The Volgenau Foundation | Program Officer

Mclean, VA

About The Volgenau Foundation

The Volgenau Foundation is a family foundation rooted in a longstanding commitment to honesty and service. Established by Ernst and Sara Volgenau and their three daughters, Lisa, Lauren, and Jennifer, the Foundation supports work in conservation, wildlife, education, and classical music. Today, the Foundation provides more than $14 million in support each year to organizations across the United States. Its largest area of grantmaking is conservation, including land and water conservation, wildlife protection, coexistence and connectivity, and conservation and STEM education. The Foundation also supports youth engagement in classical music.

The Volgenau family has always been closely connected to the work it supports. The sisters have spent years building relationships with grantees, participating in site visits and convenings, and helping guide the Foundation's program work. As the Foundation evolves and the next generation of family members becomes more involved, it is building additional staff capacity while preserving the collaborative, relationship-centered approach that has shaped its philanthropy.

Learn more about The Volgenau Foundation at volgenaufoundation.org.

About the Position

The Volgenau Foundation is hiring its first non-family Program Officer. This new role builds on, rather than replaces, the years of hands-on program leadership and grantee relationships developed by members of the Volgenau family. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Officer will work closely with the Foundation & Grants Administrator and the Grants Committee to manage grantee relationships, evaluate grants and outcomes, prepare recommendations, and help the Foundation continue strengthening how it learns from and assesses its grantmaking. The right person will be thoughtful, curious, and comfortable learning from the expertise already within the Foundation while bringing sound judgment and a fresh perspective to the work.

The Opportunity

This is a distinctive opportunity to join The Volgenau Foundation at an important point in its evolution and help shape the next chapter of its philanthropy. The Program Officer will build on years of trusted grantee relationships while staying close to the work: learning from nonprofit leaders, scientists, practitioners, family members, and peer funders and seeing firsthand what thoughtful philanthropy can make possible. With most of the portfolio focused on conservation, the role offers the chance to deepen expertise while contributing across education and classical music. For someone curious, relationship-driven, and motivated by meaningful work, it offers unusual access, autonomy, and the chance to make a lasting contribution to a respected foundation.

Key Responsibilities

Build and manage strong relationships with assigned grantees throughout the grant lifecycle, including applications, reporting, ongoing communication, and renewal discussions.

Review proposals, budgets, reports, and other materials and develop clear, thoughtful grant recommendations for the Executive Director and Grants Committee.

Participate in grantee meetings, interim reporting conversations, and site visits to deepen understanding of the work and its impact.

Help refine grantmaking criteria and practical approaches for evaluating individual grants and learning across the broader portfolio.

Prepare concise written summaries, recommendations, and program updates for the Executive Director, Grants Committee, and board.

Stay informed about trends and emerging issues in the Foundation's areas of interest, and bring relevant opportunities forward for discussion.

Represent the Foundation at selected affinity groups, funder collaboratives, convenings, and conferences.

Partner with the Foundation & Grants Administrator to maintain accurate program and grantee information in the grants-management system and support effective tracking and reporting.

Qualifications

3–5 years of relevant professional experience in philanthropy, nonprofit program work, foundation relations, institutional fundraising, grantmaking, conservation, or a related mission-driven field. Direct foundation experience is not required.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information and communicate clearly with a variety of audiences.

High emotional intelligence and sound judgment, including the maturity, diplomacy, and self-awareness to work effectively with an engaged family, board members, colleagues, grantees, and external partners.

Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate information, identify important questions, consider different perspectives, and reach thoughtful conclusions.

Strong organizational and project-management skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through consistently.

Demonstrated ability to develop productive professional relationships with funders, nonprofit leaders, partners, or other external stakeholders.

Intellectual curiosity and learning agility, with the ability to develop knowledge of new and complex subject areas and a genuine interest in environmental conservation and the Foundation's broader areas of giving.

Brings warmth, perspective, and a sense of humor, with the ability to stay grounded, not take themselves too seriously, and contribute positively to a small, collaborative team.

Preferred but not Required

Experience in environmental conservation, wildlife protection, biodiversity, land or water conservation, environmental education, or a related field.

Experience working for or closely with a family foundation.

Previous grantmaking, Program Officer, grants management, foundation relations, or nonprofit impact-evaluation experience.

Experience with grant-management systems, impact assessment, or the development of grant criteria and evaluation approaches.

A master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Program Officer

BUILD OVERVIEW

The Ford Foundation has launched a new program called BUILD, which aims to support and develop robust, effective and sustainable organizations addressing inequality around the world; we’re hiring a Program Officer to join the BUILD team. In the next five years, the Foundation will invest approximately $1Bn in a limited number of organizations, providing them with flexible operational and organizational strengthening support.

By strengthening organizations that are core to the social justice infrastructure, the Foundation aims to ensure BUILD organizations have the stability it takes to drive change over the long term and in turn achieve greater impact. BUILD grants will be fully integrated into the grant making of our seven thematic areas.

DESCRIPTION:
The newly created BUILD team at the Foundation focuses on helping BUILD grantees across the globe become stronger, sustainable, more effective organizations and networks. The BUILD team will do this by both serving as a resource to Foundation program officers and providing thought leadership on organizational development both within and outside the Foundation. The BUILD team will support grant-makers in 11 offices across the globe. This is an entrepreneurial opportunity, and the Program Officer will help build a new program at the frontier of knowledge, contributing to learning among Ford Foundation grantees while advancing the state of philanthropic practice.

