Program Officer

Responsibilities:

• Manage assigned components of programmatic initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation under the direction of portfolio managers and directors.
• Represent the Fund at conferences, community meetings, and field-based events within the assigned region, and nationally, as needed.
• Manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
• Conduct research, landscape analyses, and environmental scans to inform funding decisions, program priorities, and new initiatives.
• Synthesize research findings, field insights, and grantee learnings into reports, briefings, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Manage relationships with grantees, community organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate meetings, convenings, site visits, and other stakeholder engagement activities.
• Contribute subject-matter knowledge in workforce and economic opportunity , health , and/or youth pathways .
• Review grant proposals, conduct due diligence, and develop funding recommendations.
• Monitor grant and program performance, track outcomes, and identify opportunities for learning and improvement.
• Collaborate with AIR researchers, subject matter experts, and operational staff.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Master’s degree in public policy, public health, social sciences, education, nonprofit management, community development, or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of professional experience that includes both applied research and philanthropy, grantmaking, social impact investing, or related funding experience.
• Subject matter expertise in one or more priority areas: workforce and economic opportunity , health , and/or youth pathways .
• Familiarity with communities and regions served by the Fund, particularly the Deep South , Cleveland , Chicago , and/or Washington, DC region .
• Demonstrated experience using research, evaluation, or data-driven approaches to inform program design, funding decisions, strategy, or organizational learning.
• Experience managing or supporting grant portfolios, philanthropic initiatives, research projects, or community-based programs.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, research institutions, public agencies, philanthropic organizations, or cross-sector partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while producing high-quality work.

Skills

• Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate evidence and identify actionable insights.
• Effective communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills and the ability to translate complex information for a variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships across a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to travel nationally, up to 30% , as needed.

The selected candidate will work remotely but must be based in or near one of the Fund’s priority regions: the Midwest (Chicago or Cleveland preferred) , the greater Washington, DC, area , or the Delta Region (Arkansas, Alabama, or Mississippi preferred) .