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Foundation Program Officer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Foundation Program Officer information

See Texas salary details

$31.2K

$93.5K

$144.9K

How much do foundation program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation program officer in Texas is $93,505.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $123,000.00 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Foundation Program Officer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,505 per year, or $45 per hour.

Assistant/Associate/Director of Development - Foundation Relations - (496643 )

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

$90 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Department: Corp & FoundationRelationsSalary: Commensurate with experience

Description

Manages a portfolio of major gifts donors and prospects insupport of university-wide initiatives or for one or more assignedcolleges or units. Possesses a high level of knowledge andexpertise on major gifts and fundraising in general, and at least amid-level knowledge of planned giving.

  • Manages a portfolio of prospects which are mostly at the levelof $100,000 to more.
  • Identifies, cultivates and solicits prospects and stewardsdonors; works with faculty, staff and volunteers asappropriate.
  • Provides guidance to the college or unit on major gifts, otherdevelopments, and fundraising matters.
  • If assigned to a college or unit, may be responsible forcreating and implementing a development plan for components withinthe assigned college, including resource management.
  • May administer other advancement activities, such as alumnirelations, publications, special events, media relations, etc. foran assigned college or unit.
  • Participates in University-wide development activities asneeded.
  • Performs other job-related duties as required.

MQ: Education; Requires a thorough understanding of boththeoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical orprofessional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than oneprofessional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normallyobtained through a formal, directly job-related 4-year degree froma college or university or an equivalent in-depth specializedtraining program that is directly related to the type of work beingperformed.

Experience: Requires a minimum of five (5) years of directlyjob-related experience.

Assistant Director:

Experience: Requires a minimum of one (1) year of directlyjob-related experience.

Associate Director:

Experience: Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directlyjob-related experience.

Director:

Experience: Requires a minimum of five (5) years of directlyjob-related experience.

- Department is willing to accept education in lieu ofexperience.

- Department is willing to accept experience in lieuofeducation.

Additional information for the job posting:

The UH Office of Foundation Relations secures funding fromprivate foundations to support the university’s academic, research,and institutional goals, and building meaningful partnerships thathelp advance our work. Working with all UH colleges and units, thisindividual will proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, andsteward foundation partners, matching funding opportunities withprojects throughout the University. This position:

  • Manages a portfolio of local, regional and nationalfoundations; initiating and maintaining relationships withfoundation program officers and directors.
  • Draft, edit, review, and finalize philanthropic proposals inclose coordination with faculty, ensuring tight alignment withfoundation focus areas.
  • Research new foundation initiatives and funding programs thatmay intersect with UH program activities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience in foundation relations within highereducation, with documented success in securing major awards.
  • Excellent proposal development and writing skills
  • Ability to build strong relationships with foundationpartners.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across a range of Academic andAdvancement staff

All positions at the University of Houston-System are securitysensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are EqualOpportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.

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