Program Associate, Strategy & Impact department

Description

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia generates over $60 million of annual philanthropic impact, with financial resource allocation activities coordinated by the Strategy and Impact Department. Reporting to the Director of Impact Systems, the Program Associate provides administrative, coordination, and data-entry support for the department’s grantmaking activities. Key responsibilities include maintaining grant records, screening applications and reports for completeness, preparing materials, coordinating communications and meetings with grantee organizations, and updating the grants management system. The Program Associate also supports research and information sharing across internal departments to help staff advance organizational priorities and collaborate effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Grants Management

• Provide day-to-day administrative support for active grants in the assigned portfolio, including maintaining grant files, preparing and editing routine correspondence and reports, communicating with grantees, and entering information in the grants database. Respond to departmental requests and assist with special assignments as directed.
• Support the screening of potential grantees, schedule meetings, compile docket materials, and assist staff with monitoring ongoing grants.
• Review impact reports from grantees for completeness and accuracy, summarize key information, and prepare draft materials for review by senior staff and leadership.
• Help maintain compliance with Federation grantmaking policies, procedures, documentation requirements, and deadlines.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the Strategy & Impact department by researching and compiling information about organizations, relationships, and community initiatives.
• Coordinate scheduling, materials, logistics, and follow-up for team and grantee meetings, both on- and off-site. For on-site meetings, assist department staff with event preparation and execution. Maintain records of site visits, meeting notes, and follow-up items.

Market Research and Collaboration

• Assist Strategy & Impact colleagues with research, general data analysis, and preparation of reports and presentation materials. Help track relevant research, activities, and trends through professional publications, conferences, meetings, and other events.
• Maintain working knowledge of the priorities and grantee selection criteria for assigned initiatives, along with general awareness of other Federation grantmaking areas.
• Maintain the grants database with grantee information and partner institutions. Gather and organize background information, organizational history, and other data on prospective grantees to support staff review and eligibility screening.
• Share relevant information about partner organizations, such as impact reports or recent media, with internal Federation departments to support organization-wide awareness of funded initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Minimum of 1 - 2 years of administrative, program, grants, philanthropy, or nonprofit experience preferred. Relevant internships or comparable experience may be considered.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to follow established processes, manage multiple assignments, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines; careful attention to detail and follow-through are essential.
• Ability to take initiative within assigned responsibilities, ask appropriate questions, follow direction, and work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to organize and summarize information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with database or grant management software preferred.
• Interest in or familiarity with the Jewish community, nonprofit organizations, and the Greater Philadelphia region preferred. Willingness to learn grantmaking practices, program evaluation, and philanthropy.
• Commitment to the Jewish Federation’s mission, community service, and social impact. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and contribute as part of a team. Professional, courteous interpersonal skills and comfort communicating with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• This position requires being in the Philadelphia office two days a week and collaborating with a team located in Philadelphia and Israel. Additionally, the role involves some local travel for site visits and meetings across the five-county area of Greater Philadelphia and domestic travel for conferences, as necessary and appropriate.

Overview

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.

Our Mission

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to care for those in need locally, support Israel and global Jewry, and secure a vibrant Jewish future.

Commitment to Diversity

We deeply value the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience brought by people from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Jewish institutions. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.

About the Organization:

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we care for those in need, combat antisemitism and global crisis, and strengthen Jewish identity.

Benefits

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.