Program Associate

Position Title: Program Associate 

Reports to: Senior Program Staff 

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000, plus benefits 

Who We Are 

Established in 1988, The Tow Foundation is a family foundation committed to promoting justice, wellness and access to opportunities so that individuals and communities can thrive. Grounded in our work in Connecticut and New York, we support visionary leaders and nonprofit organizations that serve historically marginalized populations, help individuals contribute to their communities and champion advancements and experiences that make it possible for all people to live a healthy and joyous life. In all that we do, we are guided by our core values of collaboration, transformation, innovation and entrepreneurship. To accomplish our goals, we invest in innovative programs and reform in the areas of culture, higher education, journalism, justice and community wellness, and medicine. 

If you, like us, are motivated by a desire to make a positive impact, then come join our growing team.  

If You Are... 

• A team player who enjoys collaboration and is willing to pitch in where needed 
• A self-starter who takes pride in managing your responsibilities 
• A great communicator who writes and speaks clearly, and listens well 
• Tech savvy with a willingness to learn new systems and tech solutions 
• Flexible, adaptable and resourceful 
• Well-organized, detail-oriented and able to manage several projects at once 

Someone who: 

• has a passion for personal growth 
• embraces change and enjoys a fast-paced environment 
• leads with kindness and demonstrates patience toward yourself and others 
• approaches the world with optimism 
• enjoys finding solutions that result in greater success and efficiency 
• is passionate about having a positive impact in the world

 ...then this could be a great partnership. 

Position Description 

The Program Associate reports to and supports the Foundation’s Program Directors and Senior Program Officer by providing administrative, project management and logistical support. This position is a vital member of the program team and works collaboratively with staff across the Foundation. The Program Associate serves as the key point of contact for current and prospective grantee partners, monitors deadlines and tasks related to active grants, and conducts research projects. 

Strong candidates must be passionate about supporting innovative approaches to investing in high-impact and promising nonprofits the Foundation supports that range from small grassroots organizations to large complex institutions. 

Responsibilities 

Program Support 

• Accurately maintain and update grant, contact and program related data across information systems 
• Assist in reviewing and organizing grant proposals and reports 
• Conduct preliminary research on issue areas and philanthropic developments 
• Act as the primary contact for funding inquiries 
• Partner with the operations team to prepare grant reports in the Foundation’s database 
• Serve as liaison between grantees and the Foundation’s program and operations teams to ensure grant deliverables and grantee inquiries are handled in a timely manner 
• Manage all aspects of program discretionary grants, including compliance with IRS and legal requirements 
• Manage sponsorships of grantee partner events 
• Attend external meetings related to the Foundation’s impact areas  

Administrative Support 

• Manage calendars, meeting schedules and logistics for the program team 
• Maintain organized files and records; track, monitor, and prioritize tasks and projects for program department 
• Coordinate with communications team on grant related communications across the Foundation’s platforms 
• Prepare meeting materials and presentations 
• Other duties as assigned by the senior program staff  

The ideal candidate will be 

• Comfortable with a multiple reporting structure 
• Able to thrive in a team environment 
• A strategic, analytic and creative thinker 
• A problem solver comfortable with multi-tasking and decision-making 
• A resourceful project manager with excellent organizational skills and the flexibility to manage shifting priorities 
• A self-starter who enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment 
• A clear and tactful communicator who is comfortable working with diverse constituencies while maintaining a high level of discretion and confidentiality 
• Committed to building knowledge of the Foundation’s programs, practices, policies and procedures 

Qualifications 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Strong attention to detail and outstanding organizational and project management skills 
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written and analytical skills 
• Ability to handle confidential and time sensitive information 
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and rapidly changing work environment 
• Aptitude to quickly learn and apply new technology 
• Interest in philanthropy, social justice and knowledge of the nonprofit field 

Experience 

• Three to five years of administrative, program and/or project management experience, preferably nonprofit, higher education, grassroots or government organizations 
• Familiarity with databases, project management systems and collaboration apps such as SharePoint, Salesforce, Asana and Slack is a plus  
• Proficiency in Zoom and all Microsoft Office applications, understanding of MacOS, iOS mobile technology and business apps 
• Experience with planning in-person, hybrid and virtual meetings 

Education 

Minimum associate’s degree preferably in project management, administration, marketing, or hospitality, or equivalent level of experience 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times 
• Must be comfortable attending indoor and outdoor site visits and activities as needed  

Other Requirements 

• A valid driver’s license is preferred 
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time within the states of Connecticut and New York 

COVID-19 Operations 

The Tow Foundation is currently operating as a hybrid workplace. This role currently requires an on-site presence at our office in our New Canaan, CT at least two days per week. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster, is required. We provide our team with the IT necessary to work both in our office and remotely. Compliance with office COVID-19 safety protocols is required.  

Details and How to Apply 

We are managing the application process via LinkedIn and you should submit a resume via LinkedIn. We will prioritize the review of your resume over your LinkedIn profile and you are encouraged to apply even if your LinkedIn profile is not up to date. If you do not have access to LinkedIn, then please email your resume to [email protected] with the subject "Program Associate.” The deadline to apply is August 10th, 2022.  

Should you advance to the next round, you will be asked to submit a cover letter and create a LinkedIn profile to continue going through our screening process. The ideal start date for this position is October 16, 2022.  

The Tow Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, veteran status, physical/mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.