Senior Program Officer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Position Title: Program Officer, Latin America and the Caribbean
Grade Level: 5 - Exempt
Reports to: Senior Program Manager

The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.

At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments.

We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

The Program Officer will work with the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) program leadership to manage strategically a grant portfolio related to NED’s programming in LAC, with emphasis in regional and country portfolios covering Cuba and Venezuela. The position will also include broader responsibilities for the rest of the LAC region as needed.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC., and is part of the NED bargaining unit.

• Work closely and flexibly with a diverse range of regional actors focused on strengthening human rights, accountability and transparency, democratic institutions and transitions, rule of law and economic security, as well as independent media, civil society and others.
• Review proposals, make recommendations, develop budgets, and monitor the implementation of NED-approved projects. Evaluate the effectiveness and the institutional growth of NED grantees by analyzing reports, providing feedback on implemented activities, maintaining continuous communication over the grant cycle, and conducting regular field visits.
• Produce written materials and deliver presentations and/or briefings to inform funding recommendations to NED leadership, NED board members and relevant stakeholders such as members of Congress and the administration.
• Monitor political developments in the region relevant to the portfolio to inform NED’s strategies and programming and operational responsiveness in rapidly evolving political environments.
• Work collaboratively across the LAC team and with thematic portfolios to support coordination, information-sharing, operational effectiveness, and integrated regional programming.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and adapt effectively in fast-paced and politically sensitive environments while exercising strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Build and maintain relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners, regional organizations, think tanks, private sector and diplomatic community both in the DC area and in the field.
• Travel to monitor existing grantees, identify new funding opportunities, and gain a perspective on the political situation.
• Think creatively about how to improve the LAC team’s effectiveness, grantee-reporting guidelines, communications with other teams at NED; participate in various working groups, and other efforts to improve NED’s overall functioning and effectiveness.
• Mentor junior staff, where applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Years of experience in democracy-related projects and programs: 4-7 years, including 2+ years of field experience in the LAC region.
• Experience in nonprofit work.
• Demonstrated experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
• Knowledge of program evaluation techniques and databases.
• Experience working with civil society in Cuba and Venezuela preferred.
• Professional proficiency in Spanish required.
• Ability and willingness to travel to countries within the region, as needed.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• High degree of organization and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player, including coordination and facilitation skills.
• Authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change:

• Purpose-Driven
• Reliable
• Expertise
• Respectful Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Results-Oriented
• An Optimistic Mindset

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $64,500 - $116,000 USD.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education, and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.