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Foundation Program Officer information

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$37.9K

$113.7K

$176.1K

How much do foundation program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation program officer in Washington, DC is $113,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $149,500.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Foundation Program Officer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Foundation Program Officer jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Foundation Program Officer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Foundation Program Officer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Foundation Program Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Program Officer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,651 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Managing Director, Private Foundation Relations

Washington, DC • On-site

Truth Initiative
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Truth Initiativeexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
The Managing Director of Private Foundation Relations is a senior leader within the Development Department responsible for advancing Truth Initiative’s philanthropic partnerships with private foundations. This role will develop and execute a comprehensive foundation fundraising strategy to secure significant, multi-year support aligned with organizational priorities.
The Managing Director will be our frontline fundraiser for private foundations cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation relationships independently, collaboratively, and in concert with key organizational board members, leveraging their networks to identify, engage, and secure new philanthropic opportunities.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (*ESSENTIAL DUTIES):
 
  • Develop and implement a strategic plan to grow revenue from private foundations, including national, regional, and family foundations*
  • Identify, research, and prioritize prospective foundation partners aligned with Truth Initiative’s mission and programmatic goals*
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of foundation donors and prospects, managing the full lifecycle of relationships*
  • Engage the Grants and Proposal Manager to develop high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports in collaboration with program and finance teams; potential to also supervise the Grants and Proposal Manager*
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to align funding opportunities with programmatic priorities and organizational strategy*
  • Leverage CRM and other tools to track and manage foundation pipelines, deadlines, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and strong funder relationships*
  • Work closely with the Chief Development and Partnerships Officer to liaison with board member(s), working closely with them to leverage their contacts, open doors to new foundation prospects, and support donor engagement strategies*
  • Cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key individual donors, primarily as it relates to foundation work and online donations*
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to prepare for and participate in high-level donor meetings and presentations*
  • Monitor trends in philanthropy and foundation giving to inform strategy and identify emerging opportunities
  • Utilize database management/CRM systems to maintain fundraising activities and facilitate internal reports on fundraising performance
  • Represent Truth Initiative externally at meetings, conferences, and events as appropriate*
  • Travel up to 20% to support donor cultivation, stewardship, and organizational priorities *
  • Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 
  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant certification is a plus
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a strong focus on private foundation relations and grantmaking.
  • Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure grants from private foundations.
  • Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling funding opportunities.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities, particularly in grant writing.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with foundation program officers and philanthropic leaders.
  • Experience working with or supporting boards and leveraging board networks for fundraising.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and donor tracking tools.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
  • Passion for public health, youth advocacy, and Truth Initiative’s mission.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   
This position is based in Washington, D.C. with a hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two telework days.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
The salary range for this role is starting at $145,000-$150,000 per year on a national basis. Individual pay decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to qualifications for the role, relevant work experience, skillset, internal equity, location, and certifications, consistent with applicable law. Salary is just one part of our total rewards package which additionally includes performance bonus for eligible roles, and competitive benefits. 
 
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume here
OR
mail application materials to:
Human Resources
Attn: Managing Director Private Foundation Relations
900 G Street, NW
Fourth Floor
Washington, DC  20001
Fax: (202) 204-5214
No telephone calls please.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or disability.

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