Program Officer - Grants

General Description

Organization:

The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (“TAJF”) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1984 by the Texas Supreme Court and the State Bar of Texas to administer the Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA) program. TAJF is the largest funder of free civil legal services for disadvantaged low-income communities in Texas. Since its founding, TAJF has administered more than two billion dollars in grants to nonprofit legal services organizations in Texas.

Position Description:

The Grants Program Officer serves as a key member of the Grants Team and reports to the Director of Grants. Works independently and collaboratively with Grant Team members in the award, monitoring and management of TAJF grants. Interfaces with other TAJF teams to achieve TAJF’s objectives and vision.

Primary Functions

• Grant Management. Manages an assigned portfolio of active grants, including reviewing periodic and annual programmatic and budgetary reports to ensure compliance with TAJF’s grant agreement including implementation of the grant; reviews and approves proposed revisions to budgets; monitors grantee’s submission of required reports and information to ensure they are timely submitted and complete; supports grantees as needed; participates with the Grants Team at in-person site visits of grantees; keeps the team informed regarding grantee’s progress and status including by preparing reports and recommendations related to grant oversight; responds to inquiries from grantees on a range of issues including  specific grants, compliance issues and developments.
• Grant Awards. Reviews and analyzes grant application proposals including programmatic narratives and proposed budgets; communicates with grantee applicants regarding modifications; prepares summaries of applications and recommendations for review and action by the TAJF  Board. Maintains data regarding grant awards.
• Reports and Communications. Prepares reports and memorandum related to grant awards, grant awards, grant management activities and specific research projects and topics assigned. Assists in the drafting and preparation of grant agreements. Interfaces with TAJF communications manager regarding public relations specific to assigned grantees and projects.
• Coordination. Assists in organizing and preparing for convenings of grantees and legal access stakeholders. Participates in activities with legal access stakeholders.
• Content Expertise. Develops and maintains expertise in subject matter relevant to grant portfolio or to assigned topics; provides team with information regarding developments to further TAJF’s mission.
• Other duties: Complies with internal administrative requirements and performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

JD and certificate of good standing from the Texas State Bar and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in the legal aid community. Equivalent years of experience in the representation of low-income clients may be considered in lieu of legal aid experience.

• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with co-workers;
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, database management, and spreadsheet software;
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail; demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and work well under time constraints.
• Occasional travel, primarily within the State of Texas

Preferred Qualifications:  Experience with grant management software; management experience in working with a legal aid provider or in a volunteer bar association setting.