About The Thompson Family Foundation
Since 2009, the Thompson Family Foundation has provided funding for Arts, Culture & Public Space, Medical Research, Justice & Safety and Community Support. Our founders, Wade and Angela Thompson, were passionate about New York City and determined to make lasting contributions to its civic life. The hallmark of our grantmaking has been significant and transformative investments. In addition to funding large capital and endowment grants, Thompson has provided both general operating and project support. We concentrate on institutions that strengthen the city, but also make grants nationally and occasionally internationally. Current areas of significant focus include reducing the impact of mass incarceration, especially on poor New Yorkers, as well as supporting the city’s best visual and performing arts organizations with transformative capital projects.
Position Overview
We seek a full-time program associate to support us in the research and evaluation of grants in our current portfolio, as well as the assessment of new funding opportunities. This role provides a unique opportunity to work closely with high performing nonprofits across a range of sectors to help improve their programmatic performance and organizational health. You will collaborate with nonprofit leaders to better understand their work and its challenges, as well as contributing to strategies that support their goals. This position will hone your research, analysis, writing, and presentation skills. You will have an excellent opportunity to make a real impact in the world of philanthropy, especially in New York City.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Research and Analysis
- Analyze and synthesize industry dynamics and specific organizations in key areas such as safety and justice, public health, college/career access, arts and culture, and public space. Industry analysis to include theory of change, competing strategies, model organizations, key trends, leadership, and funders.
- Analyze and synthesize organizations comprehensively, considering program models, outcomes, revenue sources, cost-benefit, financial health, history, and leadership.
- Research innovative and effective interventions and organizations in the field.
- Cultivate opportunities with industry leaders and potential grantees to better understand the NYC nonprofit landscape.
- Effectively craft research informed grant recommendations for staff and board.
Grant Management and Relationship Building
- Monitor grantee performance and health by analyzing outcomes data, conducting site visits, and independently assessing progress or setbacks in management and financial reports.
- Clearly articulate the strengths and weaknesses and draft grant recommendations for staff and board approval.
- Foster trusting and respectful relationships with existing partners to support them in fulfilling their mission.
Project Management and Documentation
- Coordinate due diligence meetings, prepare materials, and document takeaways.
- Maintain accurate records in Dropbox/Salesforce and undertake improvement projects, including organizing reports/dashboards and transitioning historical documents from Dropbox to Salesforce.
Competencies
- Strategic Problem Solving: Skillful in strategic and creative problem-solving, consistently generating thoughtful and high-impact solutions to various challenges.
- Analytical Excellence: Proficient in analytical and critical thinking, excelling in the investigation and assessment of qualitative or quantitative data. Skilled at drawing nuanced findings and refining conclusions through insightful questioning.
- Effective Communication: Adept at clear, concise, and impactful communication, both verbally and in writing. Skillful in synthesizing information and crafting compelling narratives about the significance of data for portfolio grantees.
- Project Management Proficiency: Demonstrates strong project management skills, possessing the ability to comprehend the myriad factors influencing decisions in a complex environment. Capable of swiftly translating thoughts into action.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Exhibits flexibility and adaptability, showcasing the capacity to multitask, pivot direction, and seamlessly take on new or additional assignments amid shifting priorities and conditions.
- Comfort in an Evolving Environment: Ability to identify assumptions and make informed decisions when faced with limited information.
- Empathy and Judgment: Demonstrates a high degree of empathy and good judgment, maintaining awareness of the substantial challenges inherent in social services work.
- Emotional Intelligence and Humility: Possesses emotional intelligence and humility, acknowledging the achievements of others, willingly sharing credit, and embracing constructive feedback.
Qualifications
- Excellent analytic, presentation and spreadsheet skills. Salesforce experience preferred.
Compensation, Benefits & Flexibility
The Thompson Family Foundation is partnering with RCG Talent Solutions to find our next Program Associate. Please direct all questions to [email protected].
Relevant Policies
