Program Officer - Adaptive Philanthropy
About The Position
The Adaptive Philanthropy Program Officer (PO) is a member of the Office of Innovation and reports to the Chief Innovation Officer (CINO). Working closely with the CINO, the PO helps shape and then stewards the foundation's Adaptive Philanthropy grantmaking portfolio. The portfolio focuses on philanthropic infrastructure organizations, strengthening the field of philanthropy, and supporting innovation across the sector, in the United States and globally, so that philanthropy can be more strategic and impactful. The Program Officer partners with the CINO on strategy and owns the day-to-day grantmaking that delivers it.
Requirements
- 10+ years of work experience, including 6+ years in philanthropy with deep expertise in multiyear flexible funding, equitable partnerships, and global social sector trends.
- Proven expertise in developing, implementing, and being accountable for complex strategies, supported by strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills.
- An organized, institution-first leader who thrives in ambiguous environments and communicates with high impact across diverse audiences to drive collective goals.
- A demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community at work, respecting differences while working toward shared goals.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent relevant experience.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Nice To Haves
- Strong background in facilitating adult learning.
- Deep understanding of the regional contexts and cultures, including the geopolitical landscape, in which Ford works.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the CINO and internal/external stakeholders to 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.
- Participate in key funder and field leader spaces, representing Ford where it adds the most value.
- Engage with peer funders to share practices and lead collaborative efforts.
- Co-strategize on shared priorities to ensure the field operates with greater collective impact.
- Serve as the primary coordination point for intermediary relationships (grantee partners who receive funding to re-grant), ensuring staff alignment.
- Steward these relationships with a focus on strategic investment opportunities, long-term sustainability, risk mitigation, and overall field health.
- Advise executive and program leadership on sector developments and Ford's role within them.
- Coordinate across Regional Offices, International Programs, Legal, and Communications to align funder engagement.
- Strengthen networking across the foundation’s programs and operations, and produce internal and external communications that leverage the foundation's thought leadership to strengthen the field.
Benefits
- 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
- Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%)
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
