Children and Family Program Officer

Children and Family Program Officer; Los Altos (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Program Officer will lead a grantmaking portfolio focused on protecting and advancing coverage and equitable access to health and nutrition services under Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP, nationwide.

They will manage policy development, advocacy, implementation, and systems change at the national level, and build relationships with philanthropic partners, policy experts, and grantees to strengthen care systems for expectant families, mothers, and young children.

Responsibilities

• Lead a national grantmaking portfolio focused on coverage and equitable access to health and nutrition services.
• Assess opportunities for investment and shape grantmaking strategies while building partnerships.
• Translate policy landscapes into funding strategies and work across sectors to drive systems change.

Job description

Reporting to the Children and Families Director, this Program Officer will lead a grantmaking portfolio that focuses on protecting and advancing coverage and equitable access to quality health and nutrition services under Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, nationally. Funding priorities include federal, state, and grassroots advocacy; research and policy analysis; litigation to preserve beneficiary rights; narrative change and communications; and innovation to better support the health and well-being of young children, mothers, and expectant families.

The Program Officer will manage a portfolio that supports policy development, advocacy, implementation, and systems change at the national level. They will assess opportunities for investment, shape grantmaking strategies, and build relationships with philanthropic partners, policy experts, advocates, and community-based leaders working to strengthen and connect systems of care for expectant families, mothers, and young children, prenatal to 3 years. This role requires a strong understanding of how public systems and policies impact family well-being, along with the ability to translate complex, evolving policy landscapes into clear, actionable funding strategies. They will be comfortable navigating ambiguity and working across sectors, balancing long-term systems change with near-term opportunities for impact.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and analytical thinker who brings a deep commitment to equity and to improving outcomes for families, particularly Black, Indigenous, Latino, and low-income communities. They are a strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively with internal colleagues, external partners, and grantees to advance shared goals. They will also bring a thoughtful, nonpartisan approach to this work, with the ability to engage across diverse perspectives and stakeholders.