Program Officer, Economic Opportunity

About the organization

The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, and collaboration guide our investments in economic opportunity, conservation, arts and culture, and medical science. Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, and we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise to support the advancement of a long-term portfolio of philanthropic investments.

About the position

As a critical member of the Fidelity Foundations’ Economic Opportunity Team, the Program Officer will further develop and manage a grant portfolio focused on capacity building and grounded in deep local knowledge and strategic alignment with the Foundations’ goals. They will identify and assess potential investments, conduct due diligence, monitor existing investments, and represent the Foundations to grantees and community stakeholders. The role combines strategic leadership, relationship-building, and cross-portfolio collaboration to drive meaningful philanthropic impact. This Program Officer role will focus on the Foundation’s Early Childhood strategy, with a particular emphasis on Maternal and Child Health.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply deep understanding of Maternal Child Health and/or Early Learning to develop responsive and impactful grants aligned to a defined strategy
• Participate in and contribute to strategy development and research agenda in collaboration with the Foundations’ Insights & Impact team
• Audit and advance promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through site visits, in-depth material reviews, financial analysis, and other activities
• Develop and refine proposal requests, and prepare detailed written analyses and grant recommendations for senior management and Trustee approval
• Steward relationships with grantees by maintaining regular communication, offering thought partnership, and serving as a trusted resource throughout the grant cycle and beyond
• Maintain an active calendar of networking and learning sessions with sector experts, nonprofit partners and peer foundations
• Evaluate grant and overall portfolio effectiveness against stated objectives
• Support grant administrative processes, including use of grants management system

Candidate requirements

• An ideal candidate will be a thoughtful, collaborative professional with strong communication skills and the ability to build trust across colleagues, grantees, and community partners
• Candidates should bring a strong mix of relevant experience, sound judgment, and the core competencies needed to lead thoughtful, strategic grantmaking in a complex and evolving field
• A minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, public systems, or a related field, with strong content knowledge in maternal child health, early learning, or closely related issue areas strongly preferred
• Strategic and systems-oriented thinking, including the ability to assess opportunities in context, connect individual investments to broader portfolio goals, and translate field insight into strong recommendations
• Strong judgment and analytical rigor, including experience conducting due diligence, interpreting financial and organizational information, and assessing the potential and limitations of philanthropic investments
• A learning-oriented and curious approach, with the ability to synthesize information, ask thoughtful questions, and adapt strategy as new insights emerge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, compelling narratives and present complex ideas effectively to varied audiences
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to engage grantees, community stakeholders, and colleagues with diplomacy, credibility, and respect
• Ability to work effectively across teams, contribute to shared strategy, and move work forward independently in a fast-moving, complex environment
• Strong execution and results orientation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and follow through on commitments
• Exceptional judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality

Compensation and benefits

The base salary range for this position is $120,000 - $215,000 per year. Placement in the range will vary based on a variety of factors such as job responsibilities & scope, special skills, education, special certifications, candidate’s relevant experience, and other factors. Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus in addition to their base pay. The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.