Program Officer

Description:

The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, a respected community-centered foundation located in Racine, Wisconsin, is actively seeking a Program Officer to support and advance its strategic mission. Operating from the historic Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Wingspread estate, the Foundation facilitates high-impact initiatives that support sustainable communities and address critical challenges through dialogue, partnership, and collaborative problem-solving.

This role is ideal for an experienced, mission-driven professional with a strong background in program development, strategic facilitation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. The Program Officer will be central to translating vision into reality through effective initiative management, convenings, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development & Initiative Management

• Collaborate with senior leadership and external partners to develop and refine strategic initiatives

• Translate strategies into actionable partnerships, events, and community change efforts

• Lead project management: timelines, deliverables, stakeholder coordination, and execution

• Monitor initiative progress, resolve barriers, and adapt strategies as needed

• Conduct research and interviews to inform initiative design and improve implementation

Convening Design & Facilitation

• Plan and facilitate convenings to explore issues, align stakeholders, and co-create solutions

• Coordinate with speakers, facilitators, and experts to ensure engaging and inclusive events

• Track convening outcomes and identify follow-up opportunities

• Review and recommend relevant conference proposals

Partnership & Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with leaders across sectors – government, nonprofit, business, and philanthropy

• Act as liaison to action teams or collaborative initiatives

• Represent the Foundation at forums, meetings, and national networks

Strategic Communications & Learning

• Prepare briefings, reports, and strategic documents that capture progress and key learnings

• Support internal reflection to refine strategy and deepen community impact

• Collaborate with communications team to share initiative outcomes and stories

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in program development, nonprofit, philanthropy, or public policy

• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered work

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small, mission-driven team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of relevant experience

• Experience with systems change, collective impact, or network-based efforts

• Proficiency in project management tools (Microsoft Teams, Planner, To Do)

• Background in designing/facilitating strategic convenings

• Familiarity with issues aligned with the Foundation’s strategic focus

Employee Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

• Paid vacation, holidays, and year-end break (week between Christmas and New Year)

• Professional development opportunities

• Inclusive and flexible work environment