Program Officer at Klarman Family Foundation

Program Officer @ The Klarman Family Foundation May 1 | Written By BostonYPA Position Summary The Klarman Family Foundation is thrilled to announce that we are seeking applications for a Program Officer. This role is ideal for a generalist who will thrive in contributing to several areas of grantmaking. With the Foundation strategically and thoughtfully granting out $117MM last year, this is an exciting and unique opportunity to advance impact in the charitable sector. About The Klarman Family Foundation At The Klarman Family Foundation, we seek to identify areas of unmet need and advance solutions to address them. We believe passionately in the promise and importance of creative thinking, strategic leadership, and strong organizations to help bring about change. Our intention is to help people thrive in vibrant and healthy communities. The Foundation is guided by the following principles and values: We approach our work with seriousness of purpose and evaluative rigor, while remaining open to tackling issues in new ways and adjusting as needed. Because society’s problems seem to be compounding rapidly, we act with urgency and invest based on opportunities to make a difference rather than limits of an annual grant‑making budget. We believe the preservation of democratic norms lies at the core of all of our work. We value partnership: we view relationships with other funders as opportunities to learn and to leverage greater impact. We apply what we learn to improve our philanthropic practices and outcomes. Our grantmaking spans several areas of interest. The issues we address are complicated, requiring new and creative thinking and persistence over time. As we commit to learning and assessing our impact, our categories and specific strategies will evolve. Our dedication to applying best practices in philanthropy will remain unchanged. Opportunities and Challenges for the Program Officer Reporting to the Director, Civic Initiatives, the Program Officer (PO) holds a generalist role responsible for furthering the Foundation’s grantmaking across several areas, including national‑level work to strengthen civic life and place‑based work in Massachusetts. The PO will join a collaborative program team committed to continuous learning, partnership building, and problem solving. Responsibilities Grantmaking: Research, review, and monitor grants independently and collaboratively. Conduct thorough grant review and ongoing monitoring of existing and new grants, including large institutions and early‑stage and small organizations. Produce clear, concise written recommendations, including narrative and financial analysis. Participate in and occasionally lead meetings with organizations; serve as grantees’ primary point of contact. Ensure clear and appropriate capture of data and knowledge related to grants. Strategic Context: Possess a strong understanding of grantmaking and contextualize grants within the Foundation’s overarching goals. Adaptive Response: Respond quickly and comprehensively to evolving needs and opportunities, ranging from rapid response to one‑time opportunities. Tools & Approaches: Explore a full range of tools and approaches to complement traditional grantmaking, such as commissioning research and convenings. Cross‑Organizational Projects: Serve as a strategic thinker and researcher; collaborate across issue areas (e.g., Democracy, Music Pathways). Support other cross‑program teamwork as needed. External Collaboration & Partnerships: Develop generative relationships with key stakeholders; extend those relationships beyond individual connections. Representation: Represent the Foundation at conferences, affinity networks, and meetings with thought leaders; bring the Foundation’s voice into these spaces. Learning & Assessment: Produce written materials and presentations for staff, program team, and trustee meetings. Knowledge Base: Build and maintain the Foundation’s knowledge base about issues and ecosystems; analyze critical research, news, and trends; stay well informed on developments. Desired Qualifications Ideal candidates are team players and problem solvers who can build and manage relationships toward Foundation goals. Below are core competencies: 7 to 10 years of professional experience, preferably with nonprofits or philanthropy. Experience assessing organizational leadership, strategy, and financial position (e.g., through grantmaking, consulting, or program management). Experience distilling complex information to form opinions and make sound recommendations. Exceptional quantitative and qualitative analytic skills; curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. Professional experience in research, learning, and evaluation a plus. Excellent analytical and communication skills: ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize information clearly and jargon‑free, in written and oral communication. Experienced bridge builder: work productively across lines of difference; demonstrate deep, active listening; challenge own assumptions; forge common ground. Highly developed project management skills, including organization, prioritization, time management, and meeting deadlines. Ability to foster a healthy culture of feedback by delivering constructive criticism and receiving it openly. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships with diverse communities and nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. Sound professional judgment, objectivity, humility, and appreciation for nuance. Discretion and sensitivity for working in the context of a family foundation. Flexibility, sense of humor, creativity, and adaptability to shifting priorities in a changing landscape and growing organization. Willingness to travel for site visits and other meetings regionally and nationally. Work Location, Compensation & Benefits Location: Boston office (hybrid). The Program Officer should be in-office at least three (3) days per week, including Wednesdays. Travel to conferences may be expected. Salary: $115,000 – $130,000, depending on prior experience and skills. Benefits include generous paid time off; health, dental, and vision insurance with a flexible spending account and dependent care benefits; a transit account; a 403(b) retirement plan. The Foundation is committed to professional growth and includes a workplace where everyone feels they belong. To Apply More information about The Klarman Family Foundation may be found at: Due to the pace of the search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Submit a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications, along with your resume via NPAG’s website. The Klarman Family Foundation does not discriminate based on age, culture, race, color, religion, national or regional origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other status protected by law. BostonYPA Creating a Community for the Young Professional in Boston #J-18808-Ljbffr Boston Young Professionals Association