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Foundation Program Officer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Impact Officer will help manage a cost-effectiveness-driven grantmaking Request for Proposals ... Foundation supports evidence-based, cost-effective, and scalable programs and research that we ...

The Impact Officer will help manage a cost-effectiveness-driven grantmaking Request for Proposals ... Foundation supports evidence-based, cost-effective, and scalable programs and research that we ...

The Impact Officer will help manage a cost-effectiveness-driven grantmaking Request for Proposals ... Foundation supports evidence-based, cost-effective, and scalable programs and research that we ...

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Showing results 1-20

Foundation Program Officer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$36.4K

$109K

$168.9K

How much do foundation program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation program officer in Boston, MA is $109,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $143,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Foundation Program Officers?

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundation Program Officer, and why are they important?

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 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 most commonly searched types of Foundation Program Officer jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Foundation Program Officer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Foundation Program Officer jobs in Boston, MA? For Foundation Program Officer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Foundation Program Officer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Foundation Program Officer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Foundation Program Officer jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Foundation Program Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Foundation Program Officer job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,036 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Senior Associate Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity
Job Summary
This position is Boston based and is a part of the One Northeastern network. The Senior Associate Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations manages a portfolio of 100 prospects and, when necessary, partners with One Northeastern colleagues in athletics, gift planning, family philanthropy, leadership giving, annual giving, and alumni relations to develop and support interdisciplinary gift opportunities within the regional structure. The Senior Associate Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations will build, manage, and engage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects in concert with One Northeastern fundraising colleagues to secure major gifts in support of Northeastern's mission.
The role of the Senior Associate Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, is to be a link between the university and the corporate and foundation community-establishing and retaining relationships for the university at multiple levels. The Senior Associate Director achieves this by developing, implementing, and coordinating outreach, communications, and solicitation strategies for the university in select areas.
The primary mission of this role is obtaining financial and other support for the university. The activities required to pursue this goal include building bridges and relationships between the university and targeted corporate and foundation funders; working with faculty and research administration to develop and submit proposals for funding; developing strategies to advance the university's mission by leveraging funding opportunities; and stewarding existing grants while also providing faculty with funder-related guidance.
The Senior Associate Director works closely with colleges and programs within the Global Campus Network, with guidance from the Director, on corporate and foundation outreach. The projects identified for potential funding may include college- or campus-specific programs, as well as interdisciplinary initiatives. This position requires a balance between strategic, long-term relationship management and the ability to derive ongoing benefit to the university. The role serves as a single point of contact for strategic relationship planning and coordination and interfaces with faculty, university partners, and corporate and foundation representatives through various communication channels.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Raise Corporate and Foundation Support
  • Manage a pool of 100 local and national foundations and targeted corporate and foundation prospects
  • Advance the One Northeastern agenda by gaining foundation and corporate support of university initiatives through direct funding, gifts-in-kind, or other agreements
  • Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
  • Focus on supporting work in the biomedical sciences across the university and global campus network
Strategy Development and Moves Management - One Northeastern
  • Develop strategies to engage key foundation and corporate partners to encourage greater involvement with the university
  • Work externally with foundation program officers and corporate researchers and executives
  • Establish and maintain enhanced communication with partners
  • Develop, coordinate, and implement funder site and campus visits
  • Serve as a regional corporate and foundation relations strategic liaison to major and leadership gift officers
  • Partner to increase involvement of alumni and current parents in corporate leadership roles to increase corporate support and individual giving
Proposal Writing
  • Meet with deans, faculty members, and stakeholders to gather information for proposals
  • Develop detailed and targeted proposals
  • Draft letters of inquiry, stewardship reports, and related documents
Teamwork and Tracking
  • Collaborate with the corporate and foundation team and Advancement team to coordinate activities and develop best practices
  • Streamline processes and improve overall fundraising capacity
  • Track cultivation and fundraising activities through existing databases and systems
  • Generate reports on activities to share with colleagues and senior management

Minimum Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 5-7 years of front-line fundraising experience or equivalent
  • Expertise in raising funds for higher education
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Ability to communicate and interface effectively with corporate and foundation representatives and university stakeholders
  • Ability to think and plan strategically
  • Self-motivation
  • Strong interest in being a member of a highly interactive and mutually supportive team
  • Customer-oriented training and focus
  • High follow-up and responsiveness
Preferred
  • Master's degree or other professional degree

Required Documents
  • Resume

Position Type
Advancement
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
113S
Expected Hiring Range:
$113,865.00 - $165,105.00
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.