Social Policy Program Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Program Officer, Economic Power will advance the PaulAngell 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 areaseeksto 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,equitableeconomy.However, the rapidly changing nature of work, disruptive technology,predatory lending practices, and lack of access to key financial tools make economic securityout of reach for many,threateninghousehold stability and contributingto widening economic inequality.Paul Angellseeksto increase economic agency for Chicago area residents through its grantmaking and collaborative partnership in Chicago andbeyond.

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,identifyingpotential grantee partners,monitoringsectortrends, 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,participatein sector convenings, and contribute to conversations shapingPaul Angell’s Economic Power priorities.

The ideal candidate brings experience in workforce development, worker rights, economic mobility,financialhealth,small business development,public policy, philanthropy, nonprofit program management, ora relatedfield.This role is well suited for someone who is collaborative, strategic, detail oriented, and comfortable working both independently and within a growing philanthropic organization.

• Manage adiverseportfolio of grants focused on:strong work practices, worker protections, and pathways into living-wage employment;financial resilienceandhealth;andsmall business development andsupport.
• Respond ina timelyand 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’sgrantsmanagement systems.

• 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.
• Identifyand 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.

• 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 withnon-profit, civic, and otherorganizations and leaders who bring lived experience and direct knowledge ofconditions and barriersto economic mobility.
• Stay informed abouteconomic mobility,workforce andotherindustry trendsand 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 othergrantmakers.
• Convene orparticipatein meetings that encourage collaboration among grantee partners, funders, public‑sector partners,and industrypartnersorsmallbusinesses.
• Participate in educational opportunities, professional networks, conferences, and field‑building conversations.
• Communicatethe Foundation’s Economic Power priorities clearly and thoughtfully to external partners.

• Work with the Grants department to ensure that grants’ data isaccurate, complete, and meets compliance standards.
• Support grant reporting and monitoring processes, including reviewing grantee reports and conducting site visits where appropriate
• Assistwith database management, whereappropriate.
• Evaluate and report on the impact of funding to inform future strategies.
• Monitor implementation of grants by requesting and reviewing written evaluations, whereappropriate, and by conducting site visits.
• Activelyparticipatein required staff and Board meetings and partner with staff on agenda items and materials.

• 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,andahigh levelof self‑direction.
• Participate in regular team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-program learning efforts toalign ongoals and share knowledge.
• Contribute to the Foundation’s ongoing organizational development, including the implementation of the Foundation’s strategic plan.

• At leastseven 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, orrelatedfield.
• Demonstrated knowledge of workforce development strategies, worker protections, job quality, career pathways, economic mobility,financial health, small business,or related issues.
• Experience inengaging communities and populations that have historically faced barriers related to economic mobilityis strongly preferred.

• 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
• Exhib