Program Officer - Rob Walton Foundation

Position: Program Officer

Department: Rob Walton Foundation

Reporting to: Sandy Nickerson

FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Bentonville, AR

Walton Enterprises is seeking a skilled, highly motivated, and entrepreneurial individual to join the team as a Program Officer for the Rob Walton Foundation.

The ideal teammate will have demonstrated experience managing grants and partnerships, developing conservation or philanthropic programs, and coordinating cross-sector collaborations to advance measurable impact across environmental and community priorities.

About the Position

The Program Officer will play a key role in advancing the Rob Walton Foundation's mission to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. This role supports program development, grant management, and strategic execution while working closely with internal teams, grantees, and partners to ensure that all initiatives align with the Foundation's goals and values.

What You Will Do

The Program Officer manages grants and projects across multiple geographies, supports program design and implementation, and ensures that partnerships, reporting, and operations are aligned with the Foundation's conservation and sustainability priorities.

Responsibilities

Oversee grantmaking activities, including proposal review, due diligence, contracting, and reporting, to ensure alignment with the Foundation's mission and compliance standards.
• Develop and manage relationships with grantees, partners, and external stakeholders to advance program objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of new initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance conservation outcomes and community engagement.
• Monitor program performance through regular reporting, evaluation, and site visits, identifying areas for improvement.
• Prepare and present materials for leadership briefings, board updates, and external engagements.
• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to track budgets, manage grant expenditures, and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Support the design and execution of convenings, events, and communications that elevate program impact.
• Conduct research, data analysis, and landscape assessments to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Ensure accurate documentation of grant and project activities within systems and databases.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture that values innovation, learning, and measurable impact.

The Talent We Are Seeking

Skills needed

• Grantmaking and Project Management
• Environmental Conservation and Program Development
• Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement
• Financial and Data Analysis
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Process and Systems Management

Qualifications required for your success

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, international development, or public policy; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in philanthropy, conservation, nonprofit, or international development.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs or grants across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess data, budgets, and program performance.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Additional Helpful Experience Includes

• Experience in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, or related fields.
• Familiarity with African conservation networks, NGOs, or government partnerships.
• Experience designing and managing cross-sector initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Background in financial modeling, impact reporting, or systems-based conservation planning.

Personal attributes that support your success

• Demonstrates discretion, integrity, and expertise while serving as a trusted advisor to principals and colleagues.
• Collaborates respectfully and effectively with others, contributing to a supportive, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrates a humble and service-oriented mindest when working with colleagues, grantees, and partners across cultures, roles, and levels of seniority.
• Approaches challenges with curiosity, bold thinking, and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
• Maintains a strong focus on results, consistently exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
• Brings a visionary mindset, planning strategically for the future with imagination and insight.
• Committed to excellence and actively engages with others to accomplish shared goals.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Benefits Information

Compensation Range: $138,000 - $155,000

Benefits Information: We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off.

About Walton Enterprises

Walton Enterprises supports the personal, philanthropic, and business activity for the Walton family. We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam and Helen Walton's family.

We value trust, mutual respect, and a workplace where every associate belongs and can do their best work. We bring together talented people with different backgrounds and viewpoints, support their growth, and empower them to contribute meaningfully.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.