Program Associate, Mission Investments

Program Associate, Mission Investments

Location: New York, USA

Full time

Job Description:

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ford Foundation seeks a dynamic Program Associate to join the Mission Investments team. Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, the Program Associate plays a pivotal role in advancing a shared strategy that leverages both grantmaking and investments for impact.

In this role, you will lead research, analysis, and coordination for the team's active portfolio, while serving as a key conduit for shared learning across the team and the foundation. This is an exceptional opportunity for an early-to-mid-career professional to operate at the intersection of philanthropy and impact investing.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Grants and Investment Portfolio Strategy and Management

• Review grant proposals and prepare analysis that reflects grants’ outcomes and contribution to team’s strategic goals, for discussions with the Senior Program Officer (SPO) and team.

• Engage in preliminary conversations with prospective new grantees, investees and other potential partners and make recommendations for follow up.

• Help plan and manage webinars and other activities for grantees and investees on specific topics of shared interest (examples include systems stewardship, AI and earned revenue generation).

• Coordinate and help conduct grant and investee diligence and management with other funders and investors. 

Research, Analytics, Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Conduct research for the SPO, Director and team members using a variety of external and internal resources (e.g., landscape grant or investment opportunities related to responsible AI, veterans issues, etc.); consult external experts or other resources as per the research protocol.

• Support the SPO, Director and team in analyzing data and identifying trends.

• Summarize research findings in written documents, databases, presentations, or multimedia formats.

Grantee Relationship Management

• Conduct regular (2-4x annually) check in conversations with grantees, alone or in partnership with SPO.

• Coordinate with Department Coordinator and Program Assistants on planning grantee and network convenings.

• For convenings and site visits, develop and prepare background research and meeting materials.

Internal and External Communication

• Plan and help execute learning sessions for FF colleagues and/or grantees.

• Curate and share information and knowledge from the team.

• Work with SPO and team on strategic external communications opportunities.

Relationship Management

• Collaborate closely with the Chief Innovation Officer to identify and help implement various innovation mechanisms, e.g. recoverable grants and venture studio services.

• Represent Mission Investments at internal and external meetings.

• Attend relevant meetings/conferences to gather information and knowledge to advance the foundation’s work.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• A minimum of four years of work experience, with a minimum of three years of experience working in a program-related support capacity in the social development sector.

• College degree in related field or relevant and equivalent experience.

• Strong proficiency with data collection, review, analysis and reporting.

• Strong proficiency with the use of software platforms and high degree of comfort with multiple technology applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and databases.

• Exceptional organizational and communications skills.

• Client-service orientation.

• Demonstrated ability to be a productive member of a community of people at work, respecting differences while working toward shared goals.

• Comfort with periods of ambiguity; constructive participation in ongoing organizational development.

• Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation’s mission, core values, and commitment to creating a culture of excellence.

• Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor.

• Willingness to work in New York City.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.

The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

SALARY: The Ford Foundation is committed to practicing salary transparency. The starting salary for this position is $104,000. We review global compensation on a regular basis to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted in alignment with the market.

LOCATION: This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.

WORK AUTHORIZATION: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Permanent.

WORKING AT FORD

• Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respected

• A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance 

• Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network

• Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day

• Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days

• Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilities 

• Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidence