Program Officer, Social Impact (Economic Power)

About the role

The Program Officer, Economic Power will advance the Paul Angell Foundation’s mission by managing and strengthening the Foundation’s Economic Power grantmaking, a core focus area of the Social Impact Program. The Economic Power focus area seeks to advance strong workplace practices, worker protections, transparent pathways to living-wage careers, and opportunities that strengthen financial resilience and asset building as foundations for household financial health and a strong, equitable economy.

Reporting to the Director of Social Impact, the Program Officer will steward an existing portfolio of Economic Power grantees while helping implement, refine, and expand the Foundation’s strategic investments in strong work practices, protections, and pathways, financial resilience, and expanded assets. The role includes conducting landscape research, identifying potential grantee partners, monitoring sector trends, and developing relationships with nonprofit organizations, public-sector partners, researchers, employers, worker advocates, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse portfolio of grants focused on:
  • Strong work practices, worker protections, and pathways into living-wage employment
  • Financial resilience and health
  • Small business development and support
• Respond in a timely and respectful manner to inquiries from grantee partners and prospective applicants.
• Conduct due diligence on proposals, including reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and meeting with grantee partners.
• Provide the board with thoughtful, well-reasoned funding recommendations and compelling, well-written documents.
• Participate in board meetings and collaborate with staff on agenda preparation and materials.
• Maintain consistent communication with grantee partners and support their ability to meet project goals and objectives.
• Work closely with the Grants Management team to ensure accuracy and completeness of grant records and data compliance.
• Support database management and reporting through the Foundation’s grants management systems.
• Steward and refine the Economic Power grant portfolio in collaboration with the Director of Social Impact and other members of the Social Impact team.
• Support the implementation and continued development of the Foundation’s Economic Power strategy.
• Identify and assess organizations that are aligned with the foundation’s Social Impact priorities and focus areas.
• Participate in evaluating program outcomes and recommend adjustments based on new knowledge and emerging needs in the field.
• Serve as a thought partner with grantee partners, peer funders, and the Foundation’s leadership.
• Participate in strategic planning with the Director of Social Impact, consultants, and staff to support the program’s continued direction and growth.
• Build and sustain relationships with leaders and stakeholders working in workforce development, worker protections, economic mobility, employer practices, financial health, small business development, public policy, education, research, and philanthropy.
• Develop relationships with non-profit, civic, and other organizations and leaders who bring lived experience and direct knowledge of conditions and barriers to economic mobility.
• Stay informed about economic mobility, workforce and other industry trends and practices, technological developments, policy changes, and market conditions.
• Represent the Foundation at conferences, convenings, site visits, and meetings with grantee partners, peer funders, public agencies, employers, researchers, advocates, and community leaders.
• Convene or participate in meetings that encourage collaboration among grantee partners, funders, public-sector partners, and industry partners or small businesses.
• Participate in educational opportunities, professional networks, conferences, and field-building conversations.
• Communicate the Foundation’s Economic Power priorities clearly and thoughtfully to external partners.
• Work with the Grants department to ensure that grants’ data is accurate, complete, and meets compliance standards.
• Support grant reporting and monitoring processes, including reviewing grantee reports and conducting site visits where appropriate.
• Evaluate and report on the impact of funding to inform future strategies.
• Monitor implementation of grants by requesting and reviewing written evaluations, where appropriate, and by conducting site visits.
• Actively participate in required staff and Board meetings and partner with staff on agenda items and materials.
• Contribute to a collaborative, equity-informed team culture within the Foundation, which is experiencing organizational growth.
• Thrive in a hybrid work environment by maintaining proactive, clear communication, and a high level of self-direction.
• Participate in regular team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-program learning efforts to align on goals and share knowledge.
• Contribute to the Foundation's ongoing organizational development, including the implementation of the Foundation's strategic plan.

Requirements

• At least seven years of relevant professional experience, preferably in workforce development, worker rights, economic mobility, financial health, small business, public policy, philanthropy, nonprofit program management, community development, or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of workforce development strategies, worker protections, job quality, career pathways, economic mobility, financial health, small business, or related issues.
• Experience in engaging communities and populations that have historically faced barriers related to economic mobility is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrates the values of the Foundation, including Excellence, Respect, Humility, Authenticity, and Collaboration.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and project management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work autonomously as well as within a small team.
• Comfort with grants databases and willingness to engage in data-related tasks.
• Commitment to equity and justice in work and philanthropy.
• Ability to communicate with and work effectively with diverse constituencies, personalities, and viewpoints with a diplomatic and mature approach.
• Exhibits awareness of and works to address one’s own privileges, biases, and cultural preferences and how they impact collaboration.
• Skilled in building and maintaining authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled at self-organizing and working independently in an active, energetic, and growing program while also working comfortably with a small team of dedicated staff.
• Brings a growth mindset and is energized by contributing to an evolving organizational culture.
• Capable of processing complex information and making sound decisions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage change effectively.
• Thoughtful contributor to internal culture-building efforts during a time of growth and organizational development.
• Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to the foundation and its stakeholders.

Benefits

• Healthcare: 100% paid Platinum PPO health insurance premium for employees and 80% for dependents or family.
• Dental and Vision: 100% paid premium for employees, dependents, and family.
• Retirement: 403b retirement savings plan with employer contributions match of up to 12% of the employee’s salary after three months of employment.
• Paid Time Off: In addition to vacation, holidays, wellness, and sick days, the Paul Angell Foundation offices are closed from December 26th through New Year’s Day annually, and employees’ salaries are paid during this closure.
• Parental Leave: Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for a birth parent, non-birth parent, or adoption.
• Professional Development: Commitment to supporting growth through professional development funds, tailored to role and learning needs.

Pay

The position is a salaried, exempt, full-time role with a starting salary range of $140,000 to $155,000 annually, depending on professional and lived experience.

Schedule

• Hybrid working environment with alternating remote and two to three on-site workdays.
• Frequent travel for site visits, convenings, and conferences.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
• Occasional out-of-town travel.
• Must have reliable transportation for work-related duties.

About the Paul Angell Foundation

The Paul Angell Foundation (Paul Angell) unites with partners to ignite possibilities for all. Established in 2011 by the Angell family to honor innovator and entrepreneur Paul M. Angell, the Foundation funds bold, community-led solutions in Chicago and beyond. Together with partners, it works to protect oceans, champion the arts, strengthen communities, and promote belonging across society. By removing barriers that limit the potential of people and the planet, the Foundation aims to spark change that lasts for generations.

About the Social Impact Program

The Paul Angell Foundation’s Social Impact Program focuses on advancing economic power through grantmaking and collaborative partnerships, aiming to increase economic agency for Chicago area residents.