The Dorothy A. Johnson Center on Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University has released a competency model for foundation program officers. The development process included analysis of more than 100 job descriptions, feedback from competency model experts, and input from nine focus groups with grantmakers and nonprofit leaders to determine and define the essential competencies of the program officer role. The final model emphasizes the importance of demonstrating core knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics over traditional credentials and formal networks.