Program Associate (RISE Together Fund/Proteus Fund)

Company Name

RISE Together Fund/Proteus Fund

Company City

New York

Company State

NY

Job Location

Remote | USA-based

Company Information

Proteus Fund connects philanthropy to the frontlines of social justice. We strive to advance the interconnected goals of racial, gender, queer and disability justice, and an inclusive, fully representative democracy. To do our work effectively and with significant impact, Proteus Fund creates dynamic relationships between progressive philanthropists, movement leaders, and other allies that go far beyond transactional grantmaking. Our trusted position among funders and field actors enables us to support, both through collaborative grantmaking and other efforts, a broad array of strategies to achieve social justice victories. Our donor collaboratives are best-in-class models for bridging responsive philanthropy and cutting-edge social justice movements for deeper impact, aligning resources to address critical needs, and shaping strategy alongside our partners. Through our fiscal sponsorship program, Proteus Fund partners with initiatives which play a powerful role in the larger ecosystem for social change, providing them with tailored and comprehensive organizational support.

To date, Proteus Fund, and its affiliated 501c4 organization, the Proteus Action League, have distributed $280 million in grants, and provided other essential tools to support activists, advocates, networks, coalitions, and issue-specific campaigns at the local, state, and national level. Proteus Fund is headquartered in New York City, with staff based across the entire United States.

ABOUT RISE TOGETHER FUND AND RISE ACTION

The RISE Together Fund (RTF) and RISE Together Action Fund (RTAF) support cutting-edge Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (BAMEMSA) field-led work. RTF bolsters its national grantmaking with programming, field building, and technical assistance to build and expand the capacity of the BAMEMSA movement toward racial, gender, and queer justice and a fully inclusive and representative democracy. Since 2008, RTF has funded directly impacted voices to lead policy and social change in BAMEMSA communities. RTF is the first and only national donor collaborative dedicated to supporting the critical work of BAMEMSA individuals and organizations facing anti-Muslim targeting, hate crimes, and xenophobia. In 2021, RTF’s grantees spanned 18 states and since 2008, RTF has granted more than $18 million and reached more than 500 organizations.

Job Description

Under the supervision of the RISE Together Fund (RTF) Program Director, the Program Associate provides critical operational, logistical and administrative support to the RTF team to ensure efficient completion of the team’s objectives, including supporting all aspects of RTF’s grantmaking activities, program development, capacity and field building efforts as well as the implementation and execution of RTF’s fundraising strategy.

This is a full-time (40 hour per week) U.S.-based remote position.

Key Responsibilities

• With the Grants Management and RTF teams, support the grant making process, including both the management of the docket preparation schedule and process for grant docket meetings, as well as all onsite or virtual logistics, including meeting space, audiovisual needs, etc. Manage logistics and support for online events, including webinars, briefings and retreats.
• Provide research support to the Program Director and Program Officers, including gathering information from grantees and conducting interviews for grant reports to highlight grantee achievements. As needed, conduct landscape analyses, due diligence and assist with write-ups to recommend funding.
• Provide research support to the Program Director and Strategic Partnerships Officer, including preparing for donor meetings, analyzing grantmaking trends, researching funding prospects, and drafting grant proposals and reports in part or in full. Support the Strategic Partnerships Officer by maintaining systems to track funding prospects and outreach.
• Establish, develop, maintain and update department database and files, including donor and grantee information, MailChimp lists, meeting notes and other document templates.
• Support the Program Director with administrative needs, including preparing responses to phone or email inquiries when necessary; responding to regularly occurring requests for information; completing expense reports and credit card reconciliation; scheduling and organizing activities such as meetings, travel, conferences and department activities.
• In collaboration with Program Director, monitor the annual budget for the RTF team, including grantmaking budgets, program expenses and cash flow.
• Support the Program Officer and RISE Organizing facilitators with all administrative and logistical needs associated with the RISE Organizing listserv, field calls and rapid response activities, including scheduling, note-taking, audio-visuals and agenda ideation amongst other activities.
• Working with the RTF team, write and edit promotional materials and other communications for RTF, including grantee stories and website/social media updates, on RTF activities for internal and external audiences.
• Draft, edit and design correspondence using MailChimp to send e-blasts to external audiences, including invitations to docket meetings and funder briefings, announcements and key updates.
• Act as a liaison with other departments such as Grants Management and Finance. Handle confidential information.
• Support the team in drafting and inputting RTF contracts and works with external contractors to ensure payment and contract execution. Ensure grantee stipends and reimbursements are executed in a timely manner.
• Act as project manager for special projects at the request of the Program Director, which may include: planning and coordinating events, trainings or presentations, disseminating information, coordinating mailings and emails, and presenting on various issues of concern to the BAMEMSA field.
• Represent the RTF team at external events in-person or virtually such as government hearings, grantee and philanthropic events and reports findings back to the team.

