Senior Program Manager, AIR Opportunity Fund

American Institutes for Research

3h•$130,000 - $145,000•Remote

About The Position

The AIR Opportunity Fund is seeking a Senior Program Officer to advance grantmaking, research, and partnership activities focused on expanding opportunity and improving outcomes for communities across the United States. The Fund’s areas of focus include workforce and economic opportunity, health, and youth pathways. The role calls for subject-matter knowledge in one or more of these areas, familiarity with the communities and regions served, and initiative to move work forward with direction from senior staff. Working with portfolio managers and directors, the Senior Program Officer leads significant components of grantmaking and programmatic initiatives, provides strategic and analytical guidance, and develops relationships with grantees, community leaders, researchers, funders, and other stakeholders. The role requires experience across applied research and philanthropy, leadership of complex initiatives and partnerships, and the ability to use evidence and field knowledge to inform strategy, funding decisions, and ongoing learning. The Fund’s strategic priorities and major grantmaking commitments are largely established; this position primarily stewards existing grants and partnerships, monitors progress, and supports implementation and learning activities, rather than sourcing, developing, or approving new grants at this time. The selected candidate must be based in or near a priority region: the Midwest (Chicago or Cleveland preferred), the greater Washington, DC, area, or the Delta Region (Arkansas, Alabama, or Mississippi preferred). The position may be performed remotely within the United States, excluding U.S. territories, or from an AIR U.S. office. Travel to AIR Opportunity Fund events is expected up to 30%, with national travel as needed.

Requirements

Master’s degree in public policy, public health, social sciences, education, nonprofit management, community development, or a related field.
At least seven years of professional experience that includes both applied research and philanthropy, grantmaking, social impact investing, or related funding experience.
Subject-matter expertise in one or more of workforce and economic opportunity, health, and youth pathways.
Knowledge of the communities, organizations, and policy or funding landscape in regions served by the Fund, particularly the Deep South, Cleveland, Chicago, and/or the Washington, DC region.
Experience using research, evaluation, or data-driven approaches to inform program design, funding decisions, strategy, or organizational learning.
Experience managing or supporting grant portfolios, philanthropic initiatives, research projects, or community-based programs.
Experience working with community-based organizations, research institutions, public agencies, philanthropic organizations, or cross-sector partnerships.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while producing high-quality work.
Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including the ability to evaluate evidence and identify actionable insights.
Effective communication, public speaking, and presentation skills, including the ability to translate complex information for varied audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Strong relationship-management and influencing skills, including the ability to establish credibility with community leaders, grantees, researchers, funders, and other stakeholders.
Advanced project and program management skills, including experience leading complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, priorities, and deadlines.
Ability to work independently and contribute effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Willingness to travel nationally as needed.
Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis; employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned components of programmatic initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation under the direction of portfolio managers and directors.
Represent the Fund at conferences, community meetings, and field-based events in the assigned region and nationally as needed.
Manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
Conduct research, landscape analyses, and environmental scans to inform funding decisions, program priorities, and new initiatives.
Synthesize research findings, field insights, and grantee learnings into reports, briefings, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Manage relationships with grantees, community organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate meetings, convenings, site visits, and other stakeholder engagement activities.
Contribute subject-matter knowledge in workforce and economic opportunity, health, and/or youth pathways.
Review grant proposals, conduct due diligence, and develop funding recommendations.
Monitor grant and program performance, track outcomes, and identify opportunities for learning and improvement.
Collaborate with AIR researchers, subject matter experts, and operational staff.