship management system (akoyaGO based on Dynamics 365), including configuration, data integrity, workflow improvements, and user support.
Grantmaking Program Support
The Program Officer supports the Community Foundation’s grantmaking programs and assists with the administration of competitive grant rounds, field of interest grants, donor-advised fund grants, designated grants, and other grantmaking activities as assigned. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Leading grant application setup, applicant communication, eligibility review, and documentation.
- Supporting grant review committees through meeting preparation, application materials, scoring tools, and follow-up documentation.
- Helping prepare grant recommendations, award letters, grant agreements, payment information, related reports, and working with the Officer Manager on tracking grant requirements, final reports, project updates, grantee communication, and maintaining accurate grant records in the Community
- Foundation database and files (akoyaGO based on Dynamics 365 and SharePoint).
- Supporting nonprofit partners and applicants by answering questions and providing guidance on grant processes.
- Meeting with organizational grantees and applicants regarding grantmaking programs.
- Assisting with grant impact tracking, storytelling, and reporting for donors, committees, and the Board of Trustees.
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Support
The Program Officer will serve as the primary Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Advisor and support YAC / youth philanthropy programs. The Youth Advisory Council is made up of Sanilac County high school students. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinating Youth Advisory Council meetings, primarily during the school year.
- Assisting with planning and participating in the Youth Advisory Council Summer Leadership Conference.
- Assisting in organizing Youth Advisory Council service projects and community engagement activities.
- Communicating with students, parents, schools, advisors, and community partners as needed.
- Supporting volunteer Youth Advisory Council advisors through coordination, communication, and resource assistance.
- Maintaining Youth Advisory Council records, attendance, forms, communication, and program documentation.
Program Administration and Community Relations
The Program Officer also provides general program and administrative support related to the Community Foundation’s mission. Examples include supporting Sanilac Women Who Care and Fund Contacts / Committees. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Maintaining accurate records, files, reports, and database entries.
- Preparing program materials, committee packets, meeting minutes, correspondence, and public-facing information.
- Supporting donor stewardship and communications related to scholarships, grants, and youth programs.
- Assisting with events, presentations, award ceremonies, and community meetings.
- Ensuring program policies and procedures are followed consistently.
- Representing the Community Foundation in a professional and mission-focused manner.
- Performing other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications & Desired Skills
Education
- Minimum of an associate degree preferred. A bachelor’s degree or greater equivalent recommended.
Experience
- Nonprofit administration, education, scholarships, grantmaking, youth programming, community engagement, office administration, or related fields is ideal.
- Experience working with students, school systems, nonprofits, and community organizations recommended.
- Familiarity with CRM or donor databases preferred.
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and email marketing platforms.
- Proficient with computer systems, including online databases and forms required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
- Ability to interpret guidelines, follow procedures, and apply policies consistently.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a professional and friendly demeanor.
- Strong ethical standards and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- A commitment to community service, philanthropy, youth development, and the mission of the Community Foundation required.
Additional Skills Desirable for Full-Time Employment
Secondary Priority Areas in one or more of the following fields:
- Social Media Creation & Management
- Copywriting & Storytelling
- Computer Skills / Technology Management
- Database Skills
Office Culture & Compensation
Reporting Relationship
The Program Officer reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with all Community Foundation staff, committees, volunteers, donors, schools, grantees, and community partners.
Work Environment
This position requires regular office work, computer use, written and verbal communication (presentations at high schools), meetings, and occasional attendance at community events or programs. Some evening, weekend, or off-site work may be required depending on program schedules, committee meetings, or special events.
Position Classification
This position may be structured as part-time or full-time depending on the needs of the Community Foundation and desires of the candidate. Final classification, schedule, compensation, and benefits will be determined by the Community Foundation. This position is flexible and should reflect a commitment to benefiting both the Community Foundation and the candidate.
To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Joshua@SanilacFoundation.org with the subject line:
SUBJECT LINE: “Program Officer Application 2026 – First Name Last Name”
Applications will be accepted until August 3rd, 2026.
Thank You!
The Sanilac County Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. The Community Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.