Title of Available Position
Program Officer, Community Schools
Employment Type
Full-time
Position Salary Range
$75,000-$85,000*
Workplace Type
Hybrid
Region
East Coast
Location of Available Position
Washington, DC OR Remote from the American South
City
Washington
State
District of Columbia
Employer Name
The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education
Application Deadline Date
Sat, 01/03/2026 – 15:17
Position Specifics/Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:
Coaching and Technical Assistance
- Provide individualized coaching and support to grantees to strengthen program implementation and outcomes.
- Deliver technical assistance through virtual and in-person meetings, key partnerships, workshops, and resource development.
- Assess grantee needs and tailor support strategies to align with program goals and requirements.
- Develop and disseminate tools, templates, and guidance documents to support grantee operations.
- Track and document coaching and technical assistance activities and outcomes for reporting and continuous improvement.
- Foster a supportive and collaborative relationship with grantees, promoting trust and open communication.
Grantmaking
- Serve as the lead project and financial manager of the Foundation’s community schools initiative.
- Leads and supports other Foundation investments and activities in support of educational equity, excellence, and opportunity, as assigned
- Manage active grants, respond to financial and programmatic reports, and ensure that sound financial controls are in place for each grant and that funds are spent wisely and according to grant agreements.
- In consultation with the President and CEO and the Vice President of Programs, oversee and develop effective and responsible guidelines for measuring the success of programs and grants. Use this process to incorporate lessons into future decision making and to share key findings within the Foundation, with grantee partners and with the broader public.
- Organize and coordinate foundation-sponsored meetings with and of grantees and key field experts, as well as represent the foundation externally at appropriate meetings, conferences, and site visits.
- Develop briefing papers, topical reports, blog posts and other high-quality written material related to the Foundation’s grantmaking for Foundation management, the NEAF Board of Directors and diverse external partners.
- Present and participate in regional and national events that broadly contribute to the Foundation’s understanding of new approaches, best practices, and issues associated with educational equity, education policy, and community schools.
- Work with the Vice President of Programs and grantee partners to leverage the voice and influence of the Foundation and its grantees around local, state, and federal policymaking.
Collaboration/Teamwork
- Work closely and collaboratively with the communications and development teams to identify, produce and/or review content related to the Foundation’s grantmaking and other activities.
- Serve as a thought partner to colleagues across the full breadth of Foundation grantmaking and activity.
- Engage and contribute to Foundation-wide materials, activities, and events.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Desired Qualifications & Characteristics:
- Deep personal commitment to The NEA Foundation’s mission and values (advancing public education, educator leadership, enhancing the whole child, partnership, the public good, and justice).
- Deep experience working with education organizations and leaders, and a demonstrated appreciation and understanding of the levers needed to facilitate systemic change in our nation’s public education system as well as the challenges that practitioners face in the field, all with an eye toward equity.
- Intimate knowledge of various units of change (e.g., classrooms, schools, systems) and an understanding of how to influence multiple macro and micro levers affecting student learning meaningfully and simultaneously.
- Breadth and depth of knowledge in leading-edge best practices and pedagogical trends, familiarity with contemporary research in teaching and learning, and an inquisitive disposition that seeks to build on an existing knowledge base.
- A nuanced understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in education, and a demonstrated capacity to advance these values in a given field, in prior roles.
- Proven ability to define program objectives, evaluate progress, and independently manage projects.
- Proven ability to take initiative, manage time effectively, and balance multiple priorities in a complex, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated success working independently and remotely.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience presenting, facilitating, and serving as an organizational spokesperson.
- Highest level of interpersonal skills including excellent listening, cultural sensitivity, tact, patience, courtesy, flexibility, humility, and the ability to work effectively with grantees and other organizational partners in a diverse team environment.
- Interest and ability to travel (approximately 30% of the time nationally).
- Adaptable, flexible nature; warmth, and energy; integrity and humility.
- Prior grantmaking experience, in a relevant field, is a plus.
- Preferred candidates will have lived experience or professional familiarity with communities in the Deep South.
- A graduate level academic degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Salary & Benefits
The NEA Foundation offers a rich tapestry of benefits that include medical, dental, life, and vision insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off. The salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000; however, a candidate with significant experience in the field and advanced education may be considered a senior program officer, at a higher initial salary.
Equal Opportunity Hiring Statement
The NEA Foundation is committed to equity and diversity in all it does and to that end, not only abides by all requisite Washington, DC laws, but champions the recruitment, hiring, and retainment of diverse candidates in every way.
