Senior Program Officer

Foundation Source

. Serve as lead staff person and primary liaison for several client foundations and their boards or leadership .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and relationship management, with a strong focus on philanthropic strategy development, grantmaking processes, and financial oversight. Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders and maintain confidentiality while delivering high-quality services aligned with client foundations' goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Nonprofit Sector ExperiencePhilanthropic LeadershipGrantmaking Strategy DevelopmentFinancial OversightRelationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Grant Proposal DevelopmentFinancial AnalysisResearch SkillsBudget PreparationCompliance KnowledgeData TranslationProposal ReviewSite Visit CoordinationEquitable Grantmaking ProceduresBoard Education

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsEmpathyJudgmentInitiativeCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeDatabase Programs

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit Community KnowledgeFoundation CompliancePhilanthropic ValuesDiverse Stakeholder EngagementCommunity Representation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as lead staff person and primary liaison for several client foundations and their boards or leadership
Guide PFS client teams to deliver high-quality services tailored to each foundation’s philanthropic goals and priorities
Lead onboarding for new clients and develop relationships supporting philanthropic mission implementation
Manage multiple foundation relationships, workflow, client requests, and expectations
Maintain client confidentiality and discretion in public communications and PFS business discussions
Develop and maintain foundation policies, guidelines, bylaws, and public-facing communications
Manage partnerships with foundation advisors and consultants, including legal matters and external consulting contracts
Oversee annual operating budget preparation and presentation, monitor financial activity, approve eligible expenses, support annual audits, and address financial concerns
Partner with grants management and leadership to ensure grantmaking functions meet client needs
Represent foundations in local nonprofit and philanthropic communities
Provide board education through site visits, guest speakers, external programs, and conferences
Research potential grantees and projects, solicit proposals, manage initiatives, and organize grantee convenings
Identify opportunities to increase the impact of supported projects and organizations
Develop and present grant strategy and impact recommendations to boards
Refine grantmaking guidelines based on evaluation data and board preferences
Review, maintain, and update equitable grantmaking procedures, including solicitation and vetting practices
Coordinate proposal assignments, review proposals, and make funding recommendations with Program Officers
Conduct due diligence on organizations and proposals, including site visits, financial analysis, capacity assessment, and priority alignment
Prepare proposal summaries and grant recommendations for board review
Review board dockets for completeness and accuracy
Support and guide grantseekers and monitor approved grants for accountability
Maintain relationships with diverse community organizations that are grant candidates and recipients
Coordinate client foundation team activities and ensure timely, high-quality grantmaking work
Work with Grants Managers on board materials, meeting coordination, and grants management functions
Develop board and committee meeting agendas and facilitate meetings as appropriate
Ensure communication, workflow expectations, and resources support high-quality service delivery
Work with Accounting to ensure financial compliance with board policies
Oversee day-to-day work of Grants Managers and Program Officers, providing feedback and support
Coordinate with supervisors regarding performance concerns, workloads, special projects, and professional development
Participate in special projects, maintain current philanthropy knowledge, manage administrative tasks, and contribute to PFS-wide activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector
At least four years in a leadership role
At least two years of focused experience in the philanthropic sector working effectively with decision-making bodies such as boards of directors, family office principals, or executive teams
Demonstrated commitment to PFS values of generosity, respect, integrity, inclusion, commitment, and humility
Knowledge of the Bay Area nonprofit community
Demonstrated leadership and relationship management experience, including leading teams and working effectively with boards of directors
Familiarity with foundation compliance requirements
Strong analytical skills, including research, report organization, and translating content and data into accessible language
Ability to read and understand nonprofit financial reports and budgets
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to make public presentations and prepare concise and effective written content
Proven experience with Microsoft Office and database programs
Ability to represent foundation clients to the community while maintaining partnerships with nonprofit and foundation partners
Ability to develop expertise in new program areas as needed
Ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with varied internal and external stakeholders while centering equity
Ability to exercise good judgment and take initiative within broadly defined guidelines
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, including grantee organization staff, client boards, high net worth donors, and people with divergent political and world views
Empathy and respect for people developing and raising money for programs and organizations
Openness to feedback for personal and professional growth
Personal integrity, credibility, and discretion regarding confidential matters
Ability to travel locally and regionally for site visits; occasional travel outside the Bay Area may be required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid remote work arrangement
Full-time employment
Professional development through seminars, conferences, peer-learning opportunities, funder or interest-area collaboratives, and professional institutes
Opportunities to participate in PFS-wide activities and cross-organizational learning