Program Officer Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) is a statewide private family foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for all North Carolinians. Rooted in a set of core values such as integrity sustainability dignity and equity ZSR strives to meet its mission by: 1) making grants to state-level and community-based organizations; 2) convening and connecting people to facilitate learning and spark ideas; and 3) helping to build the capacity of North Carolinas nonprofit sector. The Foundation is based in Winston-Salem NC.


Program Officers play a critical role as strategists and liaisons between grant partners and ZSR leadership. They partner with ZSRs Directors Team and the Board of Trustees in strategic decision making to distribute approximately $20 million each year tobenefitthe people of North Carolina. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is passionate about systems change equity and strategy to join a team of an established catalytic organization.


PositionDescription

The Foundation is hiring a Program Officer to support its mission viaits Grantsand Programs.In particular thisposition will be one of two Program Officers who oversee the Community Progress Fund which helps local organizations across the state move an idea issueprojector organization forward with the goal of improving their community. These grants are meant to help community groups build on existing momentum to take their work to the next level.


In addition to co-managing the Community Progress Fund (CPF) grantmaking this position will helpidentifyand implement other supports for CPF grant partnerspossibly includingconvening and technicalassistance.


Furthermore while CPF will be the primary focus of this position the Program Officer will also play a role in ZSRs State-Level Systemic Change Strategy andpossibly in other special initiatives.


Program Officers report to the Director of Strategy and Learning.


This position includes developing effective relationships partnerships and strategies that help ZSRfacilitatepositive change in communities across the state. Program Officers are the key liaisons between grant applicants and ZSRs Trustees. They review grant applications meet with applicants and provide critical analysis of applications and the landscape in which applicants are working for Trustees. They also build relationships with and among grant partners as well as with other addition Program Officers strengthen ZSRs organizational capacity and evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and strategies.


ZSR seeks team players who are attuned to power dynamics have experience working with/alongside community-based organizations and are skilled at writing and strategic analysis. Knowledge of issues facing NC and its communities isa must.


The position will require the program officer to develop a thorough understanding of the Foundation and its priorities operationsstructureand culture. At ZSR all staff work together to live out the Foundations missionvisionand core values. We are on a continuous journey to enhance our individual and institutional understandings of how to operationalize our shared commitments to racial equity to engaging in ZSRs home community of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and to being a learning organization.


Qualificationsfor the Position


Community Capacity Builder

Successful candidates will have experience helping community-based organizations growadapt and build skills. Knowledge of nonprofit management and the role that local nonprofits play in communities is critical.


Effective Communicator and Trusted Partner

Successful candidates will be adept at listening building relationships and understanding power dynamics. They must have a demonstrated ability to quickly build trust and credibility with others. Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills are including comfort with public speaking. Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with a variety of assignmentspeople and resources are essential. Comfort with technology especially the Microsoft Office suite is expected.


Systems Thinker Analyst and Strategist

Successful candidates will bevalues-driven strategic analytical intellectually curious and detail- and team-oriented. They will have a robust understanding of systems-change strategies and knowledge of a variety of issuesimpactingthe well-being of North Carolinians. Individuals selected will be comfortable collecting and using data (qualitative and quantitative) to help drive decisions. They must have the ability to assimilate information quickly think strategically work underpressure and meet deadlines. The ideal candidates will have an eye constantly focused on the future and how to best adapt the organization to the needs facing the state and its communities.


Values-Driven Team Player

A commitment to the Foundations mission and values and experience using a racial equity lens are vital to this role. Humilityself-awarenessand a willingness to self-reflect are essential. Successful candidates will keep a constant eye on how they can best contribute to a healthy organizational culture to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and partnership across the organization. A sense of humor is helpful and needed!


Other Desired Experience

Facilitationconveningand project management skills are a plus. Experience working in philanthropy is not but beneficial.

A bachelors degree from an accredited college is and an advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred. A minimum of ten years of related work experience isdesired.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and/or skillsrequired ofpersonnel as classified. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Work Schedule

The position is full-time and based in Winston-Salem NC.The Foundationutilizesa hybrid work policy that requires staff to be in the office a certain number of days each week depending on the role of each person and the needs of the organization that week. While there is some flexibility for hybrid work this is not a remote position and candidates should expect toregularly work from the office in Winston-Salem. Extensive regular statewide travel primarily around North Carolina is an essential part of the job.

Aboutthe Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) is a statewide private family foundation based in Winston-Salem NC. For 90 years ZSR has strived to support the efforts of North Carolinians to make our state a better place for everyone through investments totaling more than $667 million. Our grantmaking strategies include: a State-Level Systemic Change Strategy; a Community-Based Strategy; and an Exploratory Visionary Ideas Strategy. ZSR also has commitments to using a racial equity lens to being a learning organization and toparticipating in the life of the Foundations home community of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County.


Our mission:

To improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians.


Our vision:

We envision a justinclusiveand sustainable North Carolina where people embrace our common humanity and work together to shape our collective future.


Our core values:

• Stewardship
• Integrity
• Fairness and Justice
• Dignity and Equity
• Civic Participation
• Excellence
• Sustainability
• Collaboration

• Operates in a professional office environment and performs primarily sedentary work
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers printers copiers and phones.
• Sits for prolonged periods at a desk. Frequent standing and walking. Occasional stooping reaching bending climbing pushing pulling.
• Repetitive use of fingers and hands for typing and other tasks.
• Frequent listening speaking and use of visual acuity.
• Reading and writing at an intermediate to complex level.
• Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Ability to use all senses to safely drive a vehicle and ability to drive a vehicle.

Salary range is $100000 - $140000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays health insurance life insurance dental insurance vision insurance long-term disability insurance sick leave and short-term disability parental leave and a 403(b) retirement plan. There is no waiting period for participation in the 403(b) retirement plan. Other optional benefits include a flexible benefit plan matching gifts program and professional development.


Equal Employment

The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is committed to equality and diversity. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of socio-economic status gender expression gender and sexual identity or cultural background. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against applicants or employees based on the basis of race ethnicity national origin religion age sex disability political affiliation protected veteran status genetic information or any other legally protected class.


How To Apply

Join theZ.Smith Reynolds Foundationteamand play a critical role in shaping its future while driving impactful change in the community.


To apply scroll to the bottom of this page. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter resume and salary requirements. Please provide all requested information to be case of any technical problems contactNo phone calls please and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.


The deadline for applications isJune19 2026.