About the job
About The Kenneth Rainin Foundation
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation is a family foundation based in Oakland, California. Since 2008, the Foundation has focused on improving quality of life by supporting the arts, early childhood literacy, and research into chronic disease cures. With a team of over 30 professionals and an annual grant budget of about $19 million, the Foundation backs Bay Area artists, expands opportunities for Oakland’s youngest learners, and funds scientific research. Collaboration, resourcefulness, innovation, responsibility, and equity guide the Foundation’s work, alongside a culture of compassion, respect, humor, and joy.
Learn more at www.krfoundation.org.
Education Program Team Overview
The Education team drives grant-making strategies for Oakland’s early literacy ecosystem. The team includes the Director of Education, Strategies and Ventures, and a shared Administrative Assistant, all within the Programs Department. Collaboration with other Foundation teams, such as Grants Management, Communications, Accounting, and the Executive Team, is central to the work. The team aims to maintain a grant-making process that is compliant, efficient, equitable, and responsive to applicants, grantees, Foundation staff, and the broader community.
Role Overview: Education Program Officer
The Education Program Officer will partner with the Director of Education Strategy and Ventures to evaluate the Education Program, oversee delivery of early childhood literacy initiatives, and refine grant-making strategies. The role is focused on breaking down systemic barriers and co-designing solutions to improve learning outcomes and address generational poverty in Oakland’s marginalized communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement the Education Program’s learning plan
- Conduct regular check-ins with grantees to assess progress and impact based on goals and program metrics
- Perform site visits and observations to evaluate program effectiveness

