Program Officer

Department: Programs Department

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Associate Director for Programs

Revised Date: June 2026

Position Highlights

Location: This position will work a hybrid schedule based in Atlanta, GA. Relocation expenses are not provided. Up to 10% domestic travel may be required.

Salary Range: $73,000-$85,000 plus benefits

Position Type : Grant funded, limited-term opportunity contingent upon funding

Position End Date: September 29, 2027

Overview

The Program Officer (PO) implements multiple unique and output-driven public health projects. The program portfolio can change over time as new grants begin and established projects conclude, but this position may support efforts related to early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI), maternal and child health, and other programs focused on chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Projects are implemented in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), donors and other internal and external partners. With discretion, professionalism and independent judgment, the PO is responsible for the coordinated management of projects and programs directed toward the CDC Foundation’s strategic and business objectives.

The Program Officer position is an exciting role implementing multiple varied projects in close collaboration with subject matter experts at CDC and other key partners. Typical duties include developing and managing budgets, contracts, project reports as well as stewarding relationships and implementing work plans. Each project is unique, and this role may support other duties as required.

Ideal candidates will have experience in project management, contracting, and financial reporting. Strong aptitude for interpersonal communications and on-the-job learning are also vital for the role. This position is based in Atlanta, GA and relocation expenses are not provided. The CDC Foundation offers an attractive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications and Necessary Skills

1. Master’s degree in public health or related field from an accredited college or university required.
2. Minimum of 5 years of public health or related professional experience required, project management experience preferred.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with particular experience preparing, writing and editing complex documents such as detailed reports to donors and partners; briefing documents for CDC, donors and other partners; and concise presentation of information using data and science to drive messaging.
4. Strong technical skills including spreadsheet and data management (e.g., monitoring program budgets, producing financial reports).
5. Skills in project management, budget management, cross-cultural awareness, communication and creative problem-solving.
6. Knowledge and skills needed to be effective in the public-private partnership, project/program, donor and partner contexts.
7. Experience and proficiency handling public-private partnerships (or functionally equivalent collaborations).
8. Ability to represent the CDC Foundation and its partners during negotiations concerning project planning, implementation and evaluation.
9. Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; collegial, energetic and able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, donors and partners.
10. Sound judgment and maturity, exemplified by consistent professionalism in dealing with individuals at all levels both internally and externally.
11. Experience with contracting and procurement is a plus

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conceptualizes, plans, executes, monitors and closes projects that span internal departments, organizations, geographic regions and cultures for the designated division.

1. Fosters and maintains peer-to-peer relationships with subject matter experts, donors, field employees and other partners aimed at efficient and effective project and/or moderately complex program implementation.

1. Prepares, finalizes and submits narrative and financial project and/or program-related reports or updates to donors in collaboration with internal and external partners.
2. Develops data driven briefing documents and project updates with a focus on design and partner engagement.
3. Serves as project liaison for and between internal and external partners.
4. Manages significant matters such as project development, project-related budgeting and procurement, and auditing/evaluating project performance.
5. Formulates project and/or program-related goals, objectives, operating policies, guidelines, standards and priorities to ensure consistency with departmental standard operating procedures.
6. Contributes to resource mobilization efforts for the assigned projects/programs in consultation and collaboration with internal and external partners.
7. Prepares, negotiates and monitors project and/or program-related contracts and agreements.
8. Represents the CDC Foundation at technical, policy, and strategic planning meetings with internal and external partners.
9. Serves as the contact person in the absence of team members, in this capacity, the PO acknowledges receipt of correspondence and follows up on urgent matters with appropriate internal staff.
10. May travel domestically as needed to represent the designated projects and/or programs and other CDC Foundation team members (up to 10 percent annually).
11. Participates in and/or supports special projects and other duties as assigned.

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law. We comply with all applicable laws including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C.F.R. §§ 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.