Freelance Foundation Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: POSITION SUMMARY The Program Officer, Economic Power will advance the Paul Angell Foundation’s mission by managing and strengthening the Foundation’s Economic Power grantmaking, a core focus area of the Social Impact Program. The Economic Power focus area seeks to advance strong workplace practices, worker protections, transparent pathways to living-wage careers, and opportunities that strengthen financial resilience and asset building as foundations for household financial health and a strong, equitable economy. However, the rapidly changing nature of work, disruptive technology, predatory lending practices, and lack of access to key financial tools make economic security out of reach for many, threatening household stability and contributing to widening economic inequality. Paul Angell seeks to increase economic agency for Chicago area residents through its grantmaking and collaborative partnership in Chicago and beyond. Reporting to the Director of Social Impact, the Program Officer will steward an existing portfolio of Economic Power grantees while helping implement, refine, and expand the Foundation’s strategic investments in strong work practices, protections, and pathways, financial resilience, and expanded assets. The role includes conducting landscape research, identifying potential grantee partners, monitoring sector trends, and developing relationships with nonprofit organizations, public-sector partners, researchers, employers, worker advocates, and other stakeholders. The Program Officer will lead the review and recommendation of grants, conduct due diligence on proposals, and prepare funding recommendations and reports for leadership and Board consideration. In addition to managing grantee relationships, the Program Officer will engage with peer funders, participate in sector convenings, and contribute to conversations shaping Paul Angell’s Economic Power priorities. The ideal candidate brings experience in workforce development, worker rights, economic mobility, financial health, small business development, public policy, philanthropy, nonprofit program management, or a related field. This role is well suited for someone who is collaborative, strategic, detail oriented, and comfortable working both independently and within a growing philanthropic organization. Grants Management Manage a diverse portfolio of grants focused on: strong work practices, worker protections, and pathways into living-wage employment; financial resilience and health; and small business development and support. Respond in a timely and respectful manner to inquiries from grantee partners and prospective applicants. Conduct due diligence on proposals, including reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and meeting with grantee partners. Provide the board with thoughtful, well-reasoned funding recommendations and compelling, well-written documents. Participate in board meetings and collaborate with staff on agenda preparation and materials. Maintain consistent communication with grantee partners and support their ability to meet project goals and objectives. Work closely with the Grants Management team to ensure accuracy and completeness of grant records and data compliance. Support database management and reporting through the Foundation’s grants management systems. Shaping Programs Steward and refine the Economic Power grant portfolio in collaboration with the Director of Social Impact and other members of the Social Impact team. Support the implementation and continued development of the Foundation’s Economic Power strategy. Identify and assess organizations that are aligned with the foundation’s Social Impact priorities and focus areas. Participate in evaluating program outcomes and recommend adjustments based on new knowledge and emerging needs in the field. Serve as a thought partner with grantee partners, peer funders, and the Foundation’s leadership. Participate in strategic planning with the Director of Social Impact, consultants, and staff to support the program’s continued direction and growth. External Relations Build and sustain relationships with leaders and stakeholders working in workforce development, worker protections, economic mobility, employer practices, financial health, small business development, public policy, education, research, and philanthropy. Develop relationships with non-profit, civic, and other organizations and leaders who bring lived experience and direct knowledge of conditions and barriers to economic mobility. Stay informed about economic mobility, workforce and other industry trends and practices, technological developments, policy changes, and market conditions. Represent the Foundation at conferences, convenings, site visits, and meetings with grantee partners, peer funders, public agencies, employers, researchers, advocates, and community leaders. Learn from and develop authentic relationships with leaders in the sector, grantee partners, workers, employers, and other grantmakers. Convene or participate in meetings that encourage collaboration among grantee partners, funders, public-sector partners, and industry partners or small businesses. Participate in educational opportunities, professional networks, conferences, and field-building conversations. Communicate the Foundation’s Economic Power priorities clearly and thoughtfully to external partners. Program Administration Work with the Grants department to ensure that grants’ data is accurate, complete, and meets compliance standards. Support grant reporting and monitoring processes, including reviewing grantee reports and conducting site visits where appropriate Assist with database management, where appropriate. Evaluate and report on the impact of funding to inform future strategies. Monitor implementation of grants by requesting and reviewing written evaluations, where appropriate, and by conducting site visits. Actively participate in required staff and Board meetings and partner with staff on agenda items and materials. Team Collaboration and Growth Contribute to a collaborative, equity-informed team culture within the Foundation, which is experiencing organizational growth. Thrive in a hybrid work environment by maintaining proactive, clear communication, and a high level of self-direction. Participate in regular team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-program learning efforts to align on goals and share knowledge. Contribute to the Foundation's ongoing organizational development, including the implementation of the Foundation's strategic plan. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS At least seven years of relevant professional experience, preferably in workforce development, worker rights, economic mobility, financial health, small business, public policy, philanthropy, nonprofit program management, community development, or related field. Demonstrated knowledge of workforce development strategies, worker protections, job quality, career pathways, economic mobility, financial health, small business, or related issues. Experience in engaging communities and populations that have historically faced barriers related to economic mobility is strongly preferred. