Strategic Philanthropy Program Officer

Ford Foundation; United States; Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous time off

Parental leave

Retirement benefits up to 13%

Job summary

The Ford Foundation in New York City seeks an Adaptive Philanthropy Program Officer to shape and steward a dynamic grantmaking portfolio. The role partners with the Chief Innovation Officer to drive strategy and day-to-day grantmaking across philanthropic infrastructure, field strength, and global social sector initiatives.

You will work in a hybrid model with three in-office days, shaping strategy, coordinating grants, and advancing impact with diverse partners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of work experience, including 6+ years in philanthropy.
• Proven ability to develop and implement complex strategies with strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Organized, institution-first leader who communicates with high impact across diverse audiences to drive collective goals.
• Ability to be a productive member of a community at work, respecting differences while pursuing shared goals.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Adaptive Philanthropy strategy using grantmaking, technical assistance, and convenings to drive impact.
• Manage the full grants portfolio lifecycle from annual planning and site visits to financial and narrative review.
• Support grantee outcomes through subject matter guidance, risk assessment, and network access.
• Lead convenings, monitor and evaluate progress, ensure regulatory and accessibility compliance, and report strategy impact to the CINO.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Communication across diverse audiences

Leadership

Grants management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

The Ford Foundation in New York City seeks an Adaptive Philanthropy Program Officer to shape and steward a dynamic grantmaking portfolio. The role partners with the Chief Innovation Officer to drive strategy and day-to-day grantmaking across philanthropic infrastructure, field strength, and global social sector initiatives.

You will work in a hybrid model with three in-office days, shaping strategy, coordinating grants, and advancing impact with diverse partners and stakeholders.