FORD FOUNDATION POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Program Officer for Racial Justice & Minority Rights
Democracy, Rights and Justice Program – Equality and Justice Unit
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Program Officer will develop and manage a portfolio of grants and related activities focusing on racial justice, the rights of ethnic and racial minorities and indigenous people, and equality. Building on prior Foundation work, the portfolio will focus on consolidating the progress achieved in combating inequality and on dismantling institutional discrimination and other barriers to full participation that racial and ethnic minorities and indigenous people continue to experience in society. Programming will address both traditional areas of exclusion, such as education, employment, and political participation, and new challenges that deny opportunity based on race. The portfolio will include both U.S. programming and support for efforts in overseas regions, primarily Latin America, in which the Foundation has a presence. The Program Officer, working closely with the Director of the unit and the program Vice President, will have the opportunity to further refine the current grant making strategy and to ensure that the strategy is at the cutting edge of racial justice work in the twenty-first century.
Along with expertise in civil rights and racial justice issues, the Program Officer will bring an understanding of broader human rights concerns and of the intersection of racism with gender, poverty, immigrant status, and other social dynamics. S/he will consider the role of domestic laws and policies, as well as international human rights laws and mechanisms, in enforcing anti-discrimination and equal opportunity principles. In addition, s/he will analyze the role of non-legal approaches such as communication strategies, organizing, and research in achieving racial justice.
The Program Officer will review existing lines of work; formulate grant making strategies; identify potential grantees; solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; monitor grants and other developments in the field; and prepare recommendations for Foundation funding. S/he will develop and maintain close working relationships with existing and potential grantees, and with relevant leaders in government, civil society and other funders, and promote coordination and cumulative learning among key stakeholders.
The Racial Justice & Minority Rights initiative is part of the Foundation’s worldwide Human Rights program, which currently includes seven other initiatives in the areas of Women’s Rights, Immigrant & Migrant Rights, Civil & Criminal Justice Reform, HIV/AIDS Rights, LGBT Rights, Economic & Social Rights, and Human Rights Worldwide. Joining a dynamic human rights staff working on a range of issues around the world, the Program Officer will also work closely and in coordination with staff in multiple program areas of the Foundation in New York and overseas.
QUALIFICATIONS: Substantial professional experience working on racial justice issues in the U.S. and/or internationally; advanced training in law or public policy, or other relevant fields; experience working with a range of individuals in civil society, government and the private sector; familiarity with international legal instruments, demonstrated experience working effectively as part of a team and with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives; fluency in English; and excellent analytical, oral presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills. Also desirable are fluency in a second language and familiarity with philanthropy and nonprofit sector issues in the U.S. and developing countries. Minority and developing country applicants are encouraged to apply.
Salary & Location: Salary is based on experience and on the Foundation’s commitment to internal equity. A generous benefits package is provided. The position will be located in New York City.
To apply for the position please visit www.fordfoundation.org/employment
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at the Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
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