Program Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

Position Overview:

PFS offers private foundations the personalized, relationship-driven support of a boutique philanthropic services firm, backed by the administrative infrastructure and technology of the nation's largest provider of foundation support services. At the core of our work is a belief that strong philanthropy is both strategic and relational - and that the most meaningful results come from leaders who can see the big picture and build the relationships that bring it to life. Our senior team brings deep expertise across the full spectrum of foundation management and a genuine commitment to the organizations and communities our clients exist to serve. We value bold thinking, autonomy, and the kind of initiative that moves things forward - while fostering a collaborative culture where collective expertise elevates everyone's work. 

The Program Officer serves as a key relationship manager across multiple client foundations, working closely with each foundation's board of directors and internal staff to shape and advance their grantmaking strategy. This is a role where your ideas carry weight, your relationships drive outcomes, and your work has a direct and visible impact on the causes that matter most. The Program Officer leads due diligence on applicant organizations and contributes to grantmaking planning, strategy, and evaluation across a range of funding areas. Approximately 50% of the role will focus on environmental grantmaking - including forest and watershed restoration, land preservation, regenerative agriculture, and environmental education - with the remaining 50% dedicated to non-environmental grantmaking specific to assigned client foundations. 

Key Responsibilities:

Environmental Grantmaking & Watershed Stewardship (50%)

• Lead a dynamic portfolio of environmental grants focused on watershed restoration and protection and sustainable agriculture
• Conduct annual site visits and field tours with board members, grantees, and landowners
• Build deep expertise across portfolios and cultivate long-term grantee relationships
• Drive collaboration among conservation organizations, agencies, and community partners to advance innovative, on-the-ground environmental solutions

General Grant Portfolio Management & Due Diligence (35%)

• Work as a Program Officer across other clients and focus areas
• Own day-to-day relationships with applicants and grantees across the full grant cycle
• Conduct due diligence, prepare funding recommendations, and deliver presentations at board meetings
• Proactively identify and cultivate prospective grantees aligned with foundation priorities, ensuring a strong and strategic pipeline

Strategy, Partnership & External Representation (15%)

• Shape grantmaking strategy by collaborating with senior program staff on planning and new initiative development
• Represent the foundation externally at conferences, convenings, and community events
• Bring fresh thinking to program areas and take on special projects that advance the client's broader mission and impact

Requirements

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Five or more years of progressive experience in the nonprofit and/or philanthropic sector, with a demonstrated track record of driving initiatives, influencing outcomes, and building strong stakeholder relationships. 
• Passion for environmental and conservation issues, with experience or deep interest in areas such as watershed and forest restoration, open space preservation, climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, and biodiversity. 
• Proven ability to cultivate productive partnerships across nonprofit, public, and private sectors, bringing diverse stakeholders together around shared goals and measurable impact. 
• Strong analytical, financial, and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to assess nonprofit financials and budgets, synthesize complex information, develop actionable recommendations, and communicate insights clearly to diverse audiences. 
• Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities, influencing decision-making, and navigating complex stakeholder environments while working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting. 
• Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and sound judgment, with the ability to quickly develop expertise in new program areas, identify opportunities for innovation, and effectively leverage technology and data management tools to support organizational goals. 
• Skilled at building trust and credibility with diverse constituencies, including nonprofit leaders, board members, donors, community partners, and individuals with differing perspectives and worldviews. 
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and discretion, with alignment to our core values of generosity, respect, integrity, inclusion, commitment, and humility. Willingness to travel locally and regionally (approximately 10-15%) for site visits and relationship-building opportunities throughout Northern California and Oregon. 

Job Requirements for Hybrid Work Environment:

• Dedicated Workspace: Must have a home office or workspace that is free of distractions and interruptions to ensure productivity and focus during work hours. 
• Reliable Internet Connection: High-speed internet is required to support video conferencing, file sharing, and other work-related technology needs. 
• Hybrid Work Commitment: Minimum one day per week (Tuesdays) in the San Francisco office and ability to meet any in-person requirements. May require occasional travel to other Bay Area locations. 

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.    

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.