Program Officer, Social Impact (Economic Power

POSITION SUMMARY

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 areas seek 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. However, the rapidly changing nature of work, disruptive technology, predatory lending practices, and lack of access to key financial tools make economic security out of reach for many, threatening household stability and contributing to widening economic inequality.

Paul Angell seeks to increase economic agency for Chicago area residents through its grantmaking and collaborative partnership in Chicago and beyond.

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.

The Program Officer will lead the review and recommendation of grants, conduct due diligence on proposals, and prepare funding recommendations and reports for leadership and Board consideration. In addition to managing grantee relationships, the Program Officer will engage with peer funders, participate in sector convenings, and contribute to conversations shaping Paul Angell’s Economic Power priorities.

The ideal candidate brings experience in workforce development, worker rights, economic mobility, financial health, small business development, public policy, philanthropy, nonprofit program management, or related field. This role is well suited for someone who is collaborative, strategic, detail oriented, and comfortable working both independently and within a growing philanthropic organization.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of grants focused on: strong work practices, worker protections, and pathways into living-wage employment; financial resilience and health; and 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 grant 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,…