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Foundation Program Officer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Consulting Firm

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... foundation, government, corporate grants, annual fund, endowments, major gifts, planned giving ... Identifies, executes and regularly evaluates on all giving programs, donor campaigns and other ...

McLaren

Philanthropy Officer Major Gifts

Petoskey, MI · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Coordinates program-specific development strategies and activities to ensure their integration into the overall foundation program. * Makes effective use of the prospect management database and other ...

loanDepot

Loan Officer Training Program (ACES)

Detroit, MI · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Throughout the program, you'll not only develop a deep understanding of the lending landscape ... foundation for a successful and fulfilling career as a future Licensed Lending Officer. Who We're ...

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Foundation Program Officer information

See Michigan salary details

$29.2K

$87.5K

$135.5K

How much do foundation program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation program officer in Michigan is $87,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation program officer?

Foundation Program Officers are professionals who oversee grantmaking programs at philanthropic foundations. They are responsible for researching, evaluating, and recommending grants, as well as managing relationships with grantees and ensuring that funded projects align with the foundation's mission. Program Officers often monitor the progress of funded initiatives and assess their impact. Their role is critical in helping foundations make strategic decisions and maximize their positive social impact.

What does a foundation program officer do?

A foundation program officer researches funding proposals and decides who receives grants from the foundation. In this position, you work with nonprofit organizations to get information about their charity projects and other forms of philanthropy. You read proposals, perform additional research on projects and organizations, and make decisions about which grant request to fund. Some foundations focus on a specific cause, such as community development, while others grant funding to projects that the program officer thinks could have the most significant impact. Some foundations award academic scholarships instead of financing charitable projects. Program officers also get donor input to help make their funding decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundation program officer?

To thrive as a Foundation Program Officer, you typically need a background in nonprofit management, grantmaking, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with grant management software, CRM systems, and evaluation tools is essential for tracking funding and measuring impact. Strong communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills help you collaborate with partners and assess program effectiveness. These capabilities ensure effective resource allocation, successful program outcomes, and positive stakeholder engagement.

What are some typical challenges a foundation program officer faces when managing multiple grant portfolios?

Foundation Program Officers often juggle several grant portfolios simultaneously, each with unique objectives, timelines, and stakeholders. A common challenge is balancing the need to maintain close relationships with grantees while ensuring compliance with the foundation’s guidelines and strategic priorities. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and adaptability are essential for tracking progress, evaluating outcomes, and reporting to leadership. Additionally, officers must frequently collaborate with colleagues across departments to align program efforts and maximize impact.

What is the difference between Foundation Program Officer vs Grant Coordinator?

AspectFoundation Program OfficerGrant Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; experience in nonprofit or grant managementBachelor's degree; experience in grants or project coordination
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, foundations, grant-making entitiesNonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in foundations and philanthropic sectorsAcross various sectors including nonprofits and government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Foundation Program Officer and Grant Coordinator roles both involve managing grants and supporting nonprofit initiatives. However, the Foundation Program Officer typically oversees grant programs, develops funding strategies, and builds relationships with grantees, while the Grant Coordinator focuses on the administrative aspects of grant processing, application review, and compliance. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are found in nonprofit and foundation settings, but the Program Officer has a broader strategic and relationship management focus.

More about Foundation Program Officer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation Program Officer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Foundation Program Officer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Foundation Program Officer jobs in Michigan?

For Foundation Program Officer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Foundation Program Officer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Foundation Program Officer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Foundation Program Officer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Foundation Program Officer job openings:

Foundation Program Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Program Officer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,477 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Program Associate - Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

ContinuServe

Detroit, MI • On-site

$75K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Do you enjoy working in an environment that promotes innovation, teamwork, and outcomes? Do you value community?
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Detroit, Michigan whose mission is to create a lasting community impact in the regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York with key areas of focus including active lifestyles, early childhood development, and caregivers. Our foundation's mission is guided by the values of outcomes, teamwork, and innovation.
The Program Associate plays a key support role within the Foundation's Program Team, contributing to the effectiveness and impact of the Foundation's grantmaking activities. Under the supervision of a Program Officer, the Program Associate is responsible for conducting research and analysis, drafting grant-related documentation, managing administrative workflows, and assisting in scheduling and meeting logistics. This position is ideal for an early-career professional seeking to learn the internal workings of philanthropy and build a foundation in grantmaking and nonprofit partnerships.
Administrative Support (80%)
  • Draft grant recommendations and related documentation, ensuring clarity and alignment with Foundation standards
  • Manage grant workflow through the Foundation's grants management system (Fluxx), adhering to operational guidelines and internal processes.
  • Provide logistical and scheduling support for internal and external meetings, retreats, and occasional travel planning.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation to ensure smooth and efficient program operations.
Relationship Management (10%)
  • Support relationship-building efforts with grantee partners and sector stakeholders; not responsible for independently managing relationships.
  • Participate in selected grantee meetings and internal team discussions; occasional travel for site visits or events may be required.
Strategy Support and Development (5%)
  • Engage in program strategy discussions in a learning capacity; input is welcomed and encouraged.
  • Conduct research and analysis to support team strategy and program development efforts.

Leadership and Special Projects (5%)
  • Lead or support special projects as assigned by the Program Officer.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and team effectiveness.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
A successful candidate will possess a majority of the following attributes and competencies:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • 1-3 years of experience in a nonprofit, philanthropic, or related professional environment preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and concise materials.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Demonstrated interest in philanthropy, nonprofit work, or social impact sectors.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with grants management systems (e.g., Fluxx) is a plus.
  • Commitment to the Foundation's mission and values.

Compensation & Benefits
The compensation range for this position is $75,000 - $93,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. In addition, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous retirement plan.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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