Program Officer (K-12 Education Policy)

Walton Family Foundation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 142,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Walton Family Foundation in Washington, DC is seeking a Program Officer to advance K-12 education policy through strategic grantmaking and partnerships. The role centers on engaging grantees, educators, policymakers, researchers, and funders to drive impact aligned with our Education priorities.

The ideal candidate blends strategic thinking with hands-on program operations, including due diligence, investment recommendations, monitoring, and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years in education or philanthropic environment.
• Excellent written communication for internal and external audiences.
• Outstanding verbal communication of complex issues.
• Strong learning orientation and adaptability.
• K-12 education policy experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of K-12 education policy grants and partnerships.
• Conduct due diligence and develop investment recommendations.
• Monitor grantee progress and report outcomes.
• Build relationships with educators, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, funders.
• Collaborate across the Education Program and with Walton family members.
• Support budgeting, grants administration, and timely payments.
• Identify new partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Engage with thought leaders to inform strategies.

Skills

Growth mindset

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Relationship building

Critical thinking

Strategic planning

Collaboration

Travel willingness

Translate complex concepts

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

K-12 policy experience

Job description

Department: Education

Reporting to: Senior Program Lead

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location:Washington, D.C.

The Walton Family Foundation (Foundation) is seeking a skilled, highly motivated, and collaborative individual to join the Foundation as a Program Officer, with a focus on K-12 education policy. This position is in-person four days per week, and located in Washington, DC.

About the Position

The Program Officer will play a key role in advancing the Foundation’s Education Program strategies through proactive engagement with grantee partners, development of new opportunities, and effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Working across all program investment areas, the Program Officer will play a key role in advancing grantmaking and initiatives, including identifying and researching innovative grantmaking opportunities, making grants and building partnerships that are aligned with the Foundation’s values and goals, and supporting grantees to drive impact.

This position requires both strategic thinking and operational excellence, with a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for students. The ideal candidate brings both strategic insight and practical experience in the development, scaling, and/or funding of emerging K-12 solutions in education independently and through effective collaboration.

What you will do

The Program Officer will manage a portfolio of grants and partnerships focused on K through 12 education policy. The position will conduct due diligence, develop investment recommendations, monitor grantee progress, contribute to program planning, and build relationships with educators, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, funders, and other leaders in the education field.

Responsibilities

Grantee Partnerships & Support

• Manage relationships with grantees and potential grantees, including seeking and performing due diligence on proposals aligned with the Education strategies.
• Shepherd proposals through the Foundation’s approval process, as well as provide guidance to and work with grantees to achieve significant impact.
• Assist grantees in developing and implementing maintenance, monitoring, and funding strategies that lead to the achievement of strategic goals.
• Support the Education Program leadership and other team members with written materials, grantee convenings and other learning opportunities.
• Manage workflow and processes with grantees, across Foundation offices, and with family members.
• Review budgets for appropriate expenditures, review legal documents, monitor grantee operations, review financial and narrative reports and work with our administrative team to ensure timely payments.
• Provide responsive and thoughtful advising to grantees; be proactive in anticipating needs and provide accurate, timely resolution of issues when they arise.
• Identify potential new partnerships and opportunities including identifying prospective grantees and funding partners.
• Stay current on emerging trends, technology, research, and policy developments and share information to support the Education Program’s strategy.
• Engage with thought leaders, developers, policymakers, and practitioners to inform investment strategies and uncover high-potential innovations.
• Collaborate with other funders for shared learning and coordinated investment in support of the Education Program’s priorities.

Collaboration Within Education Program & Across WFF

• Collaborate with Foundation colleagues, including members of the Foundation evaluation and communications teams to implement, refine, and expand the Foundation’s impact.
• Help shape investment plans aligned with the Education strategy, develop and track budgets, and be held accountable for yearly progress.
• Help support other projects and assignments as requested by the Education team, Foundation leadership, and/or family members.

Who we are looking for

Skills needed

• Demonstrated ability to think and plan with a growth mindset, to set and achieve visionary goals and objectives and to balance multiple priorities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goals for both working internally with Foundation colleagues as well as externally with diverse grantees and partners.
• Ability to give and receive feedback graciously.
• Demonstrated success in building effective relationships and networks to achieve results.
• Intellectual agility and the ability to analyze, think critically and understand emerging education issues and trends.
• Ability to anticipate issues and problems in advance and propose possible solutions.
• Belief in the power of teams and collaboration to drive creative thinking and problem solving.
• Unquestionable ethics and personal integrity.
• Willingness to travel and equal enthusiasm about building relationships remotely.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into accessible insights for diverse stakeholders, including educators, grantees, and foundation leadership.

Qualifications required for your success

• A Bachelor’s degree; relevant master’s degree or higher preferred.
• At least 5 years of work in a professional, education or philanthropic environment.
• Excellent written communication skills with experience in producing both brief and longer written products in a timely fashion for internal and external audiences.
• Outstanding verbal communication skills with experience conveying complex issues to internal and external audiences.
• Strong learning orientation, including curiosity, humility, and ability to adapt based on new information and evidence.
• K-12 education policy and/or K-12 classroom experience.

Personal attributes that support your success

• Demonstrates discretion, integrity, and expertise while serving as a trusted advisor to principals and colleagues.
• Collaborates respectfully and effectively with others, contributing to a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Approaches challenges with curiosity, bold thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
• Maintains a strong focus on results, consistently exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
• Brings a visionary mindset, planning strategically for the future with imagination and insight.
• Committed to excellence and actively engages with others to accomplish shared goals.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Benefits Information

Compensation Range: $142,000 - $178,000

Benefits Information: We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan and paid time off.

About Walton Family Foundation

We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam and Helen

Walton’s family.

We value trust, mutual respect, and a workplace where every associate belongs and can do their best work. We bring together talented people with different backgrounds and viewpoints, support their growth, and empower them to contribute meaningfully.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.