FLSA: Exempt
Full/Part-Time: Full-time
Reports To: Senior Program Officer, Jewish Life

We are assisting a private family foundation that is seeking a Program Associate to support the Jewish Life program. Current program priorities include Jewish Education, Leadership Development, Mental Health and Human Services, Combatting Antisemitism and Security, and support for Founder’s Interest initiatives. These initiatives have a strong focus on the Chicago Jewish community, with a portion of the work supporting other regional or national initiatives.

About the Organization

A private family foundation based in Skokie, IL with funding interests in science innovation, environmental sustainability, the performing arts, migration and immigrant communities, and Jewish life. The team consists of high-performing, collaborative players who share knowledge while continuously learning and improving in a fast-paced, inclusive environment to fulfill the mission and vision of the organization and its Founders.

Compensation

Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000 (annual). This range is intended as a good-faith estimate of the pay scale for this role and may vary based on qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity.

Position Summary

The Program Associate will support all aspects of grantmaking processes, database management, data analysis, preparation of presentation materials, and development of in-house initiatives. This position requires excellent project management and analytical skills, strong interpersonal skills, a high level of discretion and humility, and openness to being part of a diverse learning environment.

Job Duties

Grantmaking

• Support the Senior Program Officer in managing application processes, grantmaking, and relationships with past, current, and prospective grantees

• Conduct due diligence on applicants and potential initiatives, including research, analyzing program impact, planning and participating in site visits, and reviewing financial materials

• Help ensure all application and reporting requirements are received and organized

• Prepare summaries and analyses of grant proposals and grantee progress reports

• Manage day-to-day communications and inquiries from grantees and prospects and document pertinent interactions in the content management database

Program Support

• Assist the Senior Program Officer in producing analyses, presentations, and dashboards regarding program objectives, grantee data and outcomes, and evaluation to inform strategy and understand impact

• Support the planning, development, and administration of in-house projects, convenings, and events

• Conduct research and build internal knowledge of the Jewish Life program’s areas of interest

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the program’s focus areas, including key players, emerging trends, and current issues

Administrative

• Regularly update and track grantee interactions, contact information, and other grantee updates in the database

• Provide planning support, including scheduling, for internal and external meetings, events, site visits, focus groups, and other convenings

• Help prepare agendas for Jewish Life program meetings

• Document and organize meeting notes and track necessary follow-up tasks

• Represent the organization, as appropriate, at grantee events, peer meetings, and briefings

• Contribute to a range of internal organizational activities, meetings, and processes

Qualifications, Skills & Characteristics

• 3–5 years of experience in Jewish organizational work, in either professional or volunteer roles

• Understanding of challenges facing the Jewish community in one or more of the following areas: Antisemitism, mental health, day school education, or leadership development

• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability and desire to contribute across the foundation to help build a more impactful grantmaking organization

• Excellent interpersonal skills with comfort being in a community-facing role

• Adaptable and flexible with high emotional intelligence and a positive attitude

• Commitment to producing high-quality work and accountability for timely and effective results

• Enjoys working in a collaborative team environment but is also able to work independently and take initiative

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Naturally curious, open-minded, and a lifelong learner

• High degree of discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential information

• Strong ethical grounding, humility, and professional judgment

• Passion for social impact and the organization’s mission and areas of interest

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint, and data management software

• Commitment to the organization’s mission and values, and a passion for strengthening Jewish life

Additional Information

• Some travel to meetings or conferences (domestic and international) may be required

• This position requires in-office work in Skokie, IL at least three days per week, with the option to work remotely or in-person other days as work schedule permits. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Work schedule and remote work capability are subject to change at the organization’s discretion.

Faith Statement

The organization is a faith-based religious organization whose mission and daily operations are grounded in Orthodox Jewish beliefs and values. In accordance with applicable law, this position is expected to carry out responsibilities that further the organization’s religious objectives. Candidates do not need to be Jewish, but must be respectful of and committed to supporting Orthodox Jewish values through professional conduct and contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder’s responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

SmartHire is posting this position on behalf of our client, and the salary range provided is determined by the client. Actual compensation offered will depend on various factors determined by the hiring company, including candidate qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes in salary, benefits, or bonuses made by our clients.