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.

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.