Program Officer, Postsecondary - North Chicago, Steans Family Foundation

Alma Advisory Group•Chicago, IL

5d•$120,000 - $135,000•Remote

About The Position

Who We Are: The Steans Family Foundation (SFF) concentrates its grant making and programs in North Lawndale, a community on Chicago’s west side; North Chicago, a city forty miles north of Chicago; and on aligned policy and ecosystem initiatives. By dedicating time, resources, and skills, the Foundation works in partnership with local residents and institutions to build and enhance both communities. The Foundation’s work supports the idea that effective revitalization can occur within the embedded social and economic networks that create and sustain communities. The Steans Family Foundation also supports policy efforts that bolster the work on the ground, specifically focused: on Education, Economic Opportunity, Housing, and Safety and Community Well-being. For more information on the Steans Family Foundation, visit http://www.steansfamilyfoundation.org/ . What You'll Do: The Program Officer, Postsecondary will lead efforts to strengthen college and workforce pathways, ensuring improved access, persistence, and completion for historically under-resourced students from North Chicago. Reporting to the Co-Managing Directors—North Chicago, the Program Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy that advances equitable postsecondary opportunities and success. This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on execution. The Program Officer will partner with high schools, colleges, community-based organizations, and other funders to identify barriers, design interventions, and ensure alignment across initiatives. The Program Officer will manage a grantmaking portfolio, oversee program implementation, monitor outcomes, and use data to drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a collaborator who brings deep knowledge of the postsecondary landscape, experience with diverse student populations, and the ability to build strong partnerships across sectors. This person will play a key role in shaping and advancing initiatives that support students to persist and complete a degree or credential and access clear pathways from high school into college or the workforce leading to a meaningful career.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in education or a related field strongly preferred.
7+ years of experience in postsecondary access, student success initiatives, college persistence, or related education reform work.
Experience working with historically under-resourced and diverse student populations, including students of color and first-generation college goers required.
Experience developing and implementing strategies that improve college enrollment, persistence, and completion outcomes.
Familiarity with evidence-based practices and interventions that improve student outcomes across the postsecondary pipeline.
Strong understanding of educational systems and the barriers that impact equitable postsecondary access and success.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort with databases and data visualization tools.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency preferred; experience working with Latine communities a plus.
Connects to and/or has lived experiences as a member of the Black and/or Latine communities strongly preferred.
Demonstrated passion for creating positive social change.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity.
Willingness to embrace and incorporate direct feedback.
Displays humility and an openness to continued learning.
Expresses eagerness to be part of a multicultural team.
Brings a sense of humor to the work.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Alignment Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to improve college access, persistence, and completion, along with workforce pathways, leading to successful outcomes for North Chicago youth. Align postsecondary initiatives with community goals and the Foundation’s mission, strategic plan and theory of change.
Manage Program and Grants Portfolio Manage a portfolio of grants focused on postsecondary access, college persistence, completion and workforce readiness, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission, strategic priorities and North Chicago Community goals. Source, evaluate and recommend new funding opportunities through proposal review, due diligence and analysis.
Continuous Improvement through Data Review, Collaboration, and Evaluation Monitor and evaluate grantee and initiative outcomes through site visits, data reviews, and ongoing communication. Provide technical assistance and thought partnership to strengthen implementation and impact. Address data gaps in postsecondary outcomes; use evidence-based practices to refine strategies, interventions, and grantmaking priorities.
Engage Community and Partners in Support of Student Success Partner with colleges, North Chicago School District 187, community based organizations, peer funders, and other stakeholders to expand supports and drive shared accountability for outcomes. Serve as a visible leader and advocate for equitable postsecondary access and success, representing the Foundation with key stakeholders.
Reporting, Budget Management, and Sustainability Provide regular updates, presentations, and reports to internal leadership, funders, and community partners. Manage program and grantmaking resources responsibly to maximize student outcomes. Identify and pursue opportunities for investment, public funding, and collaborative initiatives to sustain and scale impact.
Organizational Contribution Contribute to a collaborative, equity-centered culture by engaging with colleagues across programs to ensure alignment and cross-functional impact. Build strong internal partnerships by offering support, sharing insights, and seeking input to strengthen the North Chicago postsecondary work. Actively participate in North Chicago team meetings, foundation-wide meetings/trainings, board meetings, and cross-organizational initiatives and committees. Model adaptability, initiative, and inclusivity in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Other Activities In Addition to the Above Work Represent and steward the Steans Family Foundation and family name with integrity and alignment with its core values. Use Foundation resources responsibly, obtaining approval for all expenditures and submitting timely expense reports and required documentation. Other duties as assigned.