Program Assistant

Position: Program Assistant

Reports to: Program & Events Manager

Location: New York City, hybrid

Status: Full-time, exempt

About the Science Philanthropy Alliance

The Science Philanthropy Alliance is the world’s first and longest-standing organization dedicated to advising philanthropists on giving to discovery science (also known as basic science). Founded in 2014 by six visionary foundations, the Alliance has grown into a vibrant network of over 40 member organizations and a global community of funders, scientists, and advisors committed to advancing scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity.

We support both emerging and established science funders with tailored advisory services including landscape analyses, program design, and connections to leading scientific experts across disciplines. Beyond advising, we convene funders and leaders in philanthropy, academia, and government to foster connection, shared learning, and innovation.

At the heart of our work is a unique model: our advisory services are provided at no cost to philanthropists, made possible by the generosity and shared vision of our members. This approach allows us to remain impartial, flexible, and fully focused on helping funders achieve meaningful impact.

Our interdisciplinary team and network of renowned science advisors bring deep expertise in philanthropic strategy and emerging scientific research. Together, we provide the insights, guidance, and connections that help philanthropists make a lasting impact.

Position Summary

The Program Assistant provides programmatic and administrative support for the Science Philanthropy Alliance, primarily related to our member network and philanthropic advisory services. The Alliance’s team works in a highly collaborative process to provide bespoke advisory services to increase philanthropic funding for scientific research. The team organizes discussions and events for members, enabling a science philanthropy community focused on networking, shared learning, and dynamic collaborations and partnerships. These activities are key benefits for many members and increase the impact, effectiveness, and visibility of science philanthropy.

Responsibilities

The Program Assistant plays an instrumental role in ensuring that the Science Philanthropy Alliance’s team is organized and consistently prepared to deliver the highest possible level of service to our philanthropic members and advisory clients. Specific responsibilities include:

• Plan and coordinate team meetings;
• Manage a complex schedule of meetings with advisors, members, advisees, and partners for the Principal Director, Philanthropic Advising and other team members, as needed;
• Maintain Salesforce data hygiene and produce standard reports on advisory services and membership engagement, events, and outcomes;
• Assist in planning and executing the Alliance’s membership events, including at least two 1.5-day conferences, 2–5 lunches/receptions, and 5–10 webinars annually;
• Provide day-of logistics and materials support for events, including check-in/registration, coordination with onsite vendors (catering, A/V), and PowerPoint deck preparation and last-minute edits;
• Assist in managing the team’s domestic and international travel;
• Process and submit the team’s monthly expenses on a timely basis;
• Conduct occasional research (e.g., brief background summaries) on philanthropists, scientists, or scientific topics to support our advisory services;
• Contribute to an inclusive, respectful professional culture and environment; and
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the coordination and collaboration of the team.

Qualifications

• At least two years of professional experience preferred in a role with administrative, data entry, event management, and project management responsibilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, ideally with experience in correspondence with senior executives.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to take initiative, a strong work ethic, and a highly collaborative orientation.
• Unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness, including a fine-tuned sense of discretion in the handling of confidential and sensitive matters.
• Passionate about the power of science and/or philanthropy to make positive change in the world.
• Highly proficient with the Microsoft Office suite and Zoom.
• Experience with Salesforce or additional CRM platform preferred.

Position specifics

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. The Alliance offers a robust benefits package including full medical, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits, retirement plan participation and flexible spending accounts, vacation, personal and volunteer leave benefits. The Alliance’s New York City based team is expected to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday, except when job commitments require presence in the office.

How to apply

Please submit a résumé and answer a short questionnaire here. No calls please.

The Science Philanthropy Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. The Alliance offers a robust benefits package including full medical, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits, retirement plan participation and flexible spending accounts, vacation, personal and volunteer leave benefits. The Alliance’s New York City based team is expected to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday, except when job commitments require presence in the office.