Description
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, vision and strategies as set forward in ZSR’s Framework for Grantmaking and Learning. While all Program Officers play an active role in both ZSR’s Community-Based Strategy and State-Level Systemic Change Strategy, each Program Officer has a primary focus.
This Program Officer will primarily work within the ZSR’s State-Level Systemic Change Strategy (SLSC), which encompasses four issue areas: Public Education, Democracy, the Environment, and Social and Economic Justice. In particular, ZSR specifically seeks Program Officer candidates who have expertise in one or both of the following areas:
Criminal Justice System / Justice System Reform
Civil Legal Services
Knowledge of issues facing NC and its communities is a must.
ZSR seeks a team player who has experience in the public and/or nonprofit sectors and understands how those sectors impact one another. Successful candidates will be skilled at strategic analysis (including data analysis); attuned to power dynamics at both the interpersonal and institutional levels; and know what it takes to create successful statewide collaboratives and coalitions.
The Program Officer role includes developing effective relationships, partnerships and strategies that help ZSR facilitate positive change in communities across the state and at the state level. Program Officers are the key liaisons between grant applicants and the Foundation’s Trustees. They review grant applications, meet with applicants, and provide critical analysis of applications and the landscape of issues across North Carolina for Trustees. They also build relationships with and among other funders. In addition, Program Officers strengthen ZSR’s organizational capacity and evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and strategies.
ZSR is on a continuous journey to live into its core values and also its commitments to: being a learning organization, using a racial equity lens, and engaging in the Foundation’s home community of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. Staff are engaged in operationalizing the core values and commitments.
The position requires the development of a thorough understanding of ZSR and its priorities, operations, structure and culture. The position is full-time and based in Winston-Salem, NC.
Qualifications for the Position
Systems Thinker, Data Analyst and Strategist
Successful candidates will be analytical, intellectually curious, values-driven, strategic, and detail- and team-oriented. They will have a robust understanding of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing North Carolinians, as well as the structural and systemic impediments to the well-being of people and communities across the state. Individuals selected will be comfortable identifying data sources 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. They will be quick learners who are able to translate ideas between different spaces, make connections between seemingly different ideas, and make sense of complex issues. The ideal candidates will have an eye constantly focused on the future and how to best adapt the organization to the changing needs facing the state and its communities. Candidates must be able to assess power dynamics and how they influence change.
Effective Communicator and Trusted Partner
Successful candidates will be adept at listening and building relationships with a wide variety of people. They must have a demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility across differences. They do not seek the spotlight for themselves, but rather lead with humility and seek to shine a light on grant partners. Candidates should be relational people with authentic interpersonal and networking skills. Exceptional writing skills are required, as Program Officers are responsible for producing a large volume of written material for ZSR’s board and committee meetings on a regular basis. Verbal communication and public speaking skills are also required, as Program Officers often present information to ZSR’s Trustees and serve as speakers, panelists and moderators on webinars and at conference sessions. Facilitation, convening and project management skills are a plus.
Values-Driven Team Player
This position will be working within a lean, hands-on team, where collaboration, flexibility, initiative and shared problem-solving are important. Team members wear multiple hats and lead both internal and external projects in service of grant partners and the broader fields in which ZSR works. They recognize the impact they have on others and meet deadlines and deliverables.
Humility, self-awareness and a willingness to self-reflect are essential. All ZSR team members seek to actively contribute to a healthy organizational culture and to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and partnership across the organization. A sense of humor is welcome and important!
Other
Experience working in philanthropy is not required but beneficial. Comfort with technology, especially the Microsoft Office suite, is expected. 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. Candidates should be willing to reside in or near Forsyth County. The position is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and requires regular (often weekly), extensive statewide travel.
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 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. ZSR’s office is in downtown Winston-Salem. Extensive statewide travel, primarily around North Carolina, is an essential and regular 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 nearly $700 million. Our Framework for Grantmaking and Learning includes three strategies: a State-Level Systemic Change Strategy; a Community-Based Strategy; and an Exploratory, Visionary Ideas Strategy. It also includes commitments to racial equity, to being a learning organization, and to participating in the life of ZSR’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 at https://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, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.
The deadline for applications is March 20, 2026.
About Armstrong McGuire
Armstrong McGuire is a national executive search, fundraising, and strategic advising firm that believes in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Founded in 2004, our diverse team of advisors work with clients and leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations. Learn more about our services in talent acquisition, fundraising counsel, and strategic planning. Armstrong McGuire
