Initiative Support Associate

We are thankful for the overwhelming interest in this role, however, we are no longer screening newly submitted applications. If you decide to submit an application, and there is a need for additional candidates, we will reach out considering your skills and the requirements for this role.

Position Reports to: Senior Director, Practice Management

Department: Consulting

Location: US-based remote, with a strong preference for candidates within commutable distance to one of NFF’s Offices (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Oakland, and Los Angeles

NFF is a fully remote organization, however, some roles require travel. As we continue to build our organizational culture there are some in person days (staff retreats, etc.) In addition, staff benefit from being able to connect easily with one another.

About NFF

For more than 40 years, we’ve worked to strengthen nonprofits and improve the way money flows to support social good. We do this by providing nonprofits with access to capital, strategic financial consulting, and advocacy, so they advance community health, wealth and well-being.

You can learn more about our work to achieve that vision by reading our Strategic Plan for 2024-2026, our Values, and Theory of Change. 

None of this work would be possible without the incredible people who work here. Our team consists of a diverse group of passionate professionals who care deeply about NFF's mission. You can read more about what it’s like to work here – and read a few examples of “a day in the life” for NFF staff” – on the careers page of our website. 

Thank you for your interest in NFF. We hope you’ll join us.

About the Opportunity

NFF’s Consulting team works with nonprofit organizations, funders, coalitions, networks and other mission-driven partners to address issues of finance within the nonprofit system. The team engages most often with cohorts of nonprofit leaders who are at an inflection point in their organization’s journey and experiencing tremendous change and systemic inequities. We support these leaders by being a thought partner, providing advice on ways to build financial strength, and informing decision-making through analysis. We believe we can only succeed when recognizing and complementing the organization’s unique strengths, aspirations, and values. 

We provide customized consulting to thousands of organizations throughout the country. In 2023, NFF provided one-on-one support to over 208 organizations, with the goal of helping to build their capacity and sustainability as they work to create a more just and vibrant society. 

NFF is hiring two Initiative Support Associates who will play a key role in developing and maintaining the infrastructure, workflow processes, and systems necessary to promote effective client delivery and team support. The Initiative Support Associateswill support a team of Consultants and the Consulting Department’s infrastructure and diverse portfolio of work. This individual will contribute to projects, initiatives, and department processes essential to delivering high-quality consulting services 

Initiative Support Associates work closely with practice managers and senior consultants, engaging across a wide cross-section of the team to provide project administration and management, logistics coordination, sector-specific research, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data like nonprofit financial statements and client strategic plans, surveys, and impact reports. This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented implementer who ensures key systems, processes, and initiatives run smoothly, supporting the Consulting Department with delivering client services and ensuring an exceptional client experience.

The position can be based remotely, with a strong preference for candidates within commuting distance to an NFF office (Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia). There is potential for up to 10% travel for local/national conferences, all-staff meetings and department retreats. 

The Associate, Consulting will report to the Senior Director, Consulting who is based in New York.

What you’ll do 

Project, Initiative & Practice Management  

• Plan and manage multiple project work plans, meeting internal and external deliverables in an efficient and timely manner in compliance with NFF rules and regulations
• Manage key administrative functions in support of efficient operations and achievement of program goals including supporting the development of analyses and materials for internal and external meetings and follow up on items resulting from the meetings 
• Develop a process to collect client financial information, data capture, and scheduling; track and manage progress against budget, capacity, and delivery targets
• Coordinate logistics for client events both in-person and virtual including building and managing the attendee list, scheduling, coordinating team communication, selecting venue or virtual platform, and organizing event materials and meals
• Support client-facing financial processes, including report timelines, invoicing and billing for program engagements, tracking re-grant disbursements, and coordinating documentation with internal team members and external partners
• Identify opportunities for improvements; recommend policy or process changes as appropriate

Conduct in-depth analyses, assessments, and sector research 

• Update and maintain database in Salesforce including keeping financial and impact records and other documents organized and up to date
• Support colleagues with initial assessments, data analysis and sector research
• Manage and monitor client data, reports, files, and research
• Support the development, distribution, collection and analysis of client outcome and demographic surveys
• Conduct research to support client engagements, including sector trends, nonprofit financial benchmarks, and best practices in leadership and strategy

Support with the design and delivery of new and innovative client work 

• Lead event logistics and support the execution of client-facing workshops, training sessions, and convenings. Responsibilities include scheduling, attendee management, preparing materials, and ensuring seamless virtual or in-person execution
• Support the development of presentations for clients that both identify and communicate key findings and recommendations for addressing core strategic and financial issues
• Contribute to high quality client deliverables, including PPT presentations, engagement letters, research reports, and workshop/training curriculum.   
• Provide team support to accomplish initiative goals, research methods for improvement and contribute to providing recommendations while anticipating future needs
• Contribute to NFF as a learning organization that seeks to advance the sector 

Who you are

• You have a minimum of 1 year of professional work experience, preferably in nonprofit management, philanthropy, government, consulting and/or financial services
• You have a strong relationship-building approach with the ability to center the needs of internal team members and consulting clients
• You enjoy collaborating with team members who are working together to re-envision how we combine investments and financial expertise to drive change in communities 
• You have strong analytical and research skills and ability to work with large amounts of data to create reports and presentations independently 
• You are proficient with Microsoft Outlook Applications (e.g., Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and have the ability to build flexible, efficient financial models and clear presentations. Experience with Salesforce and Asana are a plus
• You are a self-starter who takes ownership and demonstrates accountability
• You have strong organizational and time management skills to support multiple projects and work plans simultaneously
• You possess effective communication skills on project timelines and deliverables, both written and verbal, and an eagerness to collaborate with colleagues (within and outside of Consulting Department) in sharing insights, resources, and learnings 
• You are flexible, adaptable, and willing to pivot on short notice to meet the organization’s needs 
• You are committed to continuous improvement and demonstrate a growth mindset
• You embody NFF’s mission, core values and commitment to equity

Compensation

At NFF, we are invested in discussing the depth and breadth of each candidate’s background and experience during the interview process and using that information to determine the best offer while considering internal pay equity. The salary range for this position is $68,000-$72,000. If provided an offer, NFF will determine salary compensation based on relevant skills and years of experience. NFF also takes into consideration internal equity in setting salary bands for each role. NFF provides an attractive benefits package that currently includes up to 18 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, unlimited vacation time off, health insurance with a NFF funded health reimbursement account. We offer both employer match and non-match contributions toward a retirement plan. We provide a “work from home” fund, and flexible spending accounts that cover medical, commuter, and childcare costs.  

Please Note

All salaries are commensurate with experience and include an attractive benefits package.

NFF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or military or veteran status in accordance with federal law. In addition, NFF complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it maintains facilities. NFF also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. NFF does not employ individuals based outside of the United States. 

This job posting provides a general list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required for this position. It does not represent a contract for employment and NFF reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without notice.

Click here to view NFF’s Fair and Equitable Practices.