Program Associate - Healthy Children and Families

About the Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), located in Princeton, N.J., is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. We work to dismantle structural racism and other barriers to health. Since 1972, we have focused on developing and promoting innovations in health and healthcare to improve the lives of millions. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we collaborate with communities, practitioners, and institutions to achieve health equity and pave the way to a future where health is a right, not a privilege.

RWJF pursues three Generational Goals: Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing, Equitable and Accountable Public Health and Healthcare Systems, and Healthy and Equitable Community Conditions. Our work is guided by principles rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, shaping an inclusive organization where all staff thrive while addressing pressing health issues.

About Healthy Children and Families

The Healthy Children and Families (HCF) strategic portfolio aligns with all of RWJF’s Generational Goals, with a focus on Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing. We aim to create a country where all families have the resources to raise healthy, thriving children and where everyone lives with dignity. Our work supports a new social contract that values people over economic production, ensures access to care, and recognizes caregivers' critical roles.

HCF is part of the Strategic Portfolios department, which collaborates across shared goals to drive transformational change for wellbeing.

About the Role

Reporting to the Associate Managing Director of HCF, the Program Associate will ground their work in equity while supporting operational, programmatic, and strategic grantmaking efforts. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting portfolio leadership in coordination and management.
• Conducting research and learning projects.
• Collaborating with internal and external colleagues, consultants, advisors, grantees, and applicants to implement strategies and plans.
• Supporting the development, management, and monitoring of team workplans to fulfill portfolio objectives.
• Assisting program officers and HCF leadership in designing and implementing new initiatives and portfolio-level events.
• Supporting grant and contract solicitation, evaluation, and approval processes, including writing and reviewing concepts and proposals.

Program Associates play a critical role in both operations and programming, ensuring the HCF team’s commitment to health equity. All staff are accountable for centering equity in philanthropic practice and demonstrating a passionate commitment to RWJF’s mission and Guiding Principles.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Operations (20%): Support day-to-day operations and team coordination.
• Program Development, Implementation, and Management (50%): Assist in designing and executing program initiatives, events, and activities.
• Grantmaking and Other Processes (30%): Support grant and contract processes, including solicitation, evaluation, and approval.

Requirements

• Demonstrated deep social justice values and commitment to racial justice, equitable philanthropic practices, and RWJF’s vision and Guiding Principles.
• Professional commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with experience working with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong understanding of structural barriers to health, including structural racism, and commitment to equitable and antiracist practices.
• Two years of relevant experience or a master’s degree in a related field.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Strong secondary and desk research skills, with the ability to quickly develop knowledge across health, health equity, systems change, and social determinants of health.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise summaries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, curious, and learning-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Word), Salesforce, and online grants management systems.

Candidates with the following experience will be considered for a higher placement within the salary range:

• Four years of related programmatic experience in a foundation or nonprofit organization focused on children and families.
• Six years of related programmatic experience in a foundation or nonprofit organization focused on children and families.

Schedule

This position is assigned to the Princeton, N.J. office. RWJF operates under a Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP) model, which provides flexibility while requiring on-site participation based on job responsibilities, team needs, and mandatory gatherings. Employees are expected to plan their time on-site and cover commuting expenses as needed.

Pay

The non-negotiable starting salary for this position is $84,000. Candidates with directly related experience exceeding the minimum requirements may receive a higher starting salary of up to $92,400.

Benefits

RWJF offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits, generous paid time off, and additional perks. A transition stipend is provided to all new hires to assist with job-related transition costs.