| Position | Program Officer, Higher Education |
| Date Posted | 09 Sep 2009 |
| Application Deadline | 15 Oct 2009 |
| Location | New York, USA |
Summary Description
Based in New York City, the Program Officer will conduct grant making activities in the Foundation’s new Advancing Higher Education Access and Success portfolio, which supports postsecondary policy and system changes that improve the life chances of students from marginalized backgrounds. The strategy within this portfolio is to advance a national educational justice agenda of greater college access and affordability, high-quality academic and social support, smoother pathways between two- and four-year colleges, and other policy and institutional innovations that expand opportunity and increase the likelihood of students completing degrees. Working closely with Director Jeannie Oakes and the team of Program Officers in the Education and Scholarship Unit, the Program Officer will develop grant-making and other activities that implement four strategies: 1) support research and communications to build the case for reform; 2) identify, test and advance scalable approaches; 3) foster a network of diverse advocates and activists for policy change, and 4) build the capacity of higher education institutions to implement and sustain reforms to achieve program goals.
Specifically, the Program Officer will review the current status of higher education access and success for poor, marginalized students, including immigrants; the status of the grants in the Foundation’s existing portfolio; and the recently developed strategy for Advancing Higher Education Access and Success portfolio. Working with the Education and Scholarship team he/she will formulate plans to implement grant making in the new program strategy; solicit, review, and respond to grant proposals; prepare recommendations for Foundation funding; and work with other Foundation staff to monitor and promote effective communication of project results; and develop learning strategies related to the achievement of the portfolio’s goals. The Program Officer also will be expected to provide intellectual leadership in the field of higher education and to work closely with Program Officers throughout the Foundation whose work relates to the central mission of the portfolio, including colleagues in other offices to advance the Foundation’s worldwide agenda and goals in the field of Education and Scholarship. The Program Officer is also expected to collaborate broadly with scholars and practitioners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other donors on issues of common program concern.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate has experience and deep knowledge of higher education, including issues related to access and success for students from marginalized groups (including immigrants). An advanced degree in Higher Education, public policy, or a relevant social science discipline is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, conceptual and organizational ability; outstanding writing and speaking skills in English (knowledge of a second language would be an asset); strong interpersonal skills; and the ability to effectively engage with governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic and research institutions, funding agencies and other institutional partners. Candidates should bring a record of successful work as a team member and collaboration with colleagues. Essential as well is a strong desire to achieve impact; a proven track record of achieving change; a clear ability to convene and drive a group to action.
Salary
is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Please send inquiries, nominations and applications (consisting of resume and cover letter) by 10/15/09 to Machlowitz Consultants, Inc. at mm@machlowitz.com