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Freelance Foundation Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tauck Family Foundation

PROGRAM OFFICER

Wilton, CT

The Tauck Family Foundation (TFF) is a multi-generational, private family foundation founded in ... We are seeking a thoughtful and strategic Program Officer to join our expanding team during an ...

Bezos Earth Fund

Program Officer, Brazil

Washington, DC · On-site

Program Officer, Brazil Summary The Bezos Earth Fund seeks a strategic and agile Program Officer to ... Building on this foundation, the Fund is scaling its Amazon portfolio to accelerate protection ...

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Freelance Foundation Program Officer information

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$33.5K

$100.4K

$155.5K

How much do freelance foundation program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance foundation program officer in the United States is $100,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Freelance Foundation Program Officers?

Freelance Foundation Program Officers are independent professionals who work with foundations or non-profit organizations to design, manage, and evaluate grant programs or initiatives. Unlike permanent staff, they are hired on a contract or project basis, often bringing specialized expertise to help foundations achieve their goals. Their responsibilities may include reviewing grant proposals, monitoring project progress, and ensuring compliance with funding guidelines. This role offers flexibility for both the professional and the organization, making it ideal for short-term projects or when specialized knowledge is needed.

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

AspectFreelance Foundation Program OfficerFreelance Grant Coordinator
CredentialsExperience in nonprofit program management, knowledge of foundation fundingExperience in grant administration, familiarity with funding processes
Work EnvironmentTypically works independently or with nonprofit teams, often remotelyWorks closely with grant applicants and organizations, often remotely
Employer & IndustryFoundations, nonprofits, philanthropic organizationsNonprofits, grant-making agencies, philanthropic entities

The Freelance Foundation Program Officer focuses on managing and developing foundation programs, while the Freelance Grant Coordinator primarily handles the administration and processing of grants. Both roles require knowledge of nonprofit funding and often operate remotely, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Foundation Program Officer, you need expertise in grant management, program evaluation, and a strong understanding of nonprofit operations, often supported by a relevant degree such as in public administration or social sciences. Familiarity with grant management software, data analysis tools, and reporting systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, organizational skills, and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders help set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for effectively managing funding programs, ensuring compliance, and achieving meaningful impact within philanthropic initiatives.

How does a Freelance Foundation Program Officer typically manage multiple projects across different organizations?

As a Freelance Foundation Program Officer, you will often juggle projects for several clients simultaneously, which requires excellent time management and organizational skills. Effective communication is crucial, as you'll regularly coordinate with diverse stakeholders—such as grantees, internal staff, and external partners—to ensure program goals are met. Using project management tools and setting clear expectations with each client helps maintain transparency and keep deliverables on track. Adapting quickly to varying foundation cultures and reporting requirements is a common challenge, but it also provides opportunities to expand your network and build a versatile portfolio.
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Freelance Foundation Program Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Foundation Program Officer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,365 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Cross-Foundation Program Officer

Cross-Foundation Program Officer

MacArthur Foundation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Summary:
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur invests in solving some of the world's most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., revitalizing local news, expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence, and strengthening the well-being of Native communities. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago. The Foundation also maintains offices in Nigeria and India.
The Foundation is seeking a Cross-Foundation Program Officer to provide programmatic support to multiple areas of work on an as-needed basis as back-up for, or in addition to, current program staff. This Program Officer is one of a team of three and will apply their expertise across multiple subject areas to develop and implement grantmaking strategies. In this role, the Program Officer will be called upon to deliver under pressure, and consistently produce high-quality work; build effective peer relationships throughout the Foundation; work with other departments proactively; anticipate potential issues and propose solutions; offer assistance and service to colleagues; and present ideas for improvement and be able to create a project plan to execute these improvements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Participate in the design, implementation, refinement and adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategies, as needed
  • Assist in the design of new initiatives
  • Identify prospective grant recipients and work with prospective grantees to develop proposals that advance grantmaking strategies
  • Review and evaluate proposals
  • Conduct background research and due diligence, prepare grant recommendations for administrative and Board consideration, and respond to unsuccessful proposals
  • Monitor the performance of grants and the implementation of grant strategies
  • Manage a caseload of active grants, review periodic reports and maintain accurate records and constructive contact with grantees
  • Organize meetings of prospective grantees, grantees, program advisors, and others in relevant fields
  • Keep abreast of current events, developments and issues in the field to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grantmaking.
  • Write extensively for internal purposes
  • Build and sustain relationships with colleagues across the Foundation, and with leaders, actors and organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectors
  • Represent the Foundation at conferences and other public events, including as speaker or panel participant

Other Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serve on internal Foundation committees as appropriate
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • Graduate training and at least five years' experience working as a policy professional, researcher or practitioner in a relevant nonprofit or academic field preferred; previous grantmaking or grant seeking experience is desirable
  • Seasoned generalist with the ability to work across multiple subject areas
  • Solid grounding in the theory, history and trends in a relevant area of work; a strong grasp of relevant empirical research and theoretical literature; and a good understanding of the substance and dynamics of public policies relevant to the work of the program(s)
  • Able to make effective connections among research, policy and practice and to work productively with government, community-based organizations, and academic institutions, and working knowledge of relevant government policies and programs
  • Excellent analytical and communications skills, including writing and public speaking
  • Self-confident, collegial, and diplomatic, with an appreciation of the role of a grantmaking institution
  • Computer literate, with a high level of comfort with new applications.
  • Other essential skills include: effectiveness in interpersonal relations with a proven ability to work as part of a team; the ability to organize and convey problems and issues clearly and succinctly; ease with and openness to people who hold diverse views; and a talent for managing multiple tasks with significant initiative

The Program Officer must be willing to travel occasionally.
The position is currently hybrid and based in Chicago, Illinois.
Annual salary for this role will start at $120,700. We offer a generous total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and a comprehensive benefits package to support your life, health, and well-being.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.

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