Program Associate, Education

POSITION:

Program Associate, Education

Full-time | Boston, MA

Application deadline: April 29, 2021

ORGANIZATION:

Fidelity Foundations

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. In addition, the Foundations fund non-profit organizations that strengthen the communities in which Fidelity Investments employees live and work. Our values of integrity, compassion, innovation, and expertise guide our investments in education, arts and culture, health, conservation, and economic opportunity.

Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history having grown and evolved in recent years under new leadership.  As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of philanthropic investments.

As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, impactful, and lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Many projects involve planning and resource allocation, technology, and project design. Grantmaking is executed through quiet giving, and most grants are awarded anonymously. 

Learn more about one of our Foundations at: www.fidelityfoundation.org. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a critical member of the Foundations’ education team, the Program Associate will provide programmatic and administrative support that advances the Fidelity Foundation’s education portfolio and related grant-making. Current areas of focus within the education portfolio include college access and success, innovative post-secondary models, and early career pathways and training. Cross-cutting topics include mentorship, financial capability, and other approaches that support student choice and success, especially for students from low-income communities and underrepresented groups.

Reporting to the Program Director, Education, and intersecting with all team members, the Program Associate will contribute to the administration and execution of an evolving and growing collection of education investments. They will also support the management of a portfolio of philanthropic investments focused on capacity-building and leadership development in non-profit organizations and represent the Fidelity Foundations and its Trustees to existing and prospective grantees and other external stakeholders.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Coordination and Administration

• Support the Director and education team by coordinating team meetings and agendas, preparing briefing documents, and organizing shared resources and other materials.
• Manage projects and workflows for the education program team, including liaising and coordinating with other teams, participating in meetings, taking notes, maintaining project plans and records, and executing follow-up tasks.
• Coordinate data entry and database reporting for education-related applications, grants, and evaluation.
• Create engaging and well-formatted updates, reports, presentations, figures, board books, and other materials related to the education portfolio to ensure staff, senior management, and Trustees can access and share key information.
• Plan and coordinate on- and off-site meetings with grantees and participate in occasional site visits.

Grantmaking Support

• Manage files and activities related to the program portfolio within the grants management system including correspondence with grantees, activity records, grantee information, applications, grant materials, and reports.
• Work closely with Grants Administration on routine grant management, including grant reports, modifications, and extensions, and execute appropriate follow-up.
• Draft and/or edit written materials on a timely basis, including correspondence with grantees and other stakeholders, meeting notes, grant letters, and reports.
• Advance continual improvement and efficiency in grants processing and utilization of the grants management system in collaboration with the Grants Administration and Program teams.
• Gather information and conduct research on organizations and collaborate with the program and research teams to assist in content-area landscape analyses.
• Develop familiarity with and stay up to date on grantees and their work in their communities.
•  Assist with other projects, tasks and processes as required.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

It is critically important that the Program Associate be a highly collaborative team player, with a service-oriented attitude, who listens and communicates well. In addition, the successful candidate will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.

To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

• Minimum two years of related work in the education sector; experience in philanthropy is preferred but not required; experience in management consulting is valued.
• Strong commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.
• Knowledge of and interest in societal issues affecting youth and the education nonprofit landscape.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including editing experience, and the ability to tailor communication style and approach to different audiences.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, including the ability to manage and prioritize multiple complex workflows, follow-through, and a keen attention to detail.
• Advanced computer skills including database experience and strong aptitude and interest in learning other software systems; comfort with detailed data entry and managing workflows within a database.
• Ability to multitask and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, complex environment.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills; ability to assess information to draw sound conclusions.
• Demonstrated service orientation.
• Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality.
• Ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of co-workers.

LOCATION: 

The position is based in Boston, MA.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Please submit your application here.  Note: our preferred application deadline is April 29, 2021.  We do not guarantee review of applications received after this date.

The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Important COVID-19 Information

The Fidelity Foundations are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees, grantees, and candidates. We are currently working 100% remotely and actively monitoring the situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure your safety as a job candidate, we will be relying on virtual interviewing and other digital communications. We are committed to providing the support you need throughout the hiring and onboarding process. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this time.