Program Officer - Rob Walton Foundation

Program Officer - Rob Walton Foundation

Job Location s: US-AR-Bentonville

Requisition :  | # of Openings: 1 | Category:
Philanthropy

Position: Program Officer

Department: Rob Walton Foundation

Reporting to: Sandy Nickerson

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Bentonville, AR

Walton Enterprises is seeking a skilled, highly motivated, and entrepreneurial individual to join the team as a Program Officer for the Rob Walton Foundation.

The ideal teammate will have demonstrated experience managing grants and partnerships, developing conservation or philanthropic programs, and coordinating cross-sector collaborations to advance measurable impact across environmental and community priorities.

The Program Officer will play a key role in advancing the Rob Walton Foundation's mission to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. This role supports program development, grant management, and strategic execution while working closely with internal teams, grantees, and partners to ensure that all initiatives align with the Foundation's goals and values.

The Program Officer manages grants and projects across multiple geographies, supports program design and implementation, and ensures that partnerships, reporting, and operations are aligned with the Foundation's conservation and sustainability priorities.

• Oversee grantmaking activities, including proposal review, due diligence, contracting, and reporting, to ensure alignment with the Foundation's mission and compliance standards.
• Develop and manage relationships with grantees, partners, and external stakeholders to advance program objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of new initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance conservation outcomes and community engagement.
• Monitor program performance through regular reporting, evaluation, and site visits, identifying areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present materials for leadership briefings, board updates, and external engagements.
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to track budgets, manage grant expenditures, and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Support the design and execution of convenings, events, and communications that elevate program impact.
• Conduct research, data analysis, and landscape assessments to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Ensure accurate documentation of grant and project activities within systems and databases.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture that values innovation, learning, and measurable impact.

• Grantmaking and Project Management
• Environmental Conservation and Program Development
• Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement
• Financial and Data Analysis
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Process and Systems Management

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, international development, or public policy; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in philanthropy, conservation, nonprofit, or international development.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs or grants across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess data, budgets, and program performance.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including to Sub‑Saharan Africa.

• Experience in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, or related fields.
• Familiarity with African conservation networks, NGOs, or government partnerships.
• Experience designing and managing cross-sector initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Background in financial modeling, impact reporting, or systems-based conservation planning.

• Demonstrates discretion, integrity, and expertise while serving as a trusted advisor to principals and colleagues.
• Collaborates respectfully and effectively with others,…