Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in political science or public policy preferred.
Deep knowledge of democracy and elections research and reform efforts.
Strong professional network with proven relationship-building skills in the field.
Exceptional writing skills for diverse audiences, including board and public.
Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations.
Familiarity with AI tools relevant to grantmaking and workflows preferred.
8+ years of relevant experience.
Responsibilities
Advance goals focused on structural reforms in American elections.
Stay updated on trends and public policy developments in democracy.
Identify and assess prospective grantees and partnerships.
Review and enhance proposals, including budgets and expected outcomes.
Present funding recommendations with a critical analysis of strengths and risks.
Represent the foundation at external events and contribute to field discussions.
Conduct site visits to monitor active grants and assess impact.
Benefits
Opportunity to influence democracy and election reforms.
Engagement with a collaborative, high-performing team.
Professional development through conferences and field activities.
Access to a strong network of leaders in the field.
Potential for travel to various sites and events.
Full Job Description
Position Summary:
The Andrew Carnegie Foundation is seeking a Program Officer to grow the National Program by identifying, developing, and recommending funding opportunities in democracy and elections. The ideal candidate will be well versed in research and possess extensive knowledge of the field to contribute to the program's strategy, identify promising potential grantees and partnerships, and manage a portfolio of grants and other projects under the direction of the Program Director.
Responsibilities:
Advance National Program's goals that focus on structural reforms to American elections (such as proportional representation and ranked-choice voting).
Stay current on trends, emerging research, public policy developments, and practice in elections and democracy, and how they connect to the program's strategy.
Proactively identify prospective grantees and partners and assess proposals received by the Foundation.
Review and strengthen proposals; assess budgets, staffing, workplans, and expected outcomes.
Present funding recommendations with clear-eyed critique of strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
Serve as a spokesperson for the portfolio, the program, and the foundation: represent Carnegie externally; speak and publish on relevant issues; and organize and participate in meetings, conferences, and other field-wide activities.
Support the ongoing improvement of the Foundation's strategy.
Conduct site visits; support and monitor active grants, engaging grantees directly and assessing progress and impact.
Coordinate across education and democracy work, including on AI's role in either field.
Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team and provide guidance and support to colleagues as appropriate.
Take on other duties as needed.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in political science, public policy, or a related field preferred.
Deep grounding in the research, policies, and reform efforts in democracy and elections.
A strong professional network and demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with researchers, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other leaders in the field. Recognized expertise through publications and speaking experience preferred.
Proven ability to collaborate with people and organizations within the field.
Exceptional writing: precise, persuasive, board- and public-ready.
A knack for turning scattered data and research into sharp recommendations.
Working fluency with AI tools and their application to grantmaking and internal workflows preferred.
Strong strategic thinking, leadership, presentation, and listening skills.
Willingness to travel.
Work onsite.
8+ years of relevant experience.
Salary Range:
$145,000-$160,000. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary hiring range posted depending on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
