Position Announcement - Program Officer

Criminal Justice Program

Public Welfare Foundation

The Public Welfare Foundation, a national foundation with assets of nearly $600 million based in Washington, DC, is seeking a program officer to oversee the Criminal Justice program. The position reports to the Director of Programs.

About the Foundation

Established in 1947, the Public Welfare Foundation has long been committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged people by ensuring fundamental rights and opportunities. Current program areas include Community Development, Criminal Justice, Environment, Health, Human Rights, and Reproductive and Sexual Health. The Foundation is currently undergoing a strategic planning process, and new guidelines will likely be announced in the coming year. The Foundation's fundamental commitment to disadvantaged people is not expected to change, although the grantmaking is likely to be more focused.

Program Officer Position

The Foundation's Criminal Justice program focuses on such issues as alternatives to incarceration, sentencing reform, effective legal representation, the death penalty, and juvenile justice. The Program Officer for the Criminal Justice program will be responsible for structuring and implementing a grantmaking program designed to improve and foster more equitable, fair, and humane criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. S/he will reach out to experts in the field, policymakers, and those with experience in the criminal justice system at all levels to assess opportunities for improvement and change, and shape the Foundation's program according to guidelines approved by the Foundation's Board of Directors. The program officer will seek out potential grantees, work with them to develop projects, and will review and evaluate grant applications. S/he will develop relationships with researchers and experts in the field, other grantmakers, and policymakers to help determine productive and innovative approaches to problems faced by the criminal and juvenile justice systems that can lead to reform, improvement, and greater fairness.

Among the qualities an ideal candidate will have are:

• Significant work experience in the criminal and/or juvenile justice fields, as well as a broad, generalist background
• Superior analytic skills
• An entrepreneurial approach, lots of initiative, and intellectual curiosity
• Experience in program development and assessment
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills
• Experience in the conception, design, and management of initiatives and a commitment to the Foundation's work
• Graduate-level degree in a related field
• Enjoyment of work with colleagues both outside and inside the Foundation and a sense of humor

The Public Welfare Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. The salary is competitive with excellent benefits.

Interested candidates may apply online at hr@publicwelfare.org or by sending a resume and statement of interest to:

Ms. Yvette Buck

Director of Administration

The Public Welfare Foundation

1200 U Street, NW

Washington, DC 20009