The Program Officer will act as a key leader on the global BUILD team. S/he will use problem-solving and coaching skills to both support foundation staff in strengthening their portfolio of BUILD grantees and in many cases, directly strengthening these organizations and networks. In concert with Ford Foundation program officers in our seven thematic areas, the PO will work with the CEOs, COOs, Heads of HR, and other key individuals at grantee organizations to support them in strengthening their strategy, management, leadership, staff and board engagement, financial practices, and use of evaluation, data and technology in their organizations. The PO also will play a key role in shaping and implementing a learning strategy to benefit grantees and the field, and in strategic communications about the initiative. This position will report to the BUILD Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The PO, BUILD’s primary responsibility is to support teams in their strengthening of the operational areas of their grantees in order to increase impact. Activities will include:

Virtual and in-person coaching of Ford staff and grantee CEOs and senior staff, to help grantees create and implement organizational strengthening plans that will increase their resilience and effectiveness (45%)
Designing and implementing learning experiences that advance the skills, knowledge and mindset of BUILD grantees, Ford staff, and potential other stakeholders (i.e., convenings, video conferences, webinars, direct connections, etc.). Leveraging opportunities and resources for BUILD grantees working in close collaboration with teams from around the world (25%)
Designing, supporting, and learning from experiments in NGO institutional strengthening to benefit Ford Foundation grantees, program staff, and NGOs in the U.S. and around the world (15%)
Creating resources and tools that can be used by grantees and Ford staff to assess organizational and network performance, develop and implement organizational strengthening plans, and evaluate their progress (10%)
Providing thought leadership and guidance both within and outside the Ford Foundation regarding effective institutional strengthening for NGOs in the U.S. and around the world (5%)

CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS:

Exceptional reasoning and strategic problem solving abilities, and proven track record of success in solving complex and dynamic problems
Deep understanding of the needs of NGOs in the U.S. and around the world in key areas of organizational and network effectiveness, including strategic and business planning, management, and leadership development
Familiarity with organizational and network development concepts, frameworks, and tools, and willingness to adapt capacity building approaches to each unique grantee; not wedded to any single model or approach
Familiarity and experience working with social justice concepts and frameworks such as racial equity, economic justice, intersectionality, or structural bias
Ability to develop strong relationships and partnerships with diverse individuals remotely and in-person
Strong skill in coaching and developing others, including peers, without having a direct management relationship
Experience and expertise in developing high quality adult learning experiences and knowledge resources
Commitment to personal learning and development and openness to feedback
Adaptability and flexibility, with ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, results-oriented culture with limited guidance
Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity; ability to work well across all types of difference
High degree of emotional intelligence; excellent listening and communications skills
Responsive, service-oriented attitude

Qualifications

BA/BS plus a minimum of 7 years’ full time work experience, including several years of experience successfully managing projects and teams
Advanced degree in a related field such as public policy, law, business, organizational development or equivalent experience, strongly preferred
Demonstrated commitment to the Ford Foundation’s mission and the goals of the BUILD initiative
Prior experience working in nonprofit organizational and network development, as senior management (e.g., CEO, COO) of an NGO, or as senior staff in a capacity-building intermediary
Knowledge and past experience with nonprofit financial analysis strongly preferred
Knowledge of multiple languages strongly preferred
Experience working and/or living in one of the Ford Foundation’s regions, strongly preferred

Alignment to the Mission and Culture of the Ford Foundation

Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and core values of equity, fairness and diversity
Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor
Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues
Action-orientated and entrepreneurial self-starter who can work well independently and in teams

Foundation Program Officer

Zilber Family Foundation

The Zilber Family Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations to: address basic needs and help ensure personal safety; increase access to social and economic opportunity; and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods.

We have an excellent opportunity for a Program Officer! The Program Officer participates in the development, management, and evaluation of a portfolio of grants and initiatives to fulfill the mission of the Zilber Family Foundation. The Program Officer is responsible for guiding nonprofit organizations through the grant application process, from concept development through submission of proposals and assessing results. They analyze and research community issues, trends, and organizational best practices in areas of strategic importance. They are one of the primary liaisons with the nonprofit community, as well as with other community, civic, and philanthropic partners.

Qualifications:
Bachelor s degree from four-year College or university; and minimum five years related professional experience and/or training.

Master s degree in business, nonprofit management, public policy or related fields desirable.

Knowledge about and experience with nonprofit organizations.

Excellent communication skills:

Written, verbal, and presentation.

Adept at research, analysis, problem solving, and strategic thinking.

Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and prepare brief summaries.

Experience in one or more of the following program areas:

Community and economic development; income and wealth building; organizational development; social work/basic human needs.

Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

We love working with people who are:
Self-directed and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done

Team players who collaborate with coworkers and community partners

Creative, curious, and engage in continuous learning

Passionate about issues of social and economic justice

Active listeners

Positive and have a great sense of humor

We offer an excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, health, dental, vision, and group term life insurance, 401k with company match and wellness/fitness reimbursement.