Senior Program Officer

Chicago Foundation for Women - Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 96,559 - 118,017; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) plan with employer contribution

Paid time off including vacation and sick days

Paid leave and sabbatical policies

Professional development allowance

Job summary

The Chicago Foundation for Women in Chicago seeks a Senior Program Officer to lead their grantmaking activities and ensure alignment with strategic priorities. This role focuses on relationship-building with grantee partners, facilitating funding opportunities, and promoting a culture of transparency and community engagement. The ideal candidate exhibits strong project management and interpersonal skills, embodying the Foundation's values in their work. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are also provided.

Qualifications

• Skilled relationship builder and thoughtful project manager.
• Ability to center community voices and promote transparency.
• Commitment to mutual respect and long-term impact.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Programs in grantmaking strategies.
• Lead core grantmaking activities and trust-based processes.
• Provide relationship-centered support to grantee partners.

Skills

Relationship building

Project management

Strong interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Curiosity

Humility

Job description

The Senior Program Officer collaborates closely with the Director of Programs to ensure that CFW’s grantmaking strategies align with the Foundation’s strategic plan, values, and commitment to trust‑based philanthropy. They identify and recommend new and emerging opportunities that deepen CFW’s impact and respond to the evolving needs and priorities of community organizations across the Chicagoland region.

The Senior Program Officer leads the Foundation’s core grantmaking activities and coordinates CFW’s trust‑based process. This includes organizing a cross‑section of CFW’s stakeholders to ensure that the community voice is centered and to promote transparency and shared learning.

As the primary point of contact for grantee partners, the Senior Program Officer provides relationship‑centered support—offering clear guidance on funding opportunities across CFW’s portfolios and initiatives, connecting organizations to resources, and ensuring a responsive, accessible application experience. They cultivate authentic partnerships grounded in mutual respect, open communication, and a commitment to long‑term impact.

The ideal Senior Program Officer is a skilled relationship builder and thoughtful project manager who brings curiosity, humility, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills. They model CFW’s culture of community, transparency, equity, and shared power in all aspects of their work.

Compensation

Chicago Foundation for Women offers a competitive compensation package for all positions. Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, short and long‑term disability insurance, and 403(b) plan with an employer nonelective contribution of 3%. CFW provides the following in paid time off: Fifteen vacation days, fourteen sick days, four personal days, two floating holidays, twelve organizational holidays, and two remote days per week (Mondays & Fridays). In addition to paid time off, CFW offers paid leave and sabbatical policies, along with a professional development allowance and membership opportunities. The salary range for this position is $96,559-$118,017 annually, depending on professional and lived experience.