Impact Investment Officer

About Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), established in 1972 and based in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the premier national philanthropies dedicated to improving the health and healthcare of all Americans. The foundation focuses on the mission of achieving health equity by tackling structural racism and other systemic barriers. RWJF works alongside communities, practitioners, and institutions through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-based approaches to develop and promote innovations in health and healthcare. Equity, diversity, and inclusion sit at the core of RWJF’s operations, influencing everything from its strategic priorities to daily workflows. The foundation prides itself on creating an inclusive organizational culture where diverse viewpoints strengthen the effectiveness of its mission. With a history of impactful investments and initiatives, RWJF offers a collaborative and dynamic work environment aimed at making a tangible difference in society.

About this Role

Reporting to the senior director of Impact Investments, the Impact Investment Officer is key to developing, implementing, and managing RWJF’s impact investing program, aimed at improving health and healthcare. The officer is responsible for identifying opportunities where debt, equity, and guarantees can further the Foundation’s objectives. This role includes underwriting and structuring investments and monitoring their financial and programmatic performance over time. The officer also maintains external relationships with co-investors and represents RWJF at various events. RWJF uses impact investments to complement its grantmaking efforts and the officer will work closely with Program staff to identify sector-level issues, develop capital strategies, create transactions, and assist in asset management. The ideal candidate will have a blend of hard and soft skills, a strong background in finance or banking, significant idea generation capability, and a passion for using capital to effect positive change. Strong written and presentation skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Shape, implement, and manage investment strategies in support of RWJF initiatives.
• Collaborate with Program and Impact Investment staff to develop a pipeline of investment opportunities that address critical capital barriers in various sectors.
• Convene external experts and synthesize input, data, and research to inform strategy development.
• Evaluate the credit quality of each investment.
• Structure transactions to achieve programmatic and financial objectives, including performing financial analysis and making pricing decisions.
• Underwrite transactions for risk and impact, present recommendations to the Investment Committee, and coordinate the closing process.
• Work with the portfolio manager on capital calls and ongoing asset management.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key external partners to leverage RWJF’s investments.
• Represent RWJF at external gatherings, including panel discussions and conferences.
• Collaborate with staff and consultants to measure and disseminate the impact of investments.
• Act as a mentor and role model to other team members and provide support as needed.

Requirements

• Commitment to racial and health equity and to RWJF’s vision, values, and Guiding Principles.
• Experience working effectively in an inclusive environment with a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated experience underwriting debt and equity transactions; experience in private credit is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interaction with diverse colleagues and stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solving capability to identify new opportunities.
• Strong written and verbal skills for persuasive and respectful communication.
• Ability to travel for site visits and external representation.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, urban planning, or a related field; advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in banking, finance, real estate, private equity, or community development.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary.
• Collaborative and collegial work environment.
• Opportunities to make a significant impact in healthcare and health equity.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.