Freelance Foundation Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position: Associate Program Officer – Home Region
Department: Home Region Department

Reporting to: Home Region Senior Program Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Bentonville, AR

The Walton Family Foundation (WFF) is seeking a skilled, highly motivated and entrepreneurial individual to join the foundation as an Associate Program Officer – Home Region. The position calls for a solid understanding of the Home Region geographies and WFF grantees. The foundation seeks to recruit individuals with a demonstrated commitment to an inclusive quality of life, superior interpersonal and communication skills, a respectful but analytical approach to the work of grantees, and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

About the Position

The Associate Program Officer will support the implementation of the Home Region’s 2030 Strategy by contributing to grantmaking, partner engagement, and cross-portfolio coordination. 

What you will do

This Associate Program Officer operates as a generalist within a small, entrepreneurial team, supporting multiple investment areas and working closely with Program Officers to advance strategic priorities and achieve measurable community impact. The position requires the ability to move fluidly across subject areas, develop working knowledge quickly, and contribute to high-quality grantmaking and partner engagement  

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the Home Region’s 2030 Strategy across investment areas, including Building Infrastructure, Finding Community, Entrepreneurship, and Career-Ready Workforce.  
• Work across multiple subject areas, developing working knowledge quickly and applying concepts to support effective grantmaking and strategy execution.  
• Assist in identifying, evaluating, and advancing grantmaking opportunities, including conducting due diligence and preparing materials for internal review and approval.  
• Support management of grants and investments to ensure alignment with strategic goals, accountability, and measurable impact.  
• Help build and maintain relationships with grantees, community partners, and stakeholders, including participating in meetings, site visits, and ongoing engagement.  
• Coordinate with Program Officers and leadership to execute work plans, synthesize input, and deliver high-quality outputs with attention to detail and timeliness.  
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture by working effectively across portfolios, responding to feedback, and supporting shared team goals.  
• Provide support on additional projects and priorities as requested by foundation leadership 

Who we are looking for

Skills needed

• Grant and Project Management 
• Stakeholder and Relationship Management 
• Strategic and Analytical Thinking 
• Community Engagement and Partnership Building 
• Communication and Presentation Skills 

Qualifications required for your success

• Bachelor’s degreerequired; master’s degree or higher preferred. 
• At least 5 years of experience in professional services, community development, philanthropy, or related field. 
• Experience managing projects or grants involving community engagement.  
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic advisor across a variety of initiatives.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences. 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 

Personal attributes that support your success

• Demonstrates discretion, integrity, and expertise while serving as a trusted advisor to principals and colleagues.
• Collaborates respectfully and effectively with others, contributing to a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Approaches challenges with curiosity, bold thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
• Maintains a strong focus on results, consistently exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
• Brings a visionary mindset, planning strategically for the future with imagination and insight.
• Committed to excellence and actively engages with others to accomplish shared goals.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Benefits Information

Compensation Range: $111,000-$139,000

Benefits Information: We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan and paid time off.

About Walton Family Foundation

We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam and Helen

Walton’s family.

We value trust, mutual respect, and a workplace where every associate belongs and can do their best work. We bring together talented people with different backgrounds and viewpoints, support their growth, and empower them to contribute meaningfully.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.