[Hiring] Program Officer, Educating Character Initiative @Wake Forest University

Role Description

The Educating Character Initiative (ECI), an initiative of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, seeks a lead Program Officer to join its grantmaking team. The Program Officer will serve as liaison between grantee teams and the Educating Character Initiative, providing vital support to their efforts to execute character-building efforts aligned with each team’s distinctive institutional context and coordinating grant stewardship.

• Conduct twice-yearly check-ins and ensure effective grant reporting and accountability from all open grants.
• Understand emerging and ongoing patterns of successes and challenges in character education efforts across the ECI grant portfolio.
• Help ensure alignment between grantees and ECI’s vision to catalyze a movement of character education in higher education.
• Provide crucial support for and partnership with principal investigators and teams supported by all grants.
• Be organized and responsible in the midst of complexity.
• Act as a valuable collaborator to a fast-paced and dynamic team.
• Serve as a present and engaging thought partner across a wide range of projects and aims in character education.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant professional field or academic discipline.
• 2-5 years of experience in higher education program administration or grantmaking, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A demonstrated record of experience in overseeing administrative operations and developing organizational systems.
• Strong understanding of university administrative structures and processes.
• Exceptional written, oral, and visual communication skills.
• Experience working with a higher education context, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of academic cultures, rules, and regulations.

Requirements

• Superior communication skills and the ability to effectively represent the program to diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and sound judgment in complex situations.
• Demonstrated abilities to work constructively on teams and in cross-institutional collaborations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to juggle competing demands.
• Commitment to supporting the intellectual and moral development of students.
• Good character, sound judgment, and a strong work ethic.
• Openness to feedback and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Ability to represent the programs and the university in a professional manner.
• Ability to work occasional weekend or evening hours as needed. Some travel may be required.

Benefits

• This position is grant-funded and currently supported through June 2029.
• Applications submitted by May 1 will receive priority consideration.
• The anticipated start date of the position is July 1, 2026.
• Candidates who wish to work remotely will be considered.