Program Manager, Rights and Economic Renewal in the U.S.

Program Manager, Rights and Economic Renewal in the U.S.. Washington, D.C.. Posting Date: 02/27/2026. Deadline: 03/13/2026

Role Title: Program Manager, Rights and Economic Renewal in the U.S.

Contract Type: Regular (5 Year Assignment)

Reporting To: Director, Rights and Economic Renewal in the U.S.

Program/Department/Unit Name: Programs

Location: Washington, D.C. or New York

Team Name: Rights and Economic Renewal in the U.S.

Role Purpose

The U.S. Rights and Economic Renewal program is looking to hire a Program Manager to join their 5-year initiative that aims to safeguard core freedoms that are under attack, expand rights, and improve Americans’ economic wellbeing.  

The Program Manager supports the implementation of the strategy by serving as the primary liaison with grantees and partners and by coordinating a portfolio of grants and complementary strategies, including advocacy, research, and field building. The Program Manager would apply strong subject matter knowledge in U.S. rights and democracy policy to translate strategic priorities into effective and well-coordinated program execution. 

Key responsibilities

• Support the Director and Associate Director to deliver on the opportunity’s outcomes s by managing key workstreams, contributing ideas and insights from implementation, and helping translate strategy into effective day-to-day operations.  
• Liaise with grantees to ensure the opportunity is designed, implemented, and exited according to the outcomes defined.  
• Collaborate with other opportunity team members and with colleagues across the organization to ensure the opportunity is effectively leveraging Open Society’s capabilities to reach the agreed outcomes.  
• Effectively manage the grant-making process by communicating with grantees for proposal submission and assisting in grant record preparation, grants processing, payments, reporting, and other related processes.  
• Build a strong understanding of the field and partnerships in developing and designing the grant selection processes.  
• Manage relationships with partners, in close coordination with other internal colleagues, and work with them to achieve OSF’s strategic objectives through the Opportunity.  
• Work with leadership to maintain grant-making practice aligned with OSF's approach to grant-making and in compliance with organizational and external standards and regulations. 
• Assist in the construction, maintenance, and assessment of grant making portfolio(s), sharing responsibility for strategy design with manager.  
• Process and oversee progress of consultant contracts. 
• Monitor progress implementation, project risks, and other relevant status updates and communicate to the Director. 
• Other duties as required. 
• 25% travel is required. 

People responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
None

Key internal relationships
Directors, Associate Directors, Program Managers, Administrative Officers, Communications Team

External relationships

Potential and Existing Grantees, Partner Funders

The ideal candidate

• Has experience working within a think tank, academia, nonprofit organization, state government, or federal government on civil rights, democracy policy, or related rights-based initiatives, with a strong understanding of the U.S. policy and advocacy landscape. 
• Liaises with grantees to ensure the opportunity is designed, implemented, and exited according to the outcomes defined  
• Works collaboratively with other opportunity team members and with colleagues across the organization to ensure the opportunity is effectively leveraging Open Society’s capabilities to reach the agreed outcomes  
• Effectively manages the grant-making process by communicating with grantees for proposal submission and assisting in grant record preparation, grants processing, payments, reporting, and other related processes  
• Builds a strong understanding of the field and partnerships in developing and designing the grant selection processes  
• Manages relationships with partners, in close coordination with other internal stakeholders as relevant, and works with them to achieve OSF’s strategic objectives through the opportunity  
• Works with leadership to maintain grant-making practice aligned with OSF's approach to grant-making and in compliance with organizational and external standards and regulations  
• Assists in the construction, maintenance, and assessment of grant making portfolio(s), sharing responsibility for strategy design with manager  
• Monitors progress implementation, project risks, and other relevant status updates and communicate to the Director. 
• Committed to continuous learning and growth including in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.  
• Demonstrate commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity.

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts. 
• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including: 
• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements. 
• Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required). 
• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance. 
• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more. 
• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact. 

The salary range for this role in the US: $136,900 - $157,000. The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience. 

Who we are

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems. 

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take. 

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics. 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities

Competitive rates of pay apply.

Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.   

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.