Program Officer, Postsecondary

The Program Officer, Postsecondary will lead efforts to strengthen college and workforce pathways, ensuring improved access, persistence, and completion for historically under-resourced students from North Chicago. Reporting to the Co-Managing Directors—North Chicago, the Program Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy that advances equitable postsecondary opportunities and success. This role requires both strategic vision and hands‑on execution.

The Program Officer will partner with high schools, colleges, community-based organizations, and other funders to identify barriers, design interventions, and ensure alignment across initiatives. The Program Officer will manage a grantmaking portfolio, oversee program implementation, monitor outcomes, and use data to drive continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a collaborator who brings deep knowledge of the postsecondary landscape, experience with diverse student populations, and the ability to build strong partnerships across sectors. This person will play a key role in shaping and advancing initiatives that support students to persist and complete a degree or credential and access clear pathways from high school into college or the workforce leading to a meaningful career.