COMPENSATION

The starting salary for this role is $59,000 to $71,000 and is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, skill set level, years of previous/applicable experience, and Proteus Fund’s commitment to ensuring pay equity within the organization. The recruiting team will share more details regarding salary bands based on the candidate’s specific geographic location as well as the other factors noted above. Salary is one part of the total compensation that Proteus Fund provides to employees.

BENEFITS

Proteus Fund is committed to ensuring that its employees are supported holistically, from compensation, benefits and resources to an enriching work environment and collaborative culture. Proteus Fund leads the market in a number of its offerings, including a sector-leading retirement plan contribution and robust benefits package. The recruiting team will share more information regarding this commitment and offerings.

• Medical and dental benefits for employee and eligible dependents available on first day of work
• Retirement savings account (401k) with an organization contribution of 10% of annual salary
• Three weeks paid vacation in first year of work; four weeks in subsequent years
• Fifteen sick days per year
• Three personal days per year
• Fifteen paid holidays
• Professional development initiatives for growth
• Life insurance
• Paid family leave, short-term, and long-term disability

Job Qualifications

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The Program Associate possess a deep understanding of the BAMEMSA experience, a commitment to advancing the rights of BAMEMSA field, and a track record of working with these diverse communities. They have two years + of formal or informal experience supporting a team in a non-profit setting or other equivalent experience. The Program Associate possesses exceptional attention to detail, quality writing and editing skills, and strong interpersonal and organizational skills. We value candidates who can demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them transition into this role.

Additional requirements and experience include:

• A working knowledge or commitment to learning the substance, dynamics and priorities within the field of national security, racial justice and civil rights and demonstrates sensitivity and cultural competency related to the work of the BAMEMSA field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skillful, culturally competent communication and ability to manage communications tactfully and professionally.
• Excellent analytical and research skills.
• Proficiency at juggling competing priorities while remaining organized and strong project management skills, such as creating realistic timelines and proactively identifying and flagging potential roadblocks to meeting deadlines.
• Excelling at tasks requiring high attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (or similar platform); knowledge of Office 365 and video conferencing platforms. Ability and comfort with learning new technologies.
• Emotional intelligence to navigate sensitive and sometimes difficult subjects impacting a diverse set of communities in the U.S.
• Alignment to Culture and Values:
  • Commitment to the mission and values of progressive social justice movements and RTF’s commitment to resourcing the BAMEMSA field equitably
  • Cultural responsiveness and an alignment with our values and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging
  • Strong relationship building, high ethical standards, discretion, and tact
  • Personal qualities of humility and empathy

How to Apply

For consideration, please submit a resume and a detailed cover letter by March 10, 2023 that describes: 1) Your interest in the position and RTF/RTAF, 2) Your experiences that satisfy the requirements and qualifications listed above, and 3) How you learned of this position. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.

Proteus Fund believes that one of the greatest strengths of an organization is the rich diversity of its staff and board and is committed to providing equal employment and promotional opportunities based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, ethnicity, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under the law. Proteus Fund’s policies and practices are to reflect Proteus Fund’s commitment to nondiscrimination in all areas of employment.

Proteus Fund welcomes everyone to our team. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ, women, non-binary people, and individuals with disabilities to apply. Proteus Fund is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Proteus will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at or 413-256-0349 option 3. Additionally, throughout this document, use of the pronoun “they” is intended to be inclusive of humans who identify as non-binary as well as those of gender expansive identities and experiences.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Please note, in an effort to maintain and safeguard staff’s health, well-being, and safety, Proteus Fund requires all staff to be vaccinated prior to their employment and to adhere to the regular upkeep of COVID-19 vaccination requirements as per CDC recommendations while employed. Proof of the CDC recommended level of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment with Proteus Fund.