The growth Marion Community Foundation has experienced over the past few years warrants an increase in staff, announced Susie Brown, Board of Trustees chairperson. “We are seeking a qualified person for the position of Program Manager,” she said.
The new Program Manager position will report to MCF’s president/CEO and assist with the management of major programs and events at the Foundation. Primary responsibilities will include management of the Foundation’s scholarship and grants programs, affiliate organizations, and special events. The position is being advertised locally, as knowledge of the Marion area is considered essential. Resumes are being accepted immediately.
Staff expansion has been discussed internally for the past two years, according to president and CEO Brad Bebout. “We formerly had a staff of three and have a need to return to that staffing level,” said Bebout. “We are a very small staff – lean and mean for a Foundation our size. We owe it to those who have created funds at Marion Community Foundation to have sufficient staff to make certain funds are being administered effectively.”
With Bebout’s retirement approaching, the decision was made to postpone starting the hiring process in order to involve the new president. Bebout will retire effective December 31. His successor, Dean L. Jacob, will begin his duties on January 1, 2014.
Bebout will continue on a consultant basis through February and be involved in the search for a Program Manager.
“We’re growing,” said Jacob. “This is very good news for Marion.” In the past three years, Marion Community Foundation’s assets have increased by nearly $10 million, scholarship and grant awards have eclipsed the $1 million mark annually, and the number of funds in the Foundation’s portfolio is up 30+ funds.
While the new position will focus primarily on MCF’s scholarship and grants programs, the Program Manager will take a leadership role in developing the Foundation’s Legacy Society, as well as ongoing support to Youth Engaged in Philanthropy and Marion Young Professionals.
The successful applicant will hold a bachelor’s degree, have a good knowledge of the Marion community, and offer excellent people and communications skills. Three or more years experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred.
“The new Program Manager will need to hit the ground running,” said Bebout. “By February, MCF will begin the 2014 scholarship program. Assisting with the scholarship program will be one of the Program Manager’s first priorities.”
Marion Community Foundation manages more than 170 funds with assets in excess of $40 million. It was established in 1998 as a philanthropic clearinghouse for the Marion area and has become a local leader in planning giving. Its funds support a wide array of organizations and causes, including education, the environment, local history, economic development, the arts, and healthcare access.
Offices are located inside the Stengel-True Museum at 504 S. State Street. Business hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information is available by calling (740) 387-9704 and online at marioncommunityfoundation.org.
About Marion Online News
