Program & Operations Coordinator

MBF Program & Operations Coordinator

Reports to: MBF Executive Director and MBF Development Director

Status: Full-time, hybrid

Background

Founded in 1964, the Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) is the philanthropic partner of the Massachusetts Bar Association. Through its grantmaking and charitable activities, the MBF works to increase access to justice for all in Massachusetts and to support programs that improve the administration of justice across the Commonwealth. Last year, the MBF awarded over $7 million in grants to support initiatives that provide critical legal aid to low-income individuals and families, improve the administration of justice, promote careers in public interest law, and introduce young people to career opportunities within the legal system.

Position Overview

The MBF seeks an organized, detail-oriented individual to join its small team. The ideal candidate is someone who wants to learn and grow in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector while helping to strengthen an organization dedicated to supporting equal access to justice in Massachusetts.

The Program & Operations Coordinator provides essential programmatic and operational support to all the Foundation’s core activities, including grantmaking, fundraising, communications, and events. The Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring that MBF systems, workflows, and administrative processes run smoothly and efficiently. By maintaining strong systems and clear processes, this role helps ensure continuity and effectiveness across the organization, allowing the Executive Director and Development Director to focus on strategy, leadership, and relationship management.

This role is well suited for a candidate seeking hands-on exposure to grantmaking and nonprofit operations in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

Grantmaking

• • Play a key role in supporting grantmaking activities by maintaining the MBF’s grant management database (Foundant). This includes processing applications and reports upon receipt; preparing materials and providing logistical support for grant committees; producing reports and analytics to support grantmaking strategy and internal learning; and managing data integrity through regular system updates.
  • Support the administration of MBF’s law student fellowship and scholarship programs, including coordinating application materials, timelines, and communications.
  • Participate in periodic site visits with grantees and fellowship recipients to gain exposure to funded work and deepen understanding of the MBF’s grantmaking priorities, specific topic areas, and communities served.
  • Assist in tracking grantmaking timelines, committee workflows, and reporting requirements to support smooth and efficient program operations.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• • Play a key role in supporting fundraising activities by maintaining the MBF’s donor and communications database (Neon One) to ensure data integrity, including data entry, regular system maintenance, reporting and analytics to support fundraising strategy.
  • Process donations, billing, and contribution acknowledgements.
  • Engage donors through professional interactions online and in person, supporting positive donor experiences and consistent stewardship practices.

Communications and Public Relations

• • Support the preparation of various communications, including monthly newsletters, regular social media posts, website articles, press releases, presentation decks, gratitude reports, and other MBF communications materials.
  • Assist with regular website maintenance (Squarespace).
  • Develop skills in graphic design programs such as Canva for digital marketing and other MBF communications.

Meeting Support & Event Planning

• • Provide logistical and administrative support to all Foundation meetings and events, including Board meetings, committee meetings, annual meetings, grantee receptions, fundraising events, and other events as requested.
  • Assist in compiling, organizing, and distributing meeting materials.
  • Set up Zoom meetings and manage calendar invitations.
  • Compile and maintain RSVP and attendance trackers.
  • Assist with logistics for larger fundraising and convening events.
  • Prepare timely and accurate meeting minutes.

General Administration

• • Maintain organized systems of filing and record keeping; assist in documenting and maintaining information relevant to institutional memory.
  • Manage occasional special projects, with a focus on improving internal workflows and operational efficiency.
  • Manage occasional research projects as assigned.

Success in this role means reliable systems management, strong follow-through, clear communication, and attention to detail that keeps programs, projects, and meetings running smoothly.

Qualifications

• • Interest in social justice, legal services, and the nonprofit and/or philanthropic sector.
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred (equivalent experience considered).
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, plan, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with attention to detail.
  • Flexibility and adaptability; able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, small-team environment.
  • Excellent verbal, writing, proofreading, and general communication skills.
  • Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with donors, grantseekers, board members, and colleagues.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with Canva, Squarespace, Foundant, or Neon One is a plus; training will be provided as needed.
  • Availability to attend occasional evening meetings and events and ability to travel within Massachusetts.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $54,000–$60,000, commensurate with experience.

Competitive benefits package includes:

• • Excellent health and dental plan
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% match (after one year)
  • 35-hour work week
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible/hybrid workplace

Application Process

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to the HR Manager, Massachusetts Bar Foundation. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in this position and why you would be a good fit for the role.

Email applications with the subject line “MBF Program & Operations Coordinator” to: foundation@massbar.org. Please combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF file and include your name as the file name.

The MBF is an equal opportunity nonprofit organization that supports diversity and encourages all applicants to apply. MBF is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Application deadline: February 13, 2026. No telephone inquiries.

• • Excellent health and dental plan
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 4% match (after one year)
  • 35-hour work week
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible/hybrid workplace