About the Organization

A national leader in rural philanthropy, The Ford Family Foundation is a private foundation benefiting communities in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. In 1957, Kenneth W. Ford & Hallie E. Ford established a then-modest foundation to give back to the timber communities of southwest Oregon. It grew in size, scope, and geography to become The Ford Family Foundation in 1996, with its main office in Roseburg, Oregon, and its scholarship office in Eugene, Oregon. One of the three largest grantmaking foundations in Oregon, The Ford Family Foundation has assets of $850M and distributes $43M annually with a staff of 40 and a seven-member board of directors.

The Opportunity

The Foundation is increasingly focused on the interconnectedness between our public, private, nonprofit, and community systems, and identifying how they must work together more effectively for improved outcomes in rural communities. The Youth Development and Education Program Officer (Program Officer) will join the Children, Youth and Families team to further develop and manage a portfolio aimed at improving alignment between the K-12 system, early childhood education, youth development, behavioral health, post-secondary preparation, and career technical education. Leading with a partnership orientation, the Program Officer will be charged with effectively building bridges and strategic synergy with other key systems that impact child and youth success. This individual will work closely with other Foundation program officers and partners from overlapping issue areas to build and strengthen the systems that enable rural children, youth, and families to thrive.

The Ford Family Foundation seeks candidates with strong K-12 and youth development expertise who are passionate about promoting childrens’ success and who bring a demonstrated commitment to rural issues and community-based efforts. They are excited to work collaboratively with Foundation peers, community leaders, nonprofit and public-sector colleagues, and fellow funders to strengthen the well-being of children and families in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County.

To learn more about the Foundation and this position, read the full profile here.

To Be Considered

Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years experience in education or youth development field. A bachelor’s degree is required and a graduate degree in a relevant subject such as education, public administration, or policy is preferred. The position is based in Roseburg, Oregon and residency in Douglas County is required. Approximately 30% of time will involve travel within Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.

The Ford Family Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Cover letters expressing your passion for the mission and fit for the role should be addressed to Heather Gantz. Please submit your resume and cover letter via Waldron’s Candidate Web Portal.