Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in education, political science, public policy, or related field.
Deep understanding of higher education research, policies, and reform efforts.
Strong professional network with the ability to build trusted relationships in the field.
Exceptional writing skills for diverse audiences, including board and public.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
Experience in synthesizing data into actionable recommendations.
Familiarity with AI tools relevant to grantmaking and workflows.
Responsibilities
Advance the National Program's goals focused on upward mobility through higher education.
Stay updated on trends and public policy developments in higher education.
Identify and assess potential grantees and partnerships proactively.
Review and enhance proposals, including budgets and expected outcomes.
Present funding recommendations with a critical analysis of strengths and risks.
Act as a spokesperson for the program, representing the foundation externally.
Conduct site visits and monitor active grants, engaging with grantees directly.
Benefits
Employer-paid health insurance including medical, dental, life, and short-term disability.
Substantial contribution to a retirement plan account.
Wellness program and generous paid time off.
Corporate discounts.
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 higher education. 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 promoting upward mobility through higher education.
Stay current on trends, emerging research, public policy developments, and practice in higher education, 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 thier 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 education, political science, public policy, or a related field preferred.
Deep grounding in the research, policies, and reform efforts in higher education.
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.
Benefits:
Employer-paid health insurance, including medical, dental, life, and short-term disability, plus a substantial contribution to a retirement plan account, wellness program, and a generous paid time off program.
Corporate discounts.
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.