Program Associate

Mott Philanthropic seeks a highly motivated and organized Program Associate to join an advisory firm that works with individuals and family foundations to develop effective philanthropic strategies. The Program Associate will join a small team of professionals who are responsible for working with Mott’s clients to inform their strategies and implement and oversee their grant making. Families and foundations working with Mott Philanthropic have a breadth of grant making interests, particularly reproductive justice and civic engagement but also including early education, healthcare, arts, climate justice, and fiscal policy.

The Program Associate will contribute to a small team of program staff by supporting the vetting and evaluation of organizations being considered for grants and participating in the ongoing monitoring of current grantees funded by clients of Mott Philanthropic. The Program Associate plays an active role in informing the ongoing grant-making strategies of clients by participating in and contributing to internal strategy conversations and strategy conversations with clients; conducting thorough research and staying abreast of developments in fields related to a client’s interests; and building networks with peer grant makers and thought leaders.

Applicants should possess excellent research and writing skills, be detailed-oriented, and able to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced office environment. Prior experience in a foundation environment is not required, although prior experience working in a nonprofit organization is desired.

Reporting to the Director of Programs, this position is based in downtown Boston. Mott Philanthropic currently maintains a hybrid work environment.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

Research and Grant Management

• Conduct research and produce research reports and other written materials on various issue areas, including reproductive justice, civic engagement, criminal justice, education, immigration, and other client-requested areas of interest.
• Respond to information requests and research and prepare relevant background information for meetings and presentations.
• Identify potential grantees, research their activities, and impact, and prepare briefs for review by the team.
• Review grant proposals and reports; provide written summaries and recommendations.
• Collaborate with team members to develop program strategies and proposals for clients.
• Maintain knowledge about clients’ fields of interest.
• Build and maintain relationships with a small portfolio of grantees, serving as the main point of contact and supporting their grant requests.
• Monitor and track grantee progress, ensuring that reporting requirements are met and funds are distributed as intended.
• Support grantee evaluation and impact assessment, providing feedback to the team as needed.

Client Relations and Administration

• Represent the firm with a high level of professionalism in all interactions with clients, grantees, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently between staff, consultants, clients, and grantees, ensuring that action items and needs are clearly articulated and met.
• Collaborate with other team members to develop and deliver effective communication strategies for clients and grantees.
• Develop client materials, such as board packages, and draft and edit other written materials for board and other client meetings.
• Facilitate discussions and take accurate minutes, summarizing key points and action items for follow-up.
• Collaborate with other team members to develop program strategies and proposals for clients and grantees.
• Support the development and execution of events and conferences to engage clients, grantees, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in due diligence processes, including conducting site visits and analyzing financial information.
• Support Grants Manager as needed in processing of grant materials, including gift agreements, payments and reports.
• Organize, draft, edit, and manage various Program communications with current and potential grantees.
• Draft, edit, and develop other business correspondence as directed in support of the Program team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant work experience, preferably in a philanthropic or nonprofit organization
• Exceptional professionalism and ability to positively represent the firm during all client interactions
• Passion for promoting civic engagement and advancing reproductive justice
• Excellent research and analytical skills; demonstrated ability to conduct online research and information gathering
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly and concisely
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
• Experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of issues related to equity and inclusion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience working with a database

Other Requirements

• The position requires occasional work on nights and weekends and some out-of-state travel.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $75,000-$90,000. Mott Philanthropic covers 90 percent of employees’ health and dental benefits. Employees receive paid holiday, sick, and vacation time.

Please forward a cover letter and resume to hr@mottphilanthropic.com. No phone calls, please.

Mott Philanthropic is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.