Website Ford Foundation
About Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is an American private foundation with the mission of advancing human welfare. It was established in 1936 by Edsel Ford and Henry Ford. The foundation operates independently of the Ford Motor Company and has focused its efforts on social justice, including human rights, reduction of poverty, education, and democratic values. It supports initiatives and organizations globally and is recognized as a leading philanthropic organization with a comprehensive approach to grant-making and investments. The Ford Foundation’s mission is to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.
About this Role
The Ford Foundation seeks a dynamic Program Associate to join the Mission Investments team. The Program Associate will play a pivotal role in advancing a shared strategy that leverages both grant-making and investments for impact. They will lead research, analysis, and coordination for the team’s active portfolio while acting as a conduit for shared learning across the team and the foundation. This position provides an exceptional opportunity for early-to-mid-career professionals to work at the intersection of philanthropy and impact investing, contributing significantly to strategic conversations and actions that support the Foundation’s core mission and values.
Responsibilities
- Review grant proposals and prepare analysis reflecting grant outcomes and contributions to the team’s strategic goals.
- Engage in preliminary conversations with prospective grantees and partners, and make recommendations for follow-up.
- Help plan and manage webinars and activities for grantees and investees on topics of shared interest.
- Coordinate grant and investee diligence and management with other funders and investors.
- Conduct research and analytics using both external and internal resources.
- Summarize research findings in written documents, databases, and presentations.
- Conduct regular check-in conversations with grantees.
- Coordinate with team members on planning grantee convenings and network sessions.
- Develop and prepare background research and meeting materials for convenings.
- Plan and execute learning sessions for Ford Foundation colleagues and/or grantees.
- Collaborate with the Chief Innovation Officer on innovation mechanisms.
- Represent Mission Investments at meetings and conferences.
Requirements
- A minimum of four years of work experience, with at least three years in program-related support in the social development sector.
- College degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Strong proficiency with data collection, review, analysis, and reporting.
- Strong proficiency with software platforms, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and databases.
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
- Client-service orientation.
- Ability to be a productive community member, respecting differences and working toward shared goals.
- Comfort with periods of ambiguity and constructive participation in ongoing organizational development.
- Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor.
- Willingness to work in New York City.
Benefits
- Hybrid working model and flexible work arrangements.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits from the first day.
- Generous time off including personal, vacation, sick, and wellness days.
- Generous parental leave policy and resources for family care.
- Comprehensive retirement benefits options with up to 13% contributions.
- Commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace with equal employment opportunities.
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