Associate Program Officer

The Spencer Foundation is dedicated to advancing education through the funding of research that addresses critical questions and opportunities in education. We support research that is rigorous, intellectually ambitious, and which supports equitable education systems in order to cultivate learning and transform lives. 

Job Summary 

The Associate Program Officer (APO) reports to the Director of Programs and plays a crucial role in supporting the Foundation’s grant-making and research initiatives. This position involves working closely with Foundation staff to review and support grant proposals and programs and participate in funding decision-making. APO’s also help represent the Foundation at professional conferences and meetings. This is a 4-year termed position. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Supports review processes for grant proposals to make funding decisions in alignment with the Foundation’s goals. 

• Communicates regularly with the field about the Foundation’s mission, grant programs, and the specifics of proposals. 

• Represents Spencer at meetings, conferences, and outreach activities to promote the Foundation’s mission and initiatives. 

• Supports a wide range of workstreams, including evaluating whether grantmaking is meeting the foundations goals, preparing presentations for board meetings, planning convenings at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, and serving on other internal committees and projects, as needed. 

Education and Experience 

• PhD or EdD with a substantial focus on research in education or related social science field required. 

• Expertise in educational psychology, special education, and/or disability studies. 

• Strong research and analytic skills, with mixed methods expertise preferred. 

• Evidence of continued engagement with scholarly work and an active program of research.