Senior Program Officer (LF)

Libra Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Libra Foundation in Chicago invites applications for a Senior Program Officer to lead grantmaking strategies and advance social justice initiatives in line with our multi-generational mission.

You will collaborate with the Board of Trustees, grantees, and grassroots practitioners, translating complex policy analysis into clear recommendations while fostering trust, open dialogue, and adaptable approaches in a challenging political environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent listening and communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic approaches to complex social policy and grantmaking strategies.
• Lead expansion efforts and manage program initiatives with cross‑functional teams.
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees, grantees, and grassroots practitioners.

Skills

Listening skills

Communication skills

Trust building

Adaptability

Job description

Founded in 2002, The Libra Foundation is a family foundation that has been based in Chicago, and is now moving its headquarters to San Francisco. Over the past 14 years, The Libra Foundation has done significant grantmaking in progressive causes and movements, with a multi-generational family being closely involved with the Foundation, setting its strategy and interacting with many of the Foundation’s grantee partners. The Libra Foundation funds social and economic justice organizations that integrate human rights into their work, supporting national organizations and local and regional groups on matters of national significance.

As The Libra Foundation expands its grantmaking, the Senior Program Officer will be a critical part of the team and the organization’s success. The successful candidate will be well equipped to work effectively with a broad range of diverse groups, ranging from the Board of Trustees to grassroots practitioners, as evidenced by excellent listening and communication skills, balanced and reasoned approaches to problems, ability to inspire trust and confidence, and flexibility and openness to differing points of view. In addition, the Senior Program Officer will be able to develop strategic approaches to complex social policy – especially in such a complicated political environment – and synthesize complex information into straightforward recommendations.