POSITION: ASSOCIATE PROGRAM OFFICER

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

At the Better Way Foundation, we focus on early education and positive child development because they are cornerstones of educational success, lifelong health, strong families and communities, and the well-being of the next generation.

We are especially committed to Indigenous early childhood development—investing in collaborative, systemic approaches, including leaders and organizations that create culturally grounded learning environments—and to the American Indian Catholic Schools Network, a group of former boarding schools advancing Truth and Healing while providing culturally dynamic education for Native youth.

We build authentic, long-term partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared learning. By walking alongside organizations, we help create conditions for children, families, and communities to thrive.

At a glance:

1. Private family foundation rooted in Catholic social teaching
2. 100% of grantmaking supports Indigenous communities (U.S. domestic)
3. Long-term commitment: Nine-year partnerships with grantees
4. Nearly 40% of assets in values-aligned impact investments (and growing)
5. Active in mobilizing other funders to invest in Indigenous communities
6. Board of Directors includes both family and community representation

Learn more at www.betterwayfoundation.org.

REPORTING & COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

The Associate Program Officer reports to the Executive Director and collaborates and coordinates with the Learning & Engagement Assistant, as well as colleagues at our sister foundation, GHR Foundation (GHR provides Better Way with various supports, including IT and technology, accounting, human resources, and grants management), and the Adler investment office.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Better Way is a highly entrepreneurial environment, and the Associate Program Officer will engage across functional areas. This role is central to advancing our mission by stewarding grants and partnerships, supporting the Board, and ensuring alignment with our values of equity, respect, and long-term partnership.

The Associate Program Officer manages the full grant lifecycle—from research and due diligence to monitoring and evaluation—while helping refine processes that amplify partner voices and strengthen learning across the foundation.

Programs & partnerships (70%)

1. Support the design and implementation of strategies that advance Better Way’s mission, vision, and values
2. Support management of a portfolio of approximately 20 grantee partners by effectively utilizing GivingData and collaborating closely with the Executive Director: review proposals, monitor progress, analyze reports and synthesize information for internal use, and ensure timely completion of grant requirements
3. Strengthen relationships with partners through ongoing communication, site visits, and events
4. Help cultivate and collect grantee stories and data for Board reports, communications, and shared learning
5. Draft and distribute partner-wide communications with various updates and resources (e.g., other funding opportunities, technical assistance supports)
6. Support prospective partner pipeline
7. Manage Board discretionary grants

Evaluation (20%)

1. Support implementation of the foundation’s Evaluation Framework, coordinating with external evaluators
2. Analyze and synthesize findings to inform internal learning and external communications
3. Collaborate with team members to ensure evaluation insights guide technical assistance and partner support

Organizational administration (10%)

1. Produce high-quality materials (memos, reports, presentations)
2. Support Strategic Plan implementation, and track progress toward strategic goals
3. Support preparation for the annual Board retreat
4. Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required

1. Experience (professional or lived) working with Indigenous communities and/or historically divested or marginalized communities
2. 3–5 years of relevant professional experience (e.g., program development, grantmaking, strategy, or community engagement)
3. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional/life experience
4. Strong ability to manage multiple projects with flexibility and calm, aligning activities with objectives and adapting as needed
5. Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills (written, verbal, and facilitation)
6. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, project management and CRM software, and (preferred) GivingData or another grants management platform
7. Ability to handle confidential matters appropriately

Personal characteristics

We’re looking for a self-starter who can work independently and as part of a team, with a:

1. Strong commitment to Better Way’s mission and values
2. Deep commitment to racial equity and justice (e.g., an ability to apply an equity lens in all aspects of work)
3. A collaborative spirit and strong listening skills, and cultural competence and interpersonal skills to build trust with diverse stakeholders
4. Strategic thinker with creative problem-solving skills
5. Results orientation paired with positive energy
6. Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability

WORK ENVIRONMENT & LOCATION

Better Way fosters a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative culture. We offer a flexible hybrid model, with in-person meetings approximately every other month (often in Minneapolis). This role requires domestic travel for conferences and partner site visits. Candidates outside Minneapolis are welcome but should expect additional travel. Please note: We are accepting applications from U.S.-based candidates (including Tribal nations within the U.S.).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

1. Salary range: $76,600-$95,700 depending on qualifications
2. Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision (self, partner, and children), short- and long-term disability, retirement match, PTO (starting at 20 days/year), nine paid holidays, office closure from December 25–January 1, educational assistance, pre-tax health and transportation accounts

HOW TO APPLY

Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to info@betterwayfoundation.org. Your cover letter should address at least one of the following:

1. How have your experiences prepared you to contribute to Better Way’s mission and culture?
2. How have you demonstrated allyship, and what have you learned from those experiences?
3. What aspects of this position or the foundation’s mission and work resonate most with you, and why?

We highly encourage application submission by Oct. 24, 2025. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Better Way is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and encourage all to apply.