Research and Policy Program Officer – Children, Youth, and Families
Job Description
The Organization
A national leader in rural philanthropy, The Ford Family Foundation is a private foundation benefiting communities in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation targets all of its philanthropic tools – grants, scholarships, capacity building, convening, research, and strengthening stateside systems – to improving conditions in rural communities and increasing the wellbeing of children and families who live in those communities.
The Opportunity
The Program Officer will manage the Foundation’s work to promote early childhood success and kindergarten readiness. The Foundation is increasingly focused on the interconnectedness between our public, private, nonprofit, and community systems, and identifying how they must work together more effectively for improved outcomes in rural communities. The Program Officer will manage and carry out a significant portion of the Foundation’s work aimed at improving outcomes for children prenatal to age 8, while contributing to the Foundation’s broader, cross-cutting efforts to strengthen supports for children, youth, and families in rural areas. Leading with a partnership orientation, the Program Officer will be charged with effectively building bridges and synergy with other key systems that impact the wellbeing of children prenatal to 8 years of age. Utilizing both responsive and directed grantmaking approaches, this portfolio includes strategies related to kindergarten readiness and early school success, including pre-school to third grade alignment, quality childcare, family supports and early literacy. This individual will work closely with other Foundation program officers and partners from overlapping issue areas to build and strengthen the systems that enable rural children, youth, and families to thrive.
Desired Qualifications
We are seeking a well-rounded individual who is passionate about promoting children’s success and strengthening the well-being of children and families in rural communities. The ideal candidate will have a strong base of knowledge and experience in early childhood development, an understanding of systems for early learning, health, or child welfare, and, direct experience working in rural communities.
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in the fields of early learning and/or child health/welfare. A current understanding of rural contexts, issues, and challenges is essential.
A bachelor’s degree is required and a graduate degree in a relevant subject is preferred. Candidates will be considered from diverse backgrounds that might include foundations, nonprofits, or public sector programs or agencies.
The position is based in Roseburg, Oregon and residency in Douglas County is required without exception. Approximately 30% of time will involve travel within Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
