The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) is a statewide, private, family foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for all North Carolinians. Rooted in a set of core values such as integrity, sustainability, dignity and equity, ZSR strives to meet its mission by: 1) making grants to state-level and community-based organizations; 2) convening and connecting people to facilitate learning and spark ideas; and 3) helping to build the capacity of North Carolina’s nonprofit sector. The Foundation is based in Winston-Salem, NC.
Program Officers play a critical role as strategists and liaisons between grant partners and ZSR leadership. They partner with ZSR’s Directors’ Team and the Board of Trustees in strategic decision making to distribute approximately $20 million each year to benefit the people of North Carolina. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is passionate about systems change, equity and strategy to join a team of an established, catalytic organization.
Position Description
The Foundation is hiring a Program Officer to support its mission via its Grants and Programs. In particular, this position will be one of two Program Officers who oversee the Community Progress Fund, which helps local organizations across the state move an idea, issue, project or organization forward, with the goal of improving their community. These grants are meant to help community groups build on existing momentum to take their work to the next level.
In addition to co-managing the Community Progress Fund (CPF) grantmaking, this position will help identify and implement other supports for CPF grant partners, possibly including convening and technical assistance.
Furthermore, while CPF will be the primary focus of this position, the Program Officer will also play a role in ZSR’s State-Level Systemic Change Strategy, and possibly in other special initiatives.
Program Officers report to the Director of Strategy and Learning.
This position includes developing effective relationships, partnerships and strategies that help ZSR facilitate positive change in communities across the state. Program Officers are the key liaisons between grant applicants and ZSR’s Trustees. They review grant applications, meet with applicants, and provide critical analysis of applications and the landscape in which applicants are working for Trustees. They also build relationships with and among grant partners, as well as with other funders. In addition, Program Officers strengthen ZSR’s organizational capacity and evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and strategies.
ZSR seeks team players who are attuned to power dynamics, have experience working with/alongside community-based organizations, and are skilled at writing and strategic analysis. Knowledge of issues facing NC and its communities is a must.
The position will require the program officer to develop a thorough understanding of the Foundation and its priorities, operations, structure and culture. At ZSR, all staff work together to live out the Foundation’s mission, vision and core values. We are on a continuous journey to enhance our individual and institutional understandings of how to operationalize our shared commitments to racial equity, to engaging in ZSR’s home community of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, and to being a learning organization.
Qualifications for the Position
Community Capacity Builder
Successful candidates will have experience helping community-based organizations grow, adapt and build skills. Knowledge of nonprofit management and the role that local nonprofits play in communities is critical.
Effective Communicator and Trusted Partner
Successful candidates will be adept at listening, building relationships, and understanding power dynamics. They must have a demonstrated ability to quickly build trust and credibility with others. Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills are required, including comfort with public speaking. Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with a variety of assignments, people and resources are essential. Comfort with technology, especially the Microsoft Office suite, is expected.
Systems Thinker, Analyst and Strategist
Successful candidates will be values-driven, strategic, analytical, intellectually curious, and detail- and team-oriented. They will have a robust understanding of systems-change strategies and knowledge of a variety of issues impacting the well-being of North Carolinians. Individuals selected will be comfortable collecting and using data (qualitative and quantitative) to help drive decisions. They must have the ability to assimilate information quickly, think strategically, work under pressure and meet deadlines. The ideal candidates will have an eye constantly focused on the future and how to best adapt the organization to the needs facing the state and its communities.
Values-Driven Team Player
A commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values, and experience using a racial equity lens, are vital to this role. Humility, self-awareness and a willingness to self-reflect are essential. Successful candidates will keep a constant eye on how they can best contribute to a healthy organizational culture to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and partnership across the organization. A sense of humor is helpful and needed!
Other Desired Experience
Facilitation, convening and project management skills are a plus. Experience working in philanthropy is not required but beneficial.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college is required, and an advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred. A minimum of ten years of related work experience is desired.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of personnel as classified. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
Work Schedule
The position is full-time and based in Winston-Salem, NC. The Foundation utilizes a hybrid work policy that requires staff to be in the office a certain number of days each week depending on the role of each person and the needs of the organization that week. While there is some flexibility for hybrid work, this is not a remote position, and candidates should expect to regularly work from the office in Winston-Salem. Extensive, regular, statewide travel, primarily around North Carolina, is an essential part of the job.
About the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) is a statewide, private, family foundation, based in Winston-Salem, NC. For 90 years, ZSR has strived to support the efforts of North Carolinians to make our state a better place for everyone through investments totaling more than $667 million. Our grantmaking strategies include: a State-Level Systemic Change Strategy; a Community-Based Strategy; and an Exploratory, Visionary Ideas Strategy. ZSR also has commitments to using a racial equity lens, to being a learning organization, and to participating in the life of the Foundation’s home community of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County.
Our mission:
To improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians.
Our vision:
We envision a just, inclusive and sustainable North Carolina, where people embrace our common humanity and work together to shape our collective future.
Our core values:
- Stewardship
- Integrity
- Fairness and Justice
- Dignity and Equity
- Civic Participation
- Excellence
- Sustainability
- Collaboration
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Following are physical and mental requirements of the position as typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical and mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Foundation may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
- Operates in a professional office environment and performs primarily sedentary work
- Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and phones.
- Sits for prolonged periods at a desk. Frequent standing and walking. Occasional stooping, reaching, bending, climbing, pushing, pulling.
- Repetitive use of fingers and hands for typing and other tasks.
- Frequent listening, speaking, and use of visual acuity.
- Reading and writing at an intermediate to complex level.
- Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs.
- Ability to use all senses to safely drive a vehicle, and ability to drive a vehicle.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range is $100,000 – $140,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays, health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, sick leave and short-term disability, parental leave and a 403(b) retirement plan. There is no waiting period for participation in the 403(b) retirement plan. Other optional benefits include a flexible benefit plan, matching gifts program and professional development.
Equal Employment
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is committed to equality and diversity. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of socio-economic status, gender expression, gender and sexual identity, or cultural background. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against applicants or employees based on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected class.
How To Apply
Join the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation team and play a critical role in shaping its future while driving impactful change in the community.
To apply, click on the link for this position athttps://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation as well as the stated responsibilities and qualifications.
Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, andno applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.
The deadline for applications is June 19, 2026.
Salary range is $100,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays, health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, sick leave and short-term disability, parental leave and a 403(b) retirement plan. There is no waiting period for participation in the 403(b) retirement plan. Other optional benefits include a flexible benefit plan, matching gifts program and professional development.
Join the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation team and play a critical role in shaping its future while driving impactful change in the community.
To apply, click on the link for this position athttps://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation as well as the stated responsibilities and qualifications.
Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, andno applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.
The deadline for applications is June 19, 2026.