The JPB Foundation (JPB) seeks nominations and applications for the position of Program Associate, Faith, Bridging & Belonging. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the Program Associate will provide programmatic and administrative support to the Program Officer in the Faith, Bridging & Belonging Program and work as part of a collaborative team to strengthen the operations and administration of the program and The JPB Foundation overall. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to synthesize and communicate information effectively. They should also be highly relational, demonstrating a genuine curiosity and affection for people with a focus on building coalitions and facilitating agreement among individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives. Additionally, they should exhibit a strong sense of optimism and confidence in the country’s potential, coupled with an understanding of the essential components necessary for initiating positive change towards realizing that goal.

About JPB

JPB’s vision is to build the power of those who have been denied it to challenge and change oppressive systems, and advance visions of a more just, democratic, and sustainable world. We are dedicated to long-lasting, systemic change. That means we commit to our partners for the long haul, trusting in the strength and vision of the organizations we support to address some of our country’s most entrenched problems.

JPB was founded in 2011 by Barbara Picower, currently President Emerita of the Foundation, with funds bequeathed by her late husband, Jeffry. In April 2023, JPB announced the selection of Deepak Bhargava as its next President, who transitioned into the role in February 2024. Over the last 10 years, JPB has grown to be one of the largest US foundations, awarding over $300 million in grants each year. Learn more about the transition and leadership team members here.

Faith and Bridging and Belonging

The Faith, Bridging & Belonging Program aims to build an orientation to a "bigger we" by supporting organizations that are taking novel, creative approaches to organizing and engaging people and sectors that are not usually included in social justice movements. Insularity and sectarianism are deadly for pro-democracy movements. Therefore, this program is working toward supporting a super majority of Americans who believe in a durable multiracial democracy and just society. Faith- and spirituality-based groups are one of various constituencies and sectors that we will work to unite under a shared vision. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Associate will report to the new Senior Vice President for Faith, Bridging & Belonging (FBB) and can expect to engage with the team in the following responsibilities and areas of work: 

Program Support

• Portfolio: The PA will work closely with the team on managing and tracking grants; reviewing progress reports and drafting progress report review summaries; coordinating with Grants Management to create and maintain grant records in Fluxx (online grant management system); acquiring information from or delivering information to grantees; conducting research to deepen JPB’s knowledge on current issues in the field or potential grantees including ongoing field tracking and producing written materials for the FBB Team; and other special projects as needed.

• Communications: The PA’s work will include drafting articles about the work of JPB’s FBB Team; managing relationships with philanthropic serving organizations including supporting staff involvement in conferences and speaking engagements; tracking interactions with grantee partners; drafting letters to organizations inquiring about JPB; supporting the team in responding to grantees’ questions; and supporting grantees in JPB’s grant process.

• Meetings: This includes preparing for meetings by assembling background materials; corresponding with meeting participants; sharing agendas and meeting materials with all participants; taking notes and saving in relevant electronic location; following up with items from meetings; participating in webinars, convenings, conferences, and funder briefings coordinated by grantees, other foundations and/or thought leaders; and preparing reports.

Administrative Support 

• Support team management and workflow across the FBB Program. This includes supporting the administration of the FBB Program team meeting.
• Schedule in-person, phone, and virtual meetings, send meeting invitations, reserve rooms, and coordinate with other administrative staff as necessary to facilitate meeting logistics.
• Submit expense reports for the Program Officer and confirm travel itineraries.
• Collaborate with other Program Associates and other JPB staff on cross-program administrative work.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORS

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant full-time work experience in fields related to building coalitions and community across difference with a particular interest in the nonprofit, philanthropic, or public sector;
• A genuine curiosity and affection for people with an orientation towards being of service;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a changing environment;
• Sound judgment and integrity;
• Ability to work effectively in both a collaborative environment and independently;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and able to learn other programs. Experience working with Fluxx a plus;
• Passion for and commitment to JPB’s mission and values; and
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time non-exempt position. JPB deeply values fair and equitable wages that enables people to thrive. As such, individuals that join JPB at this job level will start at the midpoint of their range, which is equivalent to $100,000. JPB offers an extensive and generous benefits package including health insurance (with 100% of the premiums paid for employees, spouses, domestic partners, and qualified family members), paid time off (including last week of the year), 401(k) retirement plan with 12% employer contribution, and access to an inclusive family building reimbursement plan. JPB provides up to $5,000 annually for professional development and the ability to recommend an annual grant to the nonprofit of your choice.

WORKING WITH JPB

We believe that diversity is critical to our mission, and we value an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences related to our programs and applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The JPB Foundation is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate in employment based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age or sexual orientation.

The JPB Foundation is based in Manhattan, NY. JPB staff operates on a hybrid schedule and currently works from the NYC office 3 days weekly, with the flexibility to work remotely two days weekly.

TO APPLY

Please upload your resume and a cover letter that includes short paragraph (3-5 sentences) responding to one of the two below questions so that we can better understand your interest in and alignment with the work of this team: 

The Faith, Bridging & Belonging Program aims to build an orientation to a "bigger we" by supporting organizations that are taking novel, creative approaches to organizing and engaging people and sectors that are not usually included in social justice movements. Insularity and sectarianism are deadly for pro-democracy movements. Therefore, this program is working toward supporting a super majority of Americans who believe in a durable multiracial democracy and just society. Faith- and spirituality-based groups are one of various constituencies and sectors that we will work to unite under a shared vision. 

With this vision in mind, please answer one of the two below questions: 

- What inspires you about that vision?

- What do you see as important core values embedded in that vision?