Program Officer (PO) Transformation Networks

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer (PO) for Transformation Networks will play a crucial role in building relationships with key partners within the Higher Endeavor portfolio, which includes significant organizations in U.S. Higher Education that collectively serve over 200 colleges and universities. This position will primarily focus on working with Intermediary for Scale partners and strategies, but there is potential for broader engagement with other stakeholders in the Higher Endeavor initiative. The PO will lead and manage complex grant agreements, providing guidance and support to partner organizations as they enhance their capacity to deliver transformative services to educational institutions at scale. Success in this role hinges on a strong commitment to equitable educational outcomes, inclusive grant-making practices, and a collaborative approach that fosters authentic partnerships. The PO will report to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Transformation and will collaborate closely with fellow program officers and various strategy portfolios.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The core responsibilities of the Program Officer include promoting racial and socioeconomic equity for Black, Latino, and Indigenous students, as well as students from low-income backgrounds. The PO will identify and cultivate partnerships and resources within the Higher Education ecosystem to enhance transformation effectiveness, build partner capacities for connectivity, and refine workflows among key partners for impactful collaboration. The role involves developing collaborative investment opportunities, reviewing letters of inquiry and grant proposals, establishing learning and impact objectives, and providing insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding. The PO will draft and edit proposal summaries for foundation leadership review, guide PS team members on partner due diligence, investment structures, and progress evaluation against learning and impact objectives. Additionally, the PO will manage complex grant agreements, maintain relationships with key partners, draft progress and final reports, and make recommendations based on learning and impact progress. The role also includes consulting with potential partners, conducting site visits, providing technical guidance, convening meetings, and evaluating performance based on milestones. The PO will oversee internal processes and portfolio progress, ensuring proper documentation, grant budgeting, and reporting, while continuously improving operational efficiency. Maintaining high standards of stakeholder engagement through transparent communication and establishing consistent interactions with external partners and internal team members is essential. The PO will represent the foundation on external boards and working groups, demonstrating strong negotiation and presentation skills, and collaborating with colleagues in related program areas to leverage cross-team and cross-sector investments.

Required Qualifications:
To be successful in this role, candidates must demonstrate equity-minded leadership, with a deep understanding of racism as a structural system that affects Black, Latino, and Indigenous students. Candidates should possess knowledge of how racism intersects with other systems and the mechanisms for redefining these systems, along with a strong belief in the potential for student success if institutions better serve them. A deep understanding of and experience with higher education institutions, intermediary organizations, and technical assistance providers is essential, with a preference for candidates who have technical experience in philanthropic approaches to systems change at a national scale. Candidates should also have expert experience in collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing large data sets into actionable insights for decision-making, along with extensive initiative leadership and project management skills. The ability to adapt to shifting priorities and collaborate effectively in complex environments is crucial, as is the capacity to mobilize and lead multiple partners towards shared goals with humility. Candidates should be direct communicators who can establish clear agreements and maintain consistent communications with diverse audiences, offering informed perspectives and exercising a growth mentality.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Program Officer position should possess a relevant educational background, typically including a master's degree in education, public policy, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in higher education or philanthropic sectors.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in higher education, philanthropy, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading initiatives or projects that focus on educational transformation and equity, along with experience managing complex partnerships and grant agreements. A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience is typically expected, with a preference for candidates who have worked in roles that involve collaboration with educational institutions and community organizations.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages commonly spoken by the communities served by the foundation, such as Spanish or other languages relevant to the diverse populations in the U.S.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited-term role for 9 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The salary range for this role is between $143,000 and $214,400 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The foundation strives to balance competitive pay with its mission, and new hires typically fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range based on their skills and experience. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates, offering accommodations as needed.