Program Officer, Young Adults Forward Fund

PROGRAM OFFICER, YOUNG ADULTS FORWARD FUND

WHITTIER TRUST

ABOUT YOUNG ADULTS FORWARD FUND

Whittier Trust is a leading multi-family office dedicated to providing investment management, fiduciary services, and philanthropic advisory services to individuals and families committed to long-term impact. Through its Philanthropic Services division, Whittier Trust partners with donor families to design, implement, and manage strategic giving that drives measurable social change. 

The Young Adults Forward Fund (YAFF) is a philanthropic initiative focused on improving outcomes for young adults ages 18–30 in Los Angeles County, particularly those transitioning from child welfare and criminal justice systems. The Fund advances housing stability, economic mobility, and mental wellness through a combination of grants, program-related investments, partnerships, and research. Its work is grounded in the belief that all young adults deserve the opportunity to thrive. 

Guided by values of collaboration, innovation, and integrity, the Fund works with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community partners to create scalable solutions that expand affordable housing, strengthen workforce pathways, and increase access to mental health support.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Program Officer plays a central role in advancing the strategy and operations of the Young Adults Forward Fund. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing a dynamic portfolio of grants and program-related investments that expand housing opportunities and economic pathways for transition-age youth (TAY). 

The Program Officer will actively source innovative and high-impact projects, particularly those that create or preserve affordable housing opportunities for young adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The ideal candidate brings strong familiarity with the affordable housing ecosystem and is comfortable engaging with financial concepts such as capital stacks, development budgets, and project feasibility. 

Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropic Services, the Program Officer will manage a complex portfolio of grantees and investments while cultivating new partnerships and opportunities that advance the Fund’s mission. The role requires strong financial acumen, rigorous due diligence skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a responsive, fast-paced environment. 

This position is well-suited for a candidate who combines analytical rigor with sound judgment and initiative, someone who enjoys identifying promising ideas, building partnerships across sectors, and translating strategy into tangible impact. The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about mission-driven work that improves outcomes for young adults across Los Angeles County. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Development 

• Consistently source and cultivate new investment and grantmaking opportunities that expand affordable housing and supportive services for transition-age youth.
• Identify innovative projects, partnerships, and organizations that align with the Fund’s mission and have potential for meaningful scale and impact.
• Maintain deep expertise in the affordable housing development landscape, including understanding financing structures, development timelines, and key stakeholders.
• Build and manage a diverse portfolio of grants and program-related investments, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Communicate portfolio progress, emerging opportunities, and strategic insights to the Philanthropic Services team and donor partners. 

Grantmaking & Philanthropic Investment Management 

• Conduct rigorous due diligence on funding opportunities, including reviewing proposals, financial statements, capital structures, and organizational sustainability.
• Apply financial analysis and sound judgment to evaluate projects, including program-related investments and philanthropic loans.
• Develop clear and compelling funding recommendations supported by financial and programmatic analysis.
• Oversee grant agreements, reporting requirements, and payment processes while maintaining strong relationships with grantee partners.
• Monitor multiple grants, investments, and strategic initiatives simultaneously while ensuring strong oversight, compliance, and performance tracking.  

Strategy Development & Implementation 

• Support the implementation of the Young Adults Forward Fund’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Track portfolio performance against defined outcomes and contribute insights that inform ongoing strategy refinement.
• Conduct research and market analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities in affordable housing, workforce development, and youth-serving systems.
• Translate research and sector insights into actionable strategies that inform the Fund’s grantmaking and investment decisions. 

Partner Relations & Community Engagement 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, housing developers, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), funders, and government partners.
• Engage with sector leaders and community stakeholders to identify promising projects and strengthen the broader ecosystem supporting young adults.
• Represent the Fund in collaborative initiatives, convenings, and community events.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner to grantees and partners working at the intersection of housing, economic mobility, and youth services.
• Engage partners with professionalism and thoughtful inquiry, balancing relationship-building with careful assessment of programs and impact. 

Research, Convening & Special Projects 

• Conduct and manage research initiatives that support the Fund’s strategic priorities.
• Design and facilitate convenings that bring together stakeholders across sectors to advance collective solutions.
• Lead special initiatives that support innovation and systems-level change.
• Support knowledge sharing across the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in public policy, nonprofit management, urban planning, finance, social work, or a related field preferred.
• A minimum of 5 –7 years of experience managing mission-driven programs, investments, or strategic initiatives within philanthropy, housing, community development, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and evaluating projects related to affordable housing or homelessness solutions.
• Proactive and opportunity-oriented, with the ability to identify and cultivate promising initiatives.
• Experience working with or alongside housing developers, community development organizations, or CDFIs strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with housing finance, capital stacks, program-related investments, or philanthropic lending is highly valued, as is an understanding of the systems that impact housing access and homelessness among transition-age youth.
• Strong financial analysis skills, including the ability to evaluate nonprofit financial statements, project budgets, and investment opportunities.
• Experience assessing risk and impact within complex funding structures.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple grants, investments, and projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Passionate about mission-driven work that improves housing stability, economic mobility, and well-being for young adults.
• Commitment to collaboration, innovation, and equity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $165,000. As a Whittier Trust employee, you receive a generous benefits package including: 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical (PPO & HSA options), dental, and vision plans to fit your needs 
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Company-paid life insurance, AD&D coverage, and long-term disability  
• Tax-Advantaged Savings: Health Savings Account (with employer contributions), Flexible Spending Accounts, and commuter benefits  
• Mental Health & Wellness: Access to counseling, therapy, wellness coaching, and virtual care resources  
• Additional Protection Options: Voluntary benefits, including supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and legal services 
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, sick leave, and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave 
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, and access to on-demand learning  
• Up to 15% bonus based on firm and individual performance 

Young Adults Forward Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or different ability. Envision Consulting was retained by Young Adults Forward Fund to conduct the search for their incoming Program Officer.

Envision Consulting was retained by Young Adults Forward Fund to conduct the search for their incoming Program Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.