Program Associate
Open Society Foundations
U.S. Programs – Democracy Fund
May, 2015
The Open Society Foundations’ U.S. Programs currently seeks a Program Associate to support grantmaking in non-profit journalism, media and technology policy and judicial independence. This work is part of U.S. Programs’ work toward an inclusive and accountable American democracy. Broadly, work in this area includes support for efforts that increase access to high-quality information to further public discourse and debate; promote open and effective government; ensure equal access to the vote and protect voting rights; address the undue influence of money in politics and on policymaking; and that strive to keep courts fair and impartial. We employ various tools to this end, including primarily grantmaking, but also support programmatic advocacy, legal, communications and organizing work, to stimulate debate and achieve systemic change. It is through this work on issues of American democracy that U.S. Programs works to promote an informed and engaged public, ensure a responsive and effective government, and advance political equality. The other areas of particular emphasis in U.S. Programs’ grant-making and other activities are:
- A fair criminal justice system
- Full political, economic, and civic participation of communities of color and immigrants
- Equitable economic growth.
Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.
We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, drug policy, criminal and civil justice, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, human rights, international migration, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as provide direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards. The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations.
Job Profile
The Program Associate will support the programmatic and administrative work of U.S. Program’s Democracy Fund, and will directly report to the Director of the Fund. Essential responsibilities will include the following:
- Work as part of a close-knit team to ensure grantmaking and programmatic work is of the highest quality and timeliness
- Organize the project’s docket calendar, enter data into grants database, process and track payment requests and budget allocations
- Draft/edit correspondence and memoranda, letters to grant applicants, and grant recommendation documents
- Assist the team with monitoring grants through review of proposals and budgets, narrative and financial reports, and other communication with grantees
- Coordinate logistics for internal meetings, including scheduling, booking rooms, preparing materials, and setting up conference calls
- Assist in program administration as needed, including liaising with administrative officer and updating and maintaining electronic and paper files in good order
- Handle correspondence and calendars for program/department staff as needed
- Liaise with the grants management, legal, and finance departments as needed in order ensure smooth and timely processing of grants, contracts, and payments
- Act as a point of contact for grant-and program-related inquiries and respond to routine inquiries from applicants and others
- Assist in the preliminary reviews of the quality and completeness of documentation of proposals and request additional information from applicants as directed
- Attend, observe, and participate in strategy meetings with program staff, as directed, in order to take notes and complete routine documentation
- Assist in compiling, editing and drafting program material, including updates to the OSF website;
- Perform research and assist with special projects as requested
- Occasional travel may be required
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of two to three years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- NGO, government, or foundation experience preferred
- Experience or demonstrated interest in non-profit journalism, media policy and/or fair courts a plus
- Flexible and willing to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks
- A sense of humor and thirst for learning is a must. The ideal candidate stays abreast of political and public policy trends, social media developments, legal precedents, and philanthropic initiatives
- Excellent written English, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills
- Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office
- Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences
- Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues
- High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary
- Poised, works well under pressure, attentive to detail
- Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Start Date: June, 2015
Application Deadline: May 19, 2015
To Apply:
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements by May 19, 2015 to: humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org with the code: PA-DF
The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.