Applications are now open for the Program Officer – Adaptive Philanthropy position at the Ford Foundation. This senior-level opportunity is based in New York, USA, and offers a salary range of $173,000 to $185,000, depending on relevant experience and internal equity considerations. The successful candidate will join the Foundation’s Office of Innovation and work closely with the Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) to help shape and manage the Adaptive Philanthropy grantmaking portfolio. The role focuses on strengthening philanthropic infrastructure, supporting innovation across the philanthropy sector and helping make philanthropy more strategic and impactful in the United States and globally. The application deadline is Sunday, 4 October 2026. Interested candidates must submit both a resume and cover letter to be considered. This opportunity may be particularly suitable for experienced philanthropy professionals with a strong background in grantmaking, flexible funding, equitable partnerships, strategy development and global social sector trends. About the Program Officer – Adaptive Philanthropy Role The Adaptive Philanthropy Program Officer is a member of the Ford Foundation’s Office of Innovation and reports to the Chief Innovation Officer. Working closely with the CINO, the Program Officer will help develop and implement the Foundation’s Adaptive Philanthropy strategy while taking ownership of the day-to-day grantmaking activities needed to deliver that strategy. The grantmaking portfolio focuses on supporting philanthropic infrastructure organizations, strengthening the wider field of philanthropy and encouraging innovation across the sector. The role requires someone who can work effectively with internal and external stakeholders while navigating complex strategic priorities. The successful candidate will also contribute to efforts designed to strengthen collaboration, improve the effectiveness of philanthropic investments and support greater collective impact. Key Grantmaking Responsibilities A major component of the position involves managing the Foundation’s Adaptive Philanthropy grantmaking portfolio. The Program Officer will work with the Chief Innovation Officer and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategy using a combination of grantmaking, technical assistance and convenings. Responsibilities will include: Supporting the development and implementation of the Adaptive Philanthropy strategy. Managing the full lifecycle of a grants portfolio. Supporting annual planning processes. Conducting site visits where required. Reviewing financial and narrative reports. Providing guidance to support grantee outcomes. Conducting risk assessments. Connecting grantees with relevant networks and resources. Leading convenings and collaborative activities. Monitoring and evaluating progress. Supporting regulatory and accessibility compliance. Reporting on strategy impact to the Chief Innovation Officer. The position offers significant responsibility for translating strategic priorities into practical grantmaking activities and ensuring that investments are effectively managed. Field Engagement and Philanthropy Leadership The successful candidate will also play an active role in engaging with the broader philanthropy sector. This includes participating in key spaces involving funders and field leaders and representing the Ford Foundation where the organization can add strategic value. The Program Officer will engage with peer funders to share practices and contribute to collaborative initiatives. They will also work with partners to identify shared priorities and help encourage greater collective impact across the sector. Candidates should therefore be comfortable building professional relationships, participating in high-level discussions and contributing expertise to complex issues affecting philanthropy and the wider social sector. Managing Relationships with Intermediaries Another important responsibility involves managing relationships with intermediary organizations. These are grantee partners that receive funding in order to re-grant resources to other organizations or initiatives. The Program Officer will serve as the primary coordination point for these relationships, helping ensure alignment among relevant Foundation staff. The role will involve stewarding intermediary relationships with attention to: Strategic investment opportunities. Long-term sustainability. Risk mitigation. Relationship management. The overall health of the philanthropy field. This responsibility requires strong judgment and the ability to balance strategic priorities, organizational interests and the needs of partners. Supporting the Ford Foundation Institutionally Beyond grantmaking and field engagement, the Program Officer will provide strategic support across the institution. The successful candidate will advise executive and programme leadership on developments within the philanthropy sector and the Foundation’s potential role within it. They will coordinate with teams across: Regional Offices. International Programs. Legal. Communications. Other Foundation programmes and operational teams. The position also involves strengthening internal networks and producing internal and external communications that use the Foundation’s thought leadership to support and strengthen the broader philanthropy field. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Candidates should have at least 10 years of professional work experience. This must include a minimum of six years of experience in philanthropy, with deep expertise in areas such as: Multiyear flexible funding. Equitable partnerships. Global social sector trends. Philanthropic strategy. Complex grantmaking. Strategy implementation. Data analysis. Applicants should also demonstrate proven experience developing, implementing and being accountable for complex strategies. Strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively in environments where priorities may be evolving or ambiguous. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent relevant experience. Preferred Experience The Ford Foundation notes that preferred experience can strengthen an application but is not mandatory in every area. Professionals who do not meet every preferred criterion but are enthusiastic and willing to learn are encouraged to apply. Preferred experience includes: A strong background in facilitating adult learning. Deep knowledge of the regional contexts and cultures in which the Ford Foundation operates. Understanding of relevant geopolitical landscapes. The successful candidate should also be an organized, institution-focused leader with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across diverse audiences. Salary and Employment Terms The hiring range for the position is $173,000 to $185,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience and the Ford Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for an anticipated period of eight years, with an initial employment term of three years. The role is full-time and requires some domestic and international travel. Location and Work Authorization Requirements This position is based at the Ford Foundation’s New York office. The organization operates a hybrid working model, and staff are required to work from the office three days per week. Applicants should note that the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must therefore already be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits of Working at the Ford Foundation The Ford Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ well-being and work-life needs. Benefits highlighted in the vacancy include: Medical, dental and vision coverage effective from the first day of employment. Flexible work arrangements. Professional development opportunities. Opportunities to expand professional expertise and networks. Generous personal, vacation, sick and extended holiday leave. Wellness days. Generous parental leave. Support for birth, surrogacy, adoptive and foster parents. Backup child and elder care resources. Retirement benefits with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through the official Ford Foundation recruitment platform. Applicants are encouraged to carefully demonstrate their experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, strategic leadership, flexible funding, equitable partnerships and managing complex initiatives. The deadline to apply is 4 October 2026. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking a senior leadership role with a globally influential foundation while contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening innovation, infrastructure and collective impact across the philanthropy sector. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not affiliated with the Ford Foundation and does not influence the recruitment or selection process. Applicants should verify all requirements and submit their applications through the official Ford Foundation recruitment platform before the deadline. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW