Job Details

About the Baton Rouge Area Foundation

Created in 1964, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation is among the largest community foundations in the country. We are working to build a thriving and resilient future for all in Baton Rouge and beyond. Our team delivers on this vision through the following key activities:

Catalyzing change and positive opportunity in our community

The Foundation leads civic projects with annual support from our members. This work seeks to address the most pressing barriers to opportunity and is guided by data and community need.

Fostering a strong philanthropic environment

We believe philanthropy is for everyone. The Foundation supports philanthropists at every stage of their journey of giving - providing education, counsel, and tools to help them support nonprofits and the community at large with their time, knowledge, and resources.

Empowering changemakers and nonprofits

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence provides strategic and technical support to nonprofit organizations. We build relationships with and between nonprofits in our area, connect organizations to funding opportunities, offer consulting services for fundraising and planning, and lead educational fellowships.

Job Description

The Civic Leadership Initiatives Project Manager plays a critical role in advancing the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's mission by managing major, multi-year initiatives that engage community stakeholders and drive systemic change in public policy. This position will have a focus on BRAF's Strong & Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which prioritizes investments in low-opportunity neighborhoods and supports disengaged youth.

The Project Manager will lead the implementation of the Strong & Safe Neighborhoods community investment strategy through stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and portfolio oversight. This role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate complex projects, build partnerships, and drive measurable impact. The Project Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Civic Leadership Initiatives and will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and community leaders.

Core Responsibilities:

• Coalition & Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration among key stakeholders by providing communication, convening, and program support for community initiatives.
• Program Development & Implementation: Support the design, launch, and management of initiatives aimed at improving education, public safety, and community well-being.
• Funding & Resource Development: Identify and secure funding opportunities to support key initiatives, ensuring sustainability and impact.
• Data & Impact Measurement: Oversee data-sharing efforts, evaluation frameworks, and reporting systems to track program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Grant Management: Administer grant programs, including application processes, award distribution, and performance tracking to support community-led initiatives.
• Research & Best Practices: Collaborate with experts, institutions, and community partners to integrate evidence-based approaches into program strategies.
• Pilot & Scaling Strategies: Develop and implement pilot programs, assess outcomes, and refine strategies for broader application and long-term success.
• Other duties may be assigned

Required Competencies and Characteristics:

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, social sciences, or a related field (preferred)
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in project management, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience with program implementation, grant administration, and community investment strategies.
• Ability to analyze data, track performance metrics, and develop reports to inform decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of public policy, civic engagement, and community development strategies.

This position is based on in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is 80% on-site, 20% remote, with an expected based compensation of $55,000-$65,000.