Summary

The Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF) stands alongside changemakers in its region of eight states and 76 Native nations and funds work that leads to racial, social, and economic justice. The eight states include Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. The Foundation’s driving vision is that the people of its priority communities—including Native Americans, communities of color, immigrants, refugees, and people in rural areas—thrive on their own terms. A key motivation is to support grantee partners that change unjust systems to serve, support, and heal their communities.

As we all move forward changed from the relatively recent and ongoing crises—a pandemic, economic turmoil, the upsurge for racial justice in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and mounting pressures on priority communities—the Foundation continues to deepen its commitment to supporting grantee-led systems change. At this critical juncture in time, the Foundation seeks an experienced Program Officer to join the program team led by Pakou Hang, the Foundation’s Vice President, Program. Program Officers are the Foundation’s primary relationship-holders with grantee partners seeking to reimagine and restructure unjust systems.

This position is hybrid with in-person office time required at least two days a week specifically on Wednesdays and Thursdays for collaborative time with colleagues. The anticipated starting salary for this position is in the range of $120,000–$135,000.

To Apply

More information about Northwest Area Foundation can be found at: www.nwaf.org.

This search is being led by Allison Kupfer Poteet, Phuong Quach, and Robert Diggs of NPAG. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume via NPAG’s candidate portal by Wednesday, January 8, 2026.

Prospective candidates may sign up to learn more via Microsoft Bookings. Nominations may be submitted via this email link.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer Committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and all employees and applicants for employment are afforded equal opportunity in every area of hiring and employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, disability, mental illness, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, genetics, military/veteran status, citizenship, arrest record, and any other legally protected characteristic.

The statements in this document are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.