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Senior Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Foundation Source

Program Officer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Our senior team brings deep expertise across the full spectrum of foundation management and a ... The Program Officer serves as a key relationship manager across multiple client foundations ...

World Learning

Program Officer (IVLP)

Washington, DC · On-site

$61K - $70K/yr

Senior Program Officer Salary Range: $61,000-$70,000 depending on experience Anticipated Start Date: August 17, 2026 Term of Employment: Full-time Apply by: July 17, 2026, with resume and cover ...

GiveWell

Senior Researcher

Senior Program Officers typically own high-impact, cost-effective grantmaking portfolios by deepening their expertise, growing their networks, and understanding the broader context within a specific ...

GiveWell

OR · On-site

Senior Program Officers typically own high-impact, cost-effective grantmaking portfolios by deepening their expertise, growing their networks, and understanding the broader context within a specific ...

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Senior Program Officer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$100.4K

$155.5K

How much do senior program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 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.

How do Senior Program Officers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives?

Senior Program Officers often serve as a bridge between internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on program goals and deliverables. They regularly coordinate with finance, communications, monitoring and evaluation, and subject-matter experts to design, implement, and assess programs. Effective communication, project management, and negotiation skills are essential as they facilitate meetings, address challenges, and adjust strategies to drive successful outcomes. This collaborative environment provides opportunities to develop leadership and expand professional networks.

What is the difference between Senior Program Officer vs Program Officer?

AspectSenior Program OfficerProgram Officer
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often master's; experience in program managementBachelor's degree; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, strategic planning, supervising staffAssisting in program implementation, supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, foundationsSimilar organizations, entry to mid-level roles
Search & Comparison IntentHigher responsibility, leadership rolesEntry to mid-level roles, support functions

The main difference between a Senior Program Officer and a Program Officer lies in responsibility and experience. Senior Program Officers typically lead projects, develop strategies, and supervise staff, requiring more experience and advanced skills. Program Officers focus on supporting program activities, assisting senior staff, and implementing plans. Both roles are common in nonprofits, government, and foundation sectors, but the senior position involves greater leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

What are Senior Program Officers?

Senior Program Officers are experienced professionals who oversee the planning, development, and implementation of programs within an organization, often in the nonprofit, government, or philanthropic sectors. They are responsible for managing program staff, budgets, and partnerships, as well as ensuring programs align with organizational goals and strategies. Senior Program Officers often evaluate program effectiveness, report on outcomes, and may help in securing funding or grants. Their role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

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

To thrive as a Senior Program Officer, you need expertise in program management, strategic planning, and sector-specific knowledge, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of experience. Familiarity with grant management systems, project management software, and monitoring and evaluation tools is typically required. Strong leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills help drive collaboration and effective stakeholder engagement. These competencies ensure successful program delivery, efficient resource use, and measurable impact in complex organizational environments.
More about Senior Program Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Program Officer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Program Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Officer jobs? The most popular types of Program Officer jobs are:
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What states have the most Senior Program Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Program Officer jobs include:
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Senior Program Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Program Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,365 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Program Officer

Program Officer

Foundation Source

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
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.
Salary Description
115-130k

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