Program Assistant – Democracy Program

Program Assistant – Democracy Program

Program Assistant – Democracy Program 150 150 Meg4WF
Wyss Foundation
Published
June 2, 2022
Location
Washington
Job Type
Contact Name (not public)
Meg Nemlich
Main Phone
2022324418

Description

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.  The Wyss Foundation’s philanthropy supports national, state, and local projects that promote conservation, economic security for working families, women’s equality, and democracy. Each philanthropic investment seeks to encourage new ideas and new solutions that expand the reach of human possibility and compassion.

The Democracy Program seeks to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate in the democratic process and that the government is reflective of the people. It supports projects that educate the public about our constitutional rights and responsibilities, encourage civic participation, and protect the institutions of democracy in the United States.

The Program Assistant will provide general support to the Democracy Program’s grantmaking teams.  They will report to senior program staff, but will work collaboratively with all Foundation employees.  The day-to-day work will be carried out under supervision, and may involve limited travel.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Support

  • Perform independent research on policy issues, government programs, social and economic data and other topics;
  • Track policy developments at the state and federal level;
  • Support and collaborate with partners, thought leaders and other organizations committed to a vibrant democracy;
  • Draft research reports, summary memos, strategy papers and other written products as needed;
  • Compile data and summary charts and spreadsheets.

Grant Support

  • Assist with the preparation and review of grant financials, budgets and work plans;
  • Review grant proposals and grant reports as requested to ensure documentation is complete;
  • Draft/edit routine correspondence and memoranda, send standard letters to grant applicants, ensure that grant documentation, supporting documentation, and docket memos are timely and in proper order;
  • Conduct evaluations of current and potential grantees;
  • Attend and help organize meetings of grantees as needed.

Administrative Support

  • Coordinate with grants management team as directed to, among other tasks: input data into grants tracking software system, produce reports, process and track contracts and grant payment requests for program initiatives and follow up with grantees on overdue reports;
  • Assist in all office administrative tasks including: logistical aspects of Board meetings, Foundation events and workshops, preparation of board books and materials, organizing phone or video links, planning conference events and updating Foundation website;
  • Maintain and update working files and databases as necessary.

Perform other duties as assigned.

 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university;
  • 1 – 2 years relevant employment experience;
  • Background in policy advocacy;
  • NGO or foundation experience/demonstrated interest preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Ability to write quickly, cogently, and with perfect grammar;
  • An analytical mind and an ability to read and digest information quickly;
  • Superior listening and communication skills;
  • Strong computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software quickly;
  • Willingness to accept changes in priorities and meet deadlines;
  • Discretion, sound judgement and an ability to handle confidential issues;
  • High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently when necessary;
  • Poise;
  • Appropriate attention to detail;
  • Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
  • Ability to work as part of a team;
  • Pleasant attitude and a service-oriented approach.

 

This position will also be responsible for other duties as required to support Foundation goals. It is anticipated that over time the general and specific responsibilities are likely to change as the Foundation’s activities and resources change.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package.

The Wyss Foundation is an equal opportunity employer

How To Apply

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter with the subject line “LAST NAME – Program Assistant” to the Human Resources Department at HR@wyssfoundation.org