Program Assistant - Economic Security

Position: Program Assistant – Economic Security

Reports to: Senior Program Officer – Economic Security

Location: Washington, D.C.

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 projects that promote conservation, economic security for working families, women’s equality, democracy, and innovation. Each philanthropic investment seeks to encourage new ideas and new solutions that expand the reach of human possibility and compassion.

The Economic Security Program seeks to expand economic opportunity and reduce inequality in the United States. It supports projects that focus on policy solutions and issue campaigns to alleviate hardship and build economic security for all people.

The Program Assistant will provide programmatic and administrative support to the Economic Security Program. They will report to the program’s Senior Program Officer and work collaboratively with all Foundation staff.

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 engage with partners, thought leaders, and other organizations committed to expanding economic opportunity and reducing inequality;
  • Draft research reports, summary memoranda, and other written products as needed;
  • Compile data, 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 and accurate;
  • Draft and edit routine correspondence and memoranda, send standard letters to grant applicants, ensure that grant documentation, supporting documentation, and docket memoranda are timely and in proper order;
  • Assist with evaluations of current and potential grantees;
  • Attend and help organize meetings of grantees as needed.
• Administrative Support
  • Coordinate with grants management team 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 reports;
  • Assist with office administrative tasks including: logistical aspects of advisors meetings, preparation of materials for advisors and partners, scheduling meetings with grantees, organizing phone or video links, and supporting Foundation events as needed;
  • Maintain and update working files, calendars, 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 advocacy or policy;
• Nonprofit, philanthropy, government, or foundation experience/demonstrated interest preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to write concisely, cogently, and with excellent grammar;
• Strong attention to detail;
• An analytical mind and an ability to read and digest information quickly;
• Superior listening and communication skills;
• Superior organizational 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;
• 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 priorities change.

The Wyss Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

The Wyss Foundation’s benefits for full-time employees currently include access to an employer-subsidized PPO health care plan offered through CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield, access to employee-sponsored dental and vision plans, and a 401K retirement plan with an employer match of eligible contributions.