The MacArthur Foundation is seeking a Program Officer to join their Technology in the Public Interest program team. The Technology in the Public Interest team seeks to advance equity and justice by strengthening an ecosystem of people, organizations, and networks examining and addressing the social impacts of technology. This is accomplished through supporting research, policy, practice, and advocacy that aims to inform the design and governance of technology by governments and the private sector. To learn more about the Foundation’s Technology in the Public Interest strategy, visit https://www.macfound.org/programs/field-support/technology-public-interest/.
The Technology in the Public Interest program supports efforts to understand and address harms emerging from technology and advance and affirmative vision for technology that is rooted in equity and justice. It seeks to expand a collaborative, diverse, and impactful ecosystem of people, organizations, and networks whose work is grounded in democratic and rights-based considerations; advance a greater understanding of the social impacts of technology; support movement-building centering on historically marginalized people—to maximize their influence in the development, governance & use of technology; and advance the creation and enforcement of norms, standards, policies, regulations, and laws that protect human and civil rights in the governance of technology.
The Program Officer, Technology in the Public Interest, works with the team’s Director and colleagues on all aspects of the strategy’s grantmaking to ensure its success. The Program Officer will apply their expertise in relevant field(s) to the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies. In this role, the Program Officer will be called upon to deliver in a dynamic and busy environment, and consistently produce high-quality work; build effective peer relationships throughout the Foundation; work with other departments proactively; anticipate potential issues and propose solutions; offer assistance and service to team members; and present ideas for improvement and be able to create a project plan to execute these improvements.
The Program Officer will also maintain and deepen relationships with peer funders and others in philanthropic field, monitor developments in the technology and policy sectors, periodically publish Perspective pieces on the Foundation’s website, speak at public events, and represent MacArthur to external audiences.
Job Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Participate in the design, implementation, refinement and adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategies
Assist in the design of new initiatives
Identify prospective grant recipients and work with prospective grantees to develop proposals that advance grantmaking strategies
Review and evaluate proposals
Conduct background research and due diligence, prepare grant recommendations for administrative and Board consideration, and respond to unsuccessful proposals
Monitor the performance of grants and the implementation of grant strategies
Manage a caseload of active grants, review periodic reports and maintain accurate records and constructive contact with grantees
Organize meetings of prospective grantees, grantees, program advisors, and others in relevant fields
Keep abreast of current events, developments and issues in the field to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grantmaking.
Write extensively for internal purposes
Conduct research projects and monitor the performance of research grants
Build and sustain relationships with colleagues across the Foundation, and with leaders, actors and organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectors
Represent the Foundation at conferences and other public events, including as speaker or panel participant
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Qualifications
At least five years’ experience working as a policy professional, researcher or practitioner in a relevant field; previous grantmaking or grant seeking experience is desirable. A background in computer science or data science & graduate training are both a plus.
Solid grounding in advanced computational science and technology, and/or in the theory, history and trends in a relevant area of work; a strong grasp of relevant empirical research and theoretical literature; and a good understanding of the substance and dynamics of public policies relevant to the work of the team.
Able to make effective connections among research, policy and practice and to work productively with government, advocacy organizations, community-based organizations, and academic institutions, and working knowledge of relevant government policies and programs.
Excellent analytical and communications skills, including writing and public speaking.
Experience in strategic communications and project management.
Self-confident, collegial, and diplomatic, with an appreciation of the role of a grantmaking institution.
Computer literate, with a high level of comfort with new applications.
Other essential skills include: effectiveness in interpersonal relations with a proven ability to work as part of a team; the ability to organize and convey problems and issues clearly and succinctly; ease with and openness to people who hold diverse views; and a talent for managing multiple tasks with significant initiative.
The Program Officer must be willing to travel occasionally.
The position is based in Chicago, Illinois.
Annual salary for this for role will start at $120,700.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.
