Program Associate

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation

Program Associate — Global Programs

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation (STBF) is a private grantmaking foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. We work towards a world in which every woman controls her reproduction, and all reproductive decisions are treated with dignity and respect. Toward this end, our core mission is to prevent unintended pregnancy and ensure access to safe abortion.

Position Title: Program Associate 

Reports To: Senior Program Officer, Global Programs

Job Location: Washington, DC or Omaha, Nebraska

Classification: Exempt

Background | STBF’s Global Programs (GP) strategy invests in sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world. At the core of our strategy is the central tenet that our funding will lead to sustainable change: we want our funding to help transform the systems, and strengthen the organizations and institutions that will outlive our grantmaking so that women and girls will continue to receive services when our funding comes to an end. In order to deliver on this ambitious strategy, the GP team is expanding thoughtfully, adding strategic and grants management capacity in key areas. Compared to the size of its grantmaking, the GP team is small in staff size, though growing globally. Compared to the size of its grantmaking, the GP team is small in staff size. We are thoughtfully growing our team with colleagues who will think critically about the sustainability of the investments we make. We aim to identify opportunities for impact by questioning, piloting, reflecting, learning, and putting learned information to effective use. We are not afraid to fail or change our approach in light of new learnings. We regard our investments as partnerships, and, therefore, regard our grantees as our partners.

Position Description | The primary role of the Program Associate is to support members of the Global Programs team based in Washington, DC, in various aspects of grant management and strategy implementation. The ideal candidate demonstrates a natural inclination to operate with honesty, integrity, respect, and transparency. S/he will demonstrate adaptability with regard to managing and delivering to the needs of different stakeholders, internal and external, in serving as the operational center for the vetting of proposals and the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs. S/he will be a thoughtful and valuable member to a remote and global team. The first six months of this position will include training and onboarding in Omaha, Nebraska, with the potential of up to 30% travel back and forth as needed thereafter.

The Ideal Candidate | This position is right for you if you are: 

•      Organized and efficient |You are highly detail-oriented, capable of maintaining a swift pace of work with high quality. You maintain a constant focus on efficiency and address challenges with immediate, actionable steps. You are resourceful and know where to find the information you need to execute on your work, but you also know when to ask for guidance and input. You always look to simplify before considering adding to a process. You keep your eye on and meet deadlines consistently. 
•      An effective communicator | You know that individuals give and receive messages differently and, therefore, adjust your communication tactics — regarding content, technique, and tone — to land your ideas effectively in a global and remote team. You remain aware of cultural context and power dynamics, thoughtfully communicating to bring others in and along — even in hard conversations. You take the time to listen actively and understand the value of diverse ideas and opinions.  
•      Thrive in complexity and ambiguity |You are comfortable in the grey, and can find ways to take meaningful steps forward toward clarity amidst a changing backdrop. You seek clarity and guidance when needed, yet remain solutions-oriented and self-directed. You aim to create clarity, not add to complexity. You maintain a positive attitude, and you enjoy connecting with others to do the same amidst uncertainty and change.   
•      Adaptable with a good sense of humor |You are able to manage up and collaborate like a champ. You keep sight of the end-goal and are flexible in how that is achieved, ready to pivot as needed. You aren’t out for ownership and credit, but to facilitate a smooth and results-driven workflow to serve the mission.

Responsibilities | Primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

Grant Operations

• Process, track, and support the timely execution of grants
• Review and develop concise analysis summaries of grant proposals, progress reports, and grant budgets
• Analyze and visualize data to inform grant management and decision-making 
• Schedule and prepare for internal and external meetings
• Provide ad hoc support as needed to ensure excellent delivery of strategy through report analysis, communication with grantees, field visits, etc.

Team Operations

• Provide administrative and logistical support to Global Programs Government Engagement staff as needed, liaising with Omaha-based staff
• Contribute to the development of team management processes and procedures

Team Player

• Exhibits a leadership mind-set; is always leading self, a project, or peers
• Service-oriented, adaptable to the needs and styles of different internal stakeholders
• Is an engaged, committed contributor to team initiatives, efforts, and activities 

Qualifications | Skills and knowledge the candidate must possess:

• Strong passion to positively influence global sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize large amounts of information in an orderly and efficient manner
• Superior organizational, scheduling, and planning skills to balance multiple activities and projects
• The ability to create positive relationships with stakeholders through the appropriate management of their expectations and agreed objectives
• Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills with diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and solve problems with limited supervision
• Ability to proactively take initiative in performing tasks
• Desire to build systems for a growing team
• Willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint required
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, adaptability, and eagerness to learn
• International experience (preferred, but not required)
• Ability to travel internationally as needed
• Must be legally able to work in the United States

Education and Experience | A range of professional experiences or educational preparation will be considered. International and/or reproductive health experience a plus.

Benefits and Compensation | The annual salary range for this position is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. The Foundation offers a full and generous benefits package, including medical/dental insurance and a retirement program.

Application Process | Send cover letter and resume or CV to internationalprograms@stbfoundation.org with subject line Program Associate - DC. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed. References, writing samples and other information may be requested. This position is open until filled, with anticipated interview dates in March 2020. Position finalists will be invited to interview in-person at the Foundation in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. 

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Application Process | Send cover letter and resume or CV to internationalprograms@stbfoundation.org with subject line Operations Coordinator – International Programs. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed. References, writing samples and other information may be requested. Position finalists will be invited to interview in-person at the Foundation in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. 

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation

Program Associate — Global Programs

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation (STBF) is a private grantmaking foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. We work towards a world in which every woman controls her reproduction, and all reproductive decisions are treated with dignity and respect. Toward this end, our core mission is to prevent unintended pregnancy and ensure access to safe abortion.