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Demonstrates the values of the Foundation, including Excellence, Respect, Humility, Authenticity, and Collaboration Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Strategic thinker with strong analytical and project management abilities Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work autonomously as well as within a small team Comfort with grants databases and willingness to engage in data-related tasks Commitment to equity and justice in work and philanthropy Ability to communicate with and work effectively with diverse constituencies, personalities, and viewpoints with a diplomatic and mature approach Exhibits awareness of and works to address one’s own privileges, biases, and cultural preferences and how they impact collaboration Skilled in building and maintaining authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders. Skilled at self-organizing and working independently in an active, energetic, and growing program while also working comfortably with a small team of dedicated staff. Brings a growth mindset and is energized by contributing to an evolving organizational culture Capable of processing complex information and making sound decisions. Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage change effectively. Thoughtful contributor to internal culture-building efforts during a time of growth and organizational development. Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to the foundation and its stakeholders. While employed in this position, the employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed in this job description. The employee is an employee at will, meaning that either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time by written notice to the other. Nothing in this job description is to be deemed to create a contract of employment for a specific period. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The position is a salaried, exempt, full-time role with a starting salary range of $140,000 to $155,000 annually, depending on professional and lived experience. Additionally, the Paul Angell Foundation offers a highly competitive comprehensive benefits package including: Healthcare: 100% paid Platinum PPO health insurance premium for employees and 80% for dependents or family. Dental and Vision: 100% paid premium for employees, dependents, and family. 403b retirement savings plan employer contributions match: After three months of employment, the Foundation will contribute up to 12% of the employee’s salary. In addition to vacation, holidays, wellness, and sick days, the Paul Angell Foundation offices are closed from December 26th through New Year’s Day annually and employees’ salaries are paid during this closure. Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for a birth parent, non-birth parent, or adoption. We are committed to supporting your growth through professional development funds, tailored to your role and learning needs. We provide opportunities for collaboration, skill-building, and the time and space to grow in your career. WORK ENVIRONMENT Currently, the position functions within a hybrid working environment with alternating remote and two to three on-site workdays and may have in-person obligations that grow over time.   Role requires frequent travel for site visits, convenings, and conferences Occasional evening and weekend work is sometimes required.    Occasional out-of-town travel is required.  Must have reliable transportation for work-related duties.   The Foundation maintains a smoke-free and drug-free work environment in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and use hands to operate equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets. Reasonable accommodation will enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions. This position is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time with written notice. Nothing in this job description is to be construed as creating a contract for employment for a specific duration. ABOUT THE PAUL ANGELL FOUNDATION The Paul Angell Foundation (Paul Angell) unites with our partners to ignite possibilities for all. Established in 2011 by the Angell family to honor innovator and entrepreneur Paul M. Angell, we fund bold, community-led solutions in Chicago and beyond. Together with our partners, we’re working to protect our oceans, champion the arts, strengthen communities, and promote belonging across society. By removing barriers that limit the potential of people and the planet, we aim to spark change that lasts for generations. ABOUT THE SOCIAL IMPACT PROGRAM The Paul Angell Foundation’s Social Impact program area supports organizations and leaders working to strengthen communities and expand opportunity. The Foundation partners with thoughtful, strategic changemakers working to address complex challenges and create meaningful progress for communities facing persistent inequities and barriers to opportunity. The Social Impact program area is currently refining its strategic focus around efforts that advance high-impact academic and social-emotional interventions, expand pathways to wealth-building and employment training, including entrepreneurship opportunities, and support community-driven capital investments and asset-building in historically disinvested communities without displacement. As this work continues to evolve, the Foundation is exploring how to deepen its engagement across these areas while remaining responsive to emerging needs and opportunities. Through collaboration, learning, and thoughtful grantmaking, the Social Impact program area aims to support solutions that strengthen communities today while helping to build the conditions for broader change across systems and sectors. OUR DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CORE VALUE Paul Angell Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with applicable local, state, and federal antidiscrimination laws which prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employees or applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, work authorization status, pregnancy and the potential or intention to become pregnant, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, status as a victim of domestic, sexual, gender or criminal violence, certain arrest or criminal history records, lack of a permanent mailing address or a mailing address that is a shelter or social services provider, and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon these characteristics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. HOW TO APPLY You will be asked to submit the following: Resume Cover letter highlighting your experience and your ability to excel in this role Expected start date: October/November 2026 All applications must be submitted by: August 30 at 11PM CT We hope you’re excited about this role! To keep the process fair and equitable, we