Program Associate

Ruderman Family Foundation

Newton Center, MA

Full-Time

Job Description

Organization Overview and Mission Statement:
The Ruderman Family Foundation believes that inclusion and understanding of all people is essential to a fair and flourishing community. Guided by our Jewish values, we support effective programs, innovative partnerships, and a dynamic approach to philanthropy in our core areas of interest: advocating for and advancing awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health among young adults; fostering a more nuanced understanding of the American Jewish community among Israeli leaders; and modeling the practice of strategic philanthropy worldwide. The Foundation provides funding, leadership, expertise, and insight in both the U.S. and Israel.

The work of the Ruderman Family Foundation reflects our core values of social justice, innovation, collaboration, and agility. We seek to publicize broadly what we do in our programs and how we do it, in order to inspire full inclusion and to encourage strategic philanthropy.

The Foundation is deeply involved in advocacy and speaks out publicly against injustices, which is why we are cited and mentioned in nation-wide media outlets on a weekly basis. Furthermore, our Ruderman White Papers are on the forefront of bringing previously undiscussed issues to the national conversation and to the public consciousness.

The Foundation maintains close working relationships with its program partners and grantees. Unlike some other foundations, it does not accept unsolicited applications for support. The Foundation issues an invitation to partner only after a thorough analysis indicates shared vision, innovation, organizational strength, and a willingness to closely collaborate. It seeks out other major funders with which to partner and promotes broad information sharing about successes in its mission. Foundation staff are very involved in program development and remain very involved in major programs funded over multiple years. Single-year and pilot programs are also thoroughly monitored.

Job Description

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ruderman Family Foundation seeks an experienced and creative professional Program Associate to capitalize on the important mission and history of the organization as well as strengthen and expand the organization's program and grant activities. The Program Associate reports to the Deputy Director.

• Engaging stakeholders in promoting inclusion nationally and globally.

• Help develop quality programs and initiatives and deliver at a fast pace.

• Help develop and lead comprehensive, impactful, and innovative programs and grants in concert with the directors and staff.

• Accomplishes program objectives by selecting and overseeing consultants, community leaders and other business professionals; communicating expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing contributions.

• Oversees coordination of programs and grants to ensure appropriate and relevant content, as well as proper planning, execution, and evaluation.

• Provides direct and indirect communication and outreach to and requests and coordinates feedback from key service populations to inform program development and improvement.

• Represents the organization at professional conferences, association meetings, community meetings, and related events where appropriate.

• Drafts program budgets in concert with the Business Manager and manages program expense budget.

• Plays a key role in tracking the progress of Ruderman Family Foundation Awardees, assessing their impact, and sourcing further opportunities for investment of Foundation resources.

• Assist in accomplishing program objectives by overseeing consultants, community leaders, and other business professionals; communicating expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising on behalf of RFF.

• Apply the Foundation’s investment philosophy objectively and consistently across all the candidate organizations being considered, while at the same time continually raising the bar in key areas, like assessing impact, year over year.

• Provides ongoing communication to all stakeholders with regards to program outcomes.

• Coordinate direct and indirect communication and outreach, and to requests and coordinate feedback from key service populations to inform program development and improvement.

• Collaborates with advocacy and communications staff to produce newsletters, brochures, information pieces, and website content.

• Drafts program budgets.

• Draft progress reports.

• Positively contributes to the learning and collaborative spirit of an international foundation.

• Participates in the Ruderman Family Foundation programs and always represents the organization in the best light.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• BA degree required.

• Demonstrated experience in working toward positive social change.

• 4 years of work experience in the Philanthropic field.

• 2-3 years of Project Management experience.

• Skilled in developing educational programs and training.

• Advanced research and writing skills.

• Experience in budget development and fiscal management.

• Experienced in organizing online and offline events.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Ability to lead and advance a team of professionals with a positive attitude
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience developing, building and coordinating national and/or international programs
• Experience working with philanthropic organizations
• Ability to work in a family, small office environment
• Self-starter with ability to keep on task to meet program deadlines
• Social media and website management
• Experienced in developing marketing materials

PERSONAL TRAITS
• Loyalty, honesty, adaptability, and integrity.

• Able to use discretion where required.

• Able to communicate openly in a respectful manner with all levels • of the Foundation.

• Common sense.

• Charismatic and personable.

BENEFITS
Benefits include employer subsidized healthcare, HSA plan, vision plan, and dental plan; short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off including most Jewish Holidays in addition to Federal holidays; and professional development opportunities.