Leonard Lieberman Philanthropy Fellowship – Program Associate (search reopened)

Overview

The Fund for New Jersey, a private grantmaking foundation, works to improve the quality of public policy decision-making on the most significant issues affecting the people of New Jersey and our region. Our grantmaking advances systemic and sustainable solutions to public problems through the work of policy, advocacy, analysis, and organizing. In addition to work on issue areas including budget & finance, climate & environment, criminal justice, education, housing, immigration, poverty, and public media, The Fund has strong commitments to advancing racial justice, ending structural racism, and expanding democratic participation.

We encourage aspiring leaders in public policy to apply for this two-year fellowship position, named in honor of New Jersey public policy leader Leonard Lieberman, who served The Fund with distinction from 1987 to 2015 and led the Board as Chair from 1997 to 2008.

The Lieberman Fellow/Program Associate will learn about all aspects of the work of a private foundation and will work to address many of New Jersey’s most significant policy issues. See The Fund’s website for details of our work.

The Program Associate will contribute to programmatic and strategic work of The Fund, including:

·       Contributing to invitation, review, and evaluation of grant inquiries and proposals

·       Conducting site visits with potential and current grantees

·       Preparing materials and presenting grants quarterly for board consideration

·       Managing and reporting grantmaking outcome evaluations

·       Representing The Fund at meetings and conferences

·       Completing issue-focused research to support and expand grantmaking

·       Tracking relevant statewide policy updates to develop and author monthly newsletter highlighting the work of The Fund and its grantee partners

·       Editing and providing constructive feedback to colleagues’ writing

·       Managing digital communications and developing social media and website content

·       Assisting with special initiatives by providing research, administrative, and social media support

·       Preparing background materials for meetings and assisting with program-related correspondence

Most of the work will be done remotely or from The Fund’s office in Princeton. The position requires occasional travel throughout New Jersey to visit grantee partner organizations, attend conferences and meetings, or to advance learning (depending on Covid restrictions).

The Program Associate will be encouraged to develop their own expertise and, in consultation with colleagues, work responsibilities will be adjusted to make best use of the Program Associate’s particular skills and interests and to support their professional development.

The strongest candidate will have demonstrated experience and qualities, including:

·       A Bachelor’s degree including coursework in policy, politics, economics, sociology, environmental studies, or related fields. Graduate work a plus.

·       Understanding of and enthusiasm for public policy and social change related to an array of issues affecting New Jersey.

·       Commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion in substance and in process.

·       Strong organizational skills; ability to coordinate, prioritize and execute multi-faceted workload with competing deadlines.

·       Ability to carry out responsibilities with sensitivity, discretion, and diplomacy.

·       Familiarity with social media and media management tools.

·       Excellent writing, research, and editing skills.

·       Strong technology skills and ease with basic quantitative analysis.

·       Ability to think clearly, listen well, and ask good questions.

 

This is a two-year position expected to begin in December 2022  or January 2023. Salary range $55,000-$65,000 depending on experience. Generous benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contribution, vacation and sick time, and support for professional development. The Fund has a small, energetic, and highly collaborative staff. It offers an exceptional work environment with opportunities for mentorship and networking. The Fund promotes, values, and respects diversity.

To apply:  Please send a cover letter describing your interest and fit for the Lieberman Fellow/Program Associate position. Also include your resume, a short writing sample (no more than 1,000 words), and a list of three references.

Send all materials to jobs@fundfornj.org, as soon as possible.