Program Officer

Packard Foundation•Los Altos, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is a family philanthropy dedicated to supporting leaders and organizations working to invest in children and families, protect and restore the natural world, and create just and inclusive societies. The Children and Families initiative is focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes and ensuring that all families, particularly those facing the greatest barriers, have access to the supports they need during pregnancy and early childhood. The initiative supports strategies that strengthen and better connect community systems serving families, including health care, child care, and economic supports, as well as champion policies designed to better assist all families. CFI funds nationally with focused investments in California, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years of experience in child and family policy, public systems, or related fields, with a focus on advancing outcomes for children and and/or program advancement, development, and implementation relevant to children, families, and the communities in which they live.
Expertise in the core issues of the Children and Families initiative, preferably working across sectors (nonprofit, government, philanthropy, or research), with an understanding of how policy, systems, and implementation intersect.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Strong understanding of public systems and policies that impact young children and families, including Medicaid, SNAP, and related public benefit programs.
Familiarity with national and/or state-level policy landscapes, including the ability to navigate evolving political and funding environments.
Experience translating policy, advocacy, or systems strategies into actionable initiatives, investments, or programs.
Track record of success as a strategic thinker and program-leader within a philanthropic, nonprofit, management consulting, academic or government context.
Highly skilled and persuasive communicator with exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills.
Ability to build effective partnerships and networks externally, as well as sustain collaborative relationships both internally and externally.
Self-directed and decisive combined with flexibility and capacity to give and receive feedback graciously.
Thrives in a team-based and collegial workplace.
Committed to inclusion and deeply values creating a workplace that is supportive of difference; brings experience with diverse teams and success at navigating cross-cultural communication.
Devoted to growing own cultural competence and willing to actively participate in the Foundation's efforts to integrate justice and equity into all facets of our work together.
Administratively self-sufficient.
Leads with humility and a learning mindset.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead a grantmaking portfolio that focuses on protecting and advancing coverage and equitable access to quality health and nutrition services under Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, nationally.
Manage a portfolio that supports policy development, advocacy, implementation, and systems change at the national level.
Assess opportunities for investment, shape grantmaking strategies, and build relationships with philanthropic partners, policy experts, advocates, and community-based leaders.
Lead the development and implementation of strategy for a national portfolio focused on strengthening systems and policies that support children and families, including Medicaid and SNAP.
Lead all aspects of annual grantmaking including assessment of opportunities, recommendation of proposals, managing relationships with grantee partners, and evaluating of impact.
Support grantee partners in advancing policy and systems change, providing strategic guidance and technical insight, as appropriate.
Manage the grant proposal process through its lifecycle in partnership with the program associate and contribute to the shaping of proposals, as needed.
Clearly and consistently communicate with grant recipients, staff, and other partners in a transparent, timely and respectful manner.
Manage complex processes involving multiple stakeholders, institutions and cross-functional teams.
Review and address legal, financial, and operational considerations related to grants and reporting.
Develop clear, concise, and high-quality materials for senior leadership and the Board, including strategy documents, updates, and quarterly docket materials.
Convene and engage grantees, policy experts, advocates, and peer funders to advance shared priorities and strengthen the field.
Integrate communications, learning, and evaluation into grantmaking to support continuous improvement and shared learning.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance cross-initiative alignment and identify opportunities for greater impact.
Represent the Foundation and the Children and Families Initiative externally with credibility and clarity across a wide range of audiences.
Contribute to the broader field-building efforts through partnership, collaboration, and thought leadership.