The Ford Foundationโs US Programs seek a fixed-term Program Officer to coordinate the Racial Justice Initiative. Now in its fourth year, the five-year Racial Justice Initiative is a cross-program grantmaking and learning initiative that aims to address the crisis of rapidly accelerating regression on racial justice. This initiative aims to advance racial justice and equity through support of efforts to 1) defend against rollbacks to racial equity programs and civil rights protections using policy, legal, communications and narrative approaches, and 2) foster cross-identity solidarity, community building, and belonging in the furtherance of racial justice.
The Program Officer role was intentionally designed as a cross-programmatic role, in which the Program Officer will develop strategy and grant recommendation in partnership with a working group of other program staff representing each of Fordโs US Program portfolios, in the interest of ensuring that racial justice is mainstreamed as a commonly held concern rather than confined to a single portfolio. Therefore, this position will sit within the Office of the Vice President for US Programs and report to the Director of the Office, with a dotted line to the Director of Fordโs Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice (GREJ)-US program.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
The Racial Justice Program Officer will further develop and strengthen existing grantmaking strategies; identify prospective grantees; solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; and prepare recommendations for Foundation funding. The Program Officer will also be expected to collaborate internally with other Program Officers throughout the Foundation to identify and foster intersectional connections, coordination, and education opportunities between racial justice and the other US focused thematic areas at the foundation (Civic Engagement and Government; Creativity and Free Expression; US Disability Rights; Future of Work(ers); Gender, Racial and Ethnic Justice; and Technology & Society). In addition, the program officer will manage external relationships, track needs and opportunities in the racial justice field and support convenings with grantee-, funder and government partners.
Key responsibilities will include the following and/or similar activities:
Contribute to the ongoing definition and development of the foundationโs US Racial Justice Initiative and strategy to scale impact.
Engage with grantees to review opportunities, challenges and advances and encourage collaboration, learning, exchange, and strategic partnerships.
Manage, monitor and coordinate a grants portfolio, including: long-term grant planning; identifying and working with prospective grantees to develop proposals for grant recommendations (including helping determine the goals for a grant, its activities, expected results, indicators of success and budget); conducting organizational assessments; undertaking periodic reviews of progress with grantees; and reviewing financial and narrative reports.
Work closely with other funders and with donor collaboratives to encourage philanthropic contributions and align giving to the racial justice field.
Manage and create strategic learning opportunities to both sustain and deepen US Programโs staffโs understanding of what it means to embed a racial justice analysis and approach across issues and identities.
Foster a culture of learning โ including learning and evaluation activities to guide the evolution of programmatic work โ seeking to continually ask hard questions, gather independent and rigorous data and evidence about effectiveness of the Foundation and granteesโ strategies, and help adapt practice as needed. Serve as an accessible resource for the field accordingly.
Represent the Foundation and its work in key venues through participation in relevant meetings, public speaking, writing, speeches, briefings, blog posts, and interviews.
Work closely with a grantmaking team of Grants Manager to manage all aspects of grants processing and compliance.
Contribute to the thinking and work of colleagues across the Foundation and the field of grant seekers and philanthropic peers overall.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
8 years of experience leading social justice strategies
Racial justice and civil rights subject-matter expertise and knowledge of how racial justice analyses connects with diverse social justice issues
Knowledge of racial justice advocacy across multiple identity constituencies
Familiarity with philanthropy and grantmaking practices, portfolio management and strategy development
Deep understanding of organizational change and social change theory
Close knowledge of the various mechanisms and venues (organizing, legislative, legal, regulatory, applied research, strategic communications) for public policy change on racial justice and civil rights.
A track record of donor advocacy including learning events and knowledge sharing and experience with events planning; and
Exceptional communications skills - strong active listening skills, constructive verbal and written skills, strong public presentation skills, including experience in strategic communications for social impact
โโSuperb analytical skills and ability to strategize, plan, prioritize and identify/assess opportunities, challenges, and institutions with which to engage
Comfort with periods of ambiguity and constructive participation in on-going organizational development.
Ways of working and engaging that aligns with the Foundationโs mission, core values and commitment to creating a culture of excellence
A masterโs or JD degree or equivalent work experience
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.
The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact, talentacquisitionhr@fordfoundation.org
SALARY: The Ford Foundation is committed to practicing salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $173,000 and the maximum is $185,000 It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of this range. The final offer is determined by a candidateโs relevant experience and our commitment to internal equity. We review global compensation on a regular basis to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted in alignment with the market.
LOCATION: This position is based in the foundationโs New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: This is a fixed-term position through the end of 2027 with the possibility for an extension.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To be considered for this position, please upload your CV/resume and a cover letter.
WORKING AT FORD
Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respected
A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network
Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day
Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days
Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleaguesโ ability to attend to family responsibilities
Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidence
Learn more about what itโs like to work at the Ford Foundation.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. The Ford Foundation does not discriminate against formerly incarcerated individuals.