Associate Program Officer

The Association for Education Finance and Policy; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Associate Program Officer at a leading foundation plays a vital role in grant-making and research initiatives. This position involves evaluating proposals, communicating with stakeholders, and representing the foundation at various events. The role requires a PhD or EdD and expertise in quantitative research methods. A collaborative and detail-oriented approach is essential in this hybrid position, which offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance

403(b) employer contributions

Matching Gift Program

Tuition and Student Loan Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Professional development and conference attendance

Research days and a personal budget

Mentorship program

Hybrid work schedule

Qualifications

• Expertise in advanced quantitative research methods required.
• Strong research and analytic skills with engagement in scholarly work.

Responsibilities

• Supports evaluation process for grant programs and proposals.
• Communicates with the field about the Foundation's mission and grant programs.
• Represents Spencer at meetings and conferences.

Skills

Communication

Analytic Skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD or EdD in Education or Social Science

Tools

Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

Job description

The Spencer Foundation is dedicated to advancing education through the funding of research that addresses critical questions and opportunities in education. We support research that is rigorous, intellectually ambitious, and that supports equitable education systems in order to cultivate learning and transform lives.

Job Summary

The Associate Program Officer (APO) reports to the Director of Programs and plays a crucial role in supporting the Foundation’s grant-making and research initiatives. This position involves working closely with Foundation staff to review and manage grant proposals and programs and participate in funding decision-making. APOs also help represent the Foundation at professional conferences and meetings. This is a 4-year termed position.

Essential Job Functions

1. In partnership with the program team, supports the evaluation process for grant programs and proposals to make funding decisions in alignment with the Foundation's goals.
2. Communicates regularly with the field about the Foundation's mission, grant programs, and the specifics of proposals.
3. Helps to plan and organize convenings on important topics at the intersection of research, policy, and practice.
4. Helps to represent Spencer at meetings, conferences, and outreach activities to promote the Foundation's mission and initiatives.
5. Participates in the development of systems for capturing data from Spencer-sponsored research grantmaking.

Position Details

Position: Associate Program Officer

Organization: Spencer Foundation

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Salary: $88,000-$113,000

Posting Dates: Start: 5/7/2025; Posted: 5/7/2025

Requirements

Education and Experience

• PhD or EdD with a substantial focus on research in education or related social science field required.
• Expertise in advanced quantitative research methods, such as RCTs, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables, propensity score matching, Structural Equation Modeling, or hierarchical linear modeling. This includes utilizing these methods to study topics such as higher education, assessment, or disability studies.
• Strong research and analytic skills; evidence of continued engagement with scholarly work and an active research program.

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with high attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a busy, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative team player who contributes positively to team efforts.
• Adept at handling confidential matters with sound judgment and discretion.
• Interest in supporting scholarly work.
• Commitment to equity and belonging.

Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements

• This role is hybrid, requiring two in-office days per week, with potential for additional days. Schedule may change.
• Significant computer work, primarily keyboarding, involving sitting or standing.

Pay and Benefits

• Pay Range: $88,000 - $113,000
• Benefits include:
  • Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
  • 403(b) employer contributions
  • Matching Gift Program
  • Tuition and Student Loan Reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter Benefits
  • Paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, holidays)
  • Professional development and conference attendance
  • Research days and a personal budget
  • Mentorship program
  • Hybrid work schedule

Working at Spencer

We foster a professional, friendly, and collaborative environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, family or parental status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or unemployment duration.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and CV via our Spencer Job Opportunities website.

Address:
625 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60611
United States