Program Officer, Education

Carnegie Corporation • New York, NY

19d • $145,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Andrew Carnegie Foundation is seeking a Program Officer to grow its National Program by identifying, developing, and recommending higher education funding opportunities. The role contributes to program strategy, identifies promising grantees and partnerships, and manages a portfolio of grants and other projects under the direction of the Program Director. The National Program connects education and democracy, supporting upward mobility, civic participation, and stronger democratic institutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Deep grounding in research, policies, and reform efforts in higher education.
• Strong professional network and demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with researchers, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other field leaders.
• Proven ability to collaborate with people and organizations in the field.
• Exceptional writing skills, including the ability to produce precise, persuasive, board- and public-ready materials.
• Ability to turn scattered data and research into clear recommendations.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, presentation, and listening skills.
• Willingness to travel.
• Work onsite.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in education, political science, public policy, or a related field.
• Recognized expertise demonstrated through publications and speaking experience.
• Working fluency with AI tools and their application to grantmaking and internal workflows.

Responsibilities

• Advance National Program goals focused on promoting upward mobility through higher education.
• Stay current on higher education trends, emerging research, public policy developments, and practice, and connect these developments to program strategy.
• Identify prospective grantees and partners and assess proposals received by the Foundation.
• Review and strengthen proposals, assessing budgets, staffing, workplans, and expected outcomes.
• Present funding recommendations that clearly evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
• Represent the portfolio, program, and Foundation externally; speak and publish on relevant issues; and organize and participate in meetings, conferences, and other field-wide activities.
• Support ongoing improvement of the Foundation’s strategy.
• Conduct site visits, support and monitor active grants, engage directly with grantees, and assess progress and impact.
• Coordinate across education and democracy work, including on AI’s role in the field.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team and provide guidance and support to colleagues as appropriate.
• Take on other duties as needed.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance, including medical, dental, life, and short-term disability coverage.
• Substantial contribution to a retirement plan account.
• Wellness program.
• Generous paid time off program.
• Corporate discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior