Position Summary
The Project Play WNY Manager reports directly to the Director of Project Play WNY/YSI and supports the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Project Play WNY/Youth Sports Initiative (PPWNY/YSI). This initiative aims to build a WNY community in which all children have the opportunity to be active in sports. With technical support from The Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, with technical support from The Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program, lead this collective impact initiative through cross-sector partnerships that engage residents, the general public, private, and philanthropic institutions, in collective action. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation funded this position for three years through November 2023.
As the full-time Program Manager – Grants and Philanthropy of Project Play WNY, this role will support the programmatic activities of the Project Play WNY while keeping all administrative aspects of that role organized and moving forward. The Program Manager – Grants and Philanthropy will utilize tools for advancing collective action, including convening partners, building coalitions, forging common agendas, and leveraging resources.
Areas of Key Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain the engagement of the PPWNY/YSI Sports Sampling Working Group of key stakeholders
- Co-manage the Youth Voice Working Group of key stakeholders
- Develop, formalize, and maintain a strong youth sports network involving a diverse group of residents, professionals, community stakeholders, and elected officials.
- Facilitate the efforts of stakeholders of Sports Sampling and Youth Voice to create shared agendas, common action plans, assessment systems, and sustainability strategies
- Participate in the review of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation small grants from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Youth Sports at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
- Work with Community Foundation’s Knowledge Management Analyst to continually improve the metrics and assessment tools for community leadership as needed
- Work with Communications to develop and deliver critical messages about Project Play WNY/Youth Sports Initiative to advance Youth Sports in the region as well as reflect the Community Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s brand and brand promises as needed
- Manage relevant contracts and budgets as needed
- Provides administrative coordination and support for specialized initiatives and funds, as assigned
- Keep abreast of community issues in various community sectors.
- Assists with meeting preparation for the various committees and community partners. Tasks include scheduling on-site meetings, preparing meeting agendas, gathering and distributing all materials, sending appropriate reminders, confirming attendance
- Provide support to staff members who plan and coordinate special events
- Manage special projects and initiatives, as needed
Other Job Duties
- Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively and proactively within the team and across the organization to achieve the best possible results.
- Willingness to research and learn new technology best to meet the changing needs of the team and organization.
- Actively participate in meetings.
- Has the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize; accordingly, able to meet tight and/or shifting deadlines and reprioritize as needed.
Technical Expertise/Experience and Qualifications
- A four-year degree, master’s preferred relevant backgrounds may include education, sports management, planning, public administration, business, economics, etc.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively to Board, staff, and the community, including maintaining positive relationships with people across the organization and in the community.
- Advanced mastery of computer skills, including Adobe, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
- Proven program development and project management experience, prioritizing multiple projects within tight deadlines
- Knowledge of the nonprofit sector and experience in leading and facilitating community coalitions
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences/stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse communities and diverse organizations throughout the Western New York region
- Experience in communicating in a persuasive, credible manner, in person, in digital settings, and writing and presentations
- Strong analytical, evaluative, and project management skills
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously in an organized and flexible fashion.
- Able to work both independently as a self-starter and in a team environment
- A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Application Procedure
Community foundations are designed to grow and evolve as our community’s needs change, and new positions are regularly created as a result. As the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo continues to grow, we’re looking for talented people who want to use their abilities to make a lasting difference. If that is you, please send a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and what you would bring to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
Send a cover letter and resume as a single Word or PDF document via email to: Jobs@CFGB.org.
Please submit responses electronically via email. Responses may also be received by U.S. Postal Service if an electronic medium is not available. No calls, please.
Application deadline: Open until filled. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity, practices inclusion, and works to advance equity.