Program Development Officer

Founded in 1991, Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is an independent non-profit organization that gives passionate, committed people the tools, skills, and resources they need to make their communities better places to live.  With our headquarters in Montpelier, Vermont, and offices in China, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Washington, DC, ISC has an international staff of approximately 80 people. 

Our approach ensures that solutions emerge from within the community, rather than being imposed from the outside.  By combining technical expertise and leadership training with strategic investments in local organizations, we spark creative solutions and lasting change.  We have managed more than 70 projects in 18 countries.  For more information on ISC, please visit our website.

Position Overview:  

ISC is seeking a Program Development Officer to help develop, manage and support ISC's project design and proposal development process.  The candidate will possess strong abilities to plan, organize and execute application development for US government grants.  Exceptional writing and editing skills are required.   Qualified applicants will have experience with development research, proposal writing, and budget development.   Recruitment experience is a plus. 

The person in this position works with ISC staff in the US and abroad, and often in a cross-functional team.  Based in ISC's home office in Montpelier, Vermont, the position affords an excellent quality of life combined with a focus on the international arenas of civil society, governance, and community climate change. 

Responsibilities:  

• Support work associated with the design and development of new projects and proposals in all the areas of ISC's work.
• Conduct donor research and investigate potential funding opportunities, including government, bilateral and other donor resources; monitor various publications and web sites for requests for proposals and other funding opportunities;
• Draft some or all components of proposals, as well as edit proposals to meet ISC quality and style standards;
• Ensure on time and highest quality submission of proposals;
• Develop and refine project budgets and accompanying narratives;
• Develop and update templates and other tools to facilitate the proposal development process for both home office and overseas offices
• Coordinate proposal team and/or process;
• Provide regular updates on the criteria/goals/priorities of current and potential donors;
• Coordinate staff recruitment related to proposal development;
• Identify in-house staff and consultants with technical expertise that supports program development objectives; negotiate and draft agreements, and evaluate success of technical advisors;
• Represent ISC to external government officials, funding sources, partners, beneficiaries, and at conferences and other outreach opportunities;
• Work with communications staff to design and produce publications that advance new business development;
• Regularly inform all staff of project/program development activities, challenges and accomplishments;
• Conduct other research as necessary.

Relationships:  

• Reports to Director of Business Development.
• Supports and works closely with program team.
• Coordinates with fundraising and operations teams.
• Communicates with project partners and other organizations.

Working Conditions:

• Position requires working in an office setting and some travel.

Qualifications:

• BA, advanced degree preferred, 5 years of professional experience, or the equivalent, in field related to ISC's work;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
• Project design and proposal writing experience;
• Research and analysis, and budgeting skills;
• Strong work ethic, personal integrity, and sensitivity to people from different countries/cultures;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines;
• Above average skills in Microsoft Office suite, data processing (SAGE), email, Internet browsers, and other software;
• Willingness to travel;
• Knowledge of one or more foreign languages a plus.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and salary history by December 2, 2008.  Please specify Last Name, first initial and Program Officer in the Subject Line of your email.  No Phone Calls Please.

ISC is an equal opportunity employer.