Program Officer, Higher Education & Civic Impact

Carnegie Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Wellness program

Paid time off

Disability coverage

Job summary

The Carnegie Corporation is seeking a Program Officer to grow the National Program by identifying and developing funding opportunities in higher education. The ideal candidate will apply rigorous research, build partnerships with researchers and funders, and manage a diverse portfolio under the Program Director’s supervision.

You'll stay abreast of trends in higher education policy, publish and speak on key issues, travel as needed, and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performing team focused

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Deep grounding in higher education research, policies, and reforms.
• Strong professional network with researchers, practitioners, funders, policymakers.
• Exceptional writing: precise, persuasive, board- and public-ready.
• Ability to turn scattered data into sharp recommendations.
• Fluent with AI tools and their application to grantmaking.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, presentation, and listening skills.
• Willingness to travel and work onsite.
• 8+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Advance National Program goals focusing on upward mobility through higher education.
• Stay current on trends, research, policy developments, and practice.
• Identify prospective grantees and assess proposals.
• Review budgets, staffing, workplans, and outcomes.
• Present funding recommendations with clear critique of strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
• Represent the portfolio and organize field-wide activities.
• Conduct site visits and monitor active grants.
• Coordinate education and democracy work, including AI's role.
• Collaborate with team and provide guidance to colleagues.
• Take on other duties as needed.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Public speaking

Travel willingness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in education or related field

Tools

AI tools

Job description

The Carnegie Corporation is seeking a Program Officer to grow the National Program by identifying and developing funding opportunities in higher education. The ideal candidate will apply rigorous research, build partnerships with researchers and funders, and manage a diverse portfolio under the Program Director’s supervision.

You'll stay abreast of trends in higher education policy, publish and speak on key issues, travel as needed, and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performing team focused