Program Associate

About the role

The Program Associate will serve as a key liaison between the Foundation and its community of grantee partners, applicants, vendors, and philanthropic peers. This individual will ensure that the Foundation's grantmaking processes are thoughtful, responsive, and effective and that its day-to-day operations run efficiently to maximize program impact. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to develop and maintain productive partner relationships. The ideal candidate is proactive, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and energized by working in a collaborative small-team environment.

Responsibilities

• Grantee & Partner Relations
  • Serve as a key point of contact for grant partners, vendors, and applicants
  • Help cultivate a welcoming, responsive, and relationship-centered experience for current and prospective partners
  • Respond to inquiries and provide guidance on application processes
  • Help plan and participate in occasional site visits
• Grants Administration & Program Support
  • Support all phases of the grantmaking cycle, including application intake, due diligence, review preparation, award processing, and reporting
  • Maintain accurate records across all systems
  • Prepare agendas, briefing materials, meeting notes, and follow-up communications
  • Track timelines and deliverables to ensure smooth execution of grantmaking activities
  • Conduct research on prospective grantees, partners, and vendors
• Convenings & Events
  • Coordinate logistics and communications for grantee gatherings, workshops, and other foundation events
  • Support planning and execution of both virtual and in-person convenings
  • Participate in occasional travel for conferences, site visits, and partner events (up to six times annually)
• CRM, Tech & Data Management
  • Maintain and update the foundation's databases and CRM systems
  • Generate reports to support internal decision-making
  • Ensure data integrity and consistency across systems
  • Identify opportunities to improve workflows
  • Support maintenance of the foundation website and digital storytelling assets, including video content libraries
• Administrative & Team Support
  • Provide general operational and administrative support to the foundation team
  • Assist with scheduling, follow-ups, document preparation, and internal coordination
  • Support administration of Four Friends Foundation's Summer Scholars Program
  • Assist with social media communications, including LinkedIn content and posting

Qualifications

• Required Experience & Skills
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • 2–5 years of experience in nonprofit administration, philanthropy, grants management, communications, or a related field
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
  • Comfort learning and using new technologies and digital tools
  • Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion
  • Ability to work effectively in a remote environment
  • Willingness to travel up to six times per year
  • Residence within commuting distance of New York City; ability to be in the city a few times a month as needed
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting grantmaking or philanthropic initiatives
  • Experience with communications, storytelling, social media, or content management
  • Experience with CRM, grants management, or database systems
  • Familiarity with creative youth development, arts education, or related fields

What We're Looking For

• Integrity, professionalism, and a positive, collaborative spirit
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional follow-through
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to work
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a service-oriented mindset
• Enthusiasm for the arts, youth development, storytelling, and community impact
• Comfort balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Humility and flexibility in supporting both high-level initiatives and day-to-day operational tasks
• Creativity, good judgment, and a desire to contribute ideas

Pay

Compensation is expected to range from $55,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time position. While most work is performed remotely, candidates must reside within commuting distance of New York City and be available to work in person in Manhattan up to four days per month to meet with the team and key partners.