Senior Program Officer/Program Director

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts (“The Health Foundation”) seeks a highly motivated and qualified individual to fill the Senior Program Officer/Program Director position targeting December 2025. The Senior Program Officer/Program Director is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the Board-determined strategic grantmaking agenda for the Foundation and assisting in evaluating the Foundation’s impact.  The person in this role will also participate in planning and implementing activities outside of traditional grantmaking, such as Foundation-sponsored trainings and convenings aimed at building capacity among grantees and facilitating opportunities for learning with key stakeholders.  The Senior Program Officer/Program Director will supervise and be supported by a Community Engagement & Program Associate to be hired and onboarded in early 2026, and will work closely with the Grants and Operations Manager, providing oversight on grant-related responsibilities.

The Health Foundation’s approach is grounded in principles of collaborative problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and empowerment to advance health equity across all grantmaking and programming.  The successful candidate will have an ability to work inclusively and establish and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders including community members representing historically marginalized populations, leaders of grassroots, community-based groups, and capacity-building partners and peers within the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.   The position requires humility, flexibility, and the capacity to manage and effectively prioritize among multiple initiatives and grant programs. Given the small staff team at The Health Foundation, working collaboratively across roles and functions will be important.

Benefits & Compensation
• Position title (Senior Program Officer/Program Director) and salary within the range of $120,000 – $140,000 will be determined based upon the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience
• Complete benefits package, including health and dental insurance (80% employer-paid), life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid), 401K plan with employer match after one year of employment, three weeks paid vacation and generous personal and holiday time off.
• While we are a small and relatively flat organization, this role provides the opportunity to learn and grow. We support and fund professional development for all staff.

Location/Travel
The Foundation is currently operating in a hybrid environment with staff generally expected to be in the Worcester-based office three days per week at a minimum and available to attend in-person meetings and events in the region during the work week. Some local travel within Central Massachusetts will be required.

Responsibilities

Grant Program Management

• Manages The Health Foundation’s grantmaking programs and application processes, including the Synergy Initiative, Activation Fund, and Board Designated grants, and works in collaboration with the President and CEO on development and implementation of future grantmaking opportunities.
• Supervises the Community Engagement & Program Associate, who provides support on the Foundation’s current grantmaking avenues and administration of future grantmaking opportunities and projects.
• Advises potential applicants about grantmaking guidelines and reviews all grant applications, arranging site visits as needed. Conducts a thorough analysis of the applications, project budgets, and supporting materials and prepares written proposal summaries and recommendations for action by the Board and then prepares documentation of the Board’s
• Represents The Health Foundation on regular project team meetings for Synergy Initiative projects, and on a targeted basis, advises and supports projects’ advocacy/lobbying, communications, and evaluation efforts. Supports Synergy Initiative projects in ensuring continuous quality improvement and actively participates in collaborative decision-making
• Manages grant opportunity announcements, award and declination notices, including the preparation of grant contracts, newsletters, media releases, website information, and social media posts, in collaboration with the Foundation’s communications consultants and other staff.
• Identifies and facilitates opportunities for technical assistance for grantees to foster the most effective use of The Health Foundation’s resources and maximize chances of achieving shared goals.
• Provides lead staff support for the Board’s Distribution Committee and Community Outreach Committee.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Works closely with and provides oversight on grant-related responsibilities of the Grants & Operations Manager, who serves as the administrator for maintaining the grant management software system tracking proposals, grant awards, payments, and grant reports.
• Monitors active grants, reviewing grant reports for performance against outcomes. Conducts routine progress meetings and offers guidance on requests for budget and grant period modifications, communicating with grantees to garner feedback and foster learning.
• Collaborates with The Health Foundation colleagues and the Board to continuously evaluate and track progress toward strategic goals. Prepares reports and presentations updating the President and CEO, Board, and external stakeholders on the impact of grantmaking, capacity-building and advocacy efforts.

Community Engagement

• Conducts targeted community outreach aimed to promote open grant opportunities and cultivates relationships with diverse potential grant applicants and with current and former grantees to understand community and organizational needs aligned with The Health Foundation’s mission.
• Develops and maintains a knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, especially in Central Massachusetts. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Foundation stakeholders and peer funders, representing the Foundation at community meetings and events.
• Maintains broad up-to-date knowledge of health issues, keeping abreast of new concepts, resources, and “best practices” in health and philanthropy.

Qualifications

• A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in grantmaking/philanthropy or a related role in a nonprofit (e.g., program development and operations, policy & advocacy, or learning and evaluation)
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including effective time management and ability to manage and prioritize among multiple tasks
• Proven oral and written communication skills, and ability to analyze and synthesize complex information to facilitate decision-making
• Strong financial literacy skills for evaluation of budgets, financial reports, and funding proposals
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite programs and Zoom; ability to learn new technologies
• Deep commitment to supporting nonprofits to improve the health in the region, especially for historically marginalized populations
• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with the President/CEO and other staff, and also to work independently and as a self-starter
• Good judgment and discretion, as well as commitment to organizational reputation and confidentiality
• Willingness to maintain flexibility in work schedule in order to meet ongoing organizational needs, including attending evening Board meetings and community events

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior management experience overseeing staff and projects
• Preference for candidates with a demonstrated connection and commitment to Central Massachusetts; strong preference for candidates currently living in Central Massachusetts

Application Process

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter describing your interest and experience, your resume, and your salary expectation.  If you use AI in the preparation of your cover letter and or resume, please disclose how you have leveraged the tool.

Applications may be submitted via email to info@hfcm.org with “Senior Program Officer” in the subject line.  The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of applicants.

Date Posted

11/05/2025

Closing Date

12/31/2025

About the Organization

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs.  Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity.  As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care Inc., The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $60 million to more than 240 unique organizations over its history.  The Health Foundation recently completed a new strategic plan for 2026-2030.

Contact

info@hfcm.org