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Foundation Program Officer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

CUES TRAINING FACILITY

Chief Risk Officer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

This is an opportunity to build upon a strong foundation while influencing enterprise-wide ... Management program and provide executive leadership across operational, regulatory, compliance ...

Special Kids Inc

Development Officer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Description The Development Officer is responsible for oversight, proactive planning, and ... programs and services. * Identifies and researches potential corporate and foundation sources of ...

Special Kids, Inc.

Development Officer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

The Development Officer is responsible for oversight, proactive planning, and successful execution ... programs and services. * Identifies and researches potential corporate and foundation sources of ...

Securitas

Security Officer

Louisville, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Securitas Saves discount program * Paid holidays * Paid time away from work Additionally, some ... Securitas' core values - Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness - are the foundation for our ...

Securitas

Security Officer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.35 - $16/hr

Securitas Saves discount program * Paid holidays * Paid time away from work Additionally, some ... Securitas' core values - Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness - are the foundation for our ...

Securitas

Security Officer

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$14 - $14.50/hr

Securitas Saves discount program * Paid holidays * Paid time away from work Additionally, some ... Securitas' core values - Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness - are the foundation for our ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFoundation Program Officer JobsFoundation Program Officer Jobs in Tennessee

Foundation Program Officer information

See Tennessee salary details

$30.4K

$91.1K

$141.1K

How much do foundation program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation program officer in Tennessee is $91,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $119,800.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foundation Program Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Program Officer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,093 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Program Officer, Knox Good Food Fund

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$60K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About KCDC
For nearly 90 years, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has invested in affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development. KCDC believes strong neighborhoods require more than housing. They require access to opportunity.
Today, KCDC is expanding that commitment by developing community investment tools that increase access to capital, strengthen local businesses, and create pathways to opportunity for entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
About the Knox Good Food Fund
The Knox Good Food Fund is a mission-driven revolving loan fund designed to expand access to flexible capital for food retailers and food enterprises serving Knoxville and Knox County.
The Fund will combine responsible lending with access to technical assistance and other forms of support to help food businesses start, grow, and strengthen the regional food economy. It is being developed through a partnership among KCDC, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Real Good Kitchen Foundation, financial institutions, and other community partners.
Position Summary
The Program Officer will serve as the primary staff member responsible for coordinating the day-to-day administration of the Knox Good Food Fund. This position will help launch and grow the Fund by expanding access to capital, supporting food entrepreneurs, and strengthening the regional food economy.
During the Fund's launch, the Program Officer will work closely with KCDC leadership and the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), KCDC's lending consultant, to help develop and implement the Fund's lending framework, policies, underwriting standards, documentation, and operational systems. As the portfolio grows, the Program Officer will coordinate borrower intake, loan applications, credit analysis and underwriting support, loan closings, servicing, portfolio monitoring, and reporting.
The ideal candidate brings practical banking or lending experience and is interested in applying that experience in a community development setting where sound financial practices and community impact are equally important.
Responsibilities
Fund Operations & Lending
  • Help launch and administer the Knox Good Food Fund, working with KCDC leadership and CDFA to implement the Fund's lending policies, procedures, underwriting framework, loan documents, and operational systems.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and existing borrowers, guiding businesses through financing requirements, applications, documentation, and next steps.
  • Coordinate the lending process from initial inquiry through financial and credit analysis, underwriting support, approval, closing, disbursement, and repayment.
  • Review business financial statements, cash flow, credit information, collateral, and other underwriting materials and prepare complete loan files for review and approval.

Portfolio, Partnerships & Impact
  • Coordinate loan servicing and portfolio monitoring, including payments, borrower reporting, compliance requirements, and identification of emerging concerns.
  • Connect businesses with Real Good Kitchen Foundation or other technical assistance resources when appropriate; technical assistance is available based on borrower need but is not required for financing.
  • Maintain accurate loan and program records and support required financial, federal, funder, and community-impact reporting.
  • Build relationships with financial institutions, food businesses, technical assistance providers, and community partners while supporting outreach and the continued growth of the Fund.

Requirements
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, accounting, economics, community development, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
  • Professional banking or lending experience, with experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, loan administration, or a related area.
  • Demonstrated ability to review and understand business financial statements, cash flow, credit information, and other financial documentation.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and explain financial requirements clearly to business owners with varying levels of financial experience.
  • Commitment to responsible lending, excellent borrower service, and KCDC's community development mission.

Preferred
  • Experience in small business or commercial lending, underwriting, credit analysis, or portfolio management.
  • Experience working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, or community-based borrowers.
  • Experience with revolving loan funds, community development finance, CDFIs, economic development lending, or other mission-driven financing programs.
  • Familiarity with loan origination, servicing, and portfolio-management systems.
  • Experience working with public, philanthropic, or federally funded programs.
  • Knowledge of Knoxville and Knox County's small-business or food-business ecosystem.

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