JOB POSTING: Program Associate, U.S Programs

Program Associate

U.S Programs
Open Society Institute–New York

Application Deadline: May 25, 2012

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism.  Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.  Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.   

The Open Society Foundations’ U.S. Programs is working to build a vibrant society that invites all people to participate fully in civic, economic, and cultural life. We encourage critical debate and respect diverse opinions. We protect fundamental human rights, dignity, and the rule of law.

U.S. Programs recognizes that power is not broadly shared and that inequalities cut across multiple lines, including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and citizenship. To build a just and open society, we support efforts to expand accountability for those currently in power and to build power for historically excluded groups.

We work to ensure that the benefits and responsibilities of society are shared by all within our society. We are committed to supporting the efforts of people and communities to press for change on their own behalf. We are dedicated to addressing the most pressing threats to open society, and we seek bold, integrated solutions that address root causes and advance systemic change.

U.S. Programs supports grantmaking, programming, and policy initiatives that:

• Build an inclusive society that increases opportunity for all while addressing the unique struggles faced by women, people of color, immigrants, poor people, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
• Promote civic participation and develop new leaders, especially among communities that have been historically underrepresented.
• Ensure fair criminal justice, immigration, and national security policies, and reduce the over-reliance on incarceration and harsh punishment.
• Increase the transparency, integrity and accountability of institutions vital to open society.

The mission of the Equality and Opportunity Fund is to ensure justice and equality, prohibit arbitrary and discriminatory government action, and lift barriers that prevent people from participating fully in economic, social and political life. The fund concentrates on the issues of race and marginalization. Within each of these areas, the fund supports efforts that highlight the shared interest that people of color, immigrants, women and LGBTQ people have in promoting equality and opportunity.  The fund is currently undergoing a strategic planning process to refine its substantive priorities, goals and strategies.

The Equality and Opportunity Fund also supports the Campaign for Black Male Achievement.

Purpose of Position:  Provide administrative and programmatic support as part of a team; work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 OSF may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Provide administrative and programmatic support to the Program Director and/or Program Officers;
• Generally assist in program administration and carry out office duties, including: photocopying, faxing, mailings and updating electronic and paper files;
• Coordinate logistics for some internal meetings, including scheduling, booking rooms, preparing materials, and setting up conference calls;
• Handle correspondence for program/department staff as needed;
• Process and track grant payment requests and budget allocations;
• Act as a point of contact (telephone and/or e-mail) for grant- and program-related inquiries and respond to routine telephone and written inquiries from applicants and others;
• Assist in the preliminary review of the quality and completeness of documentation of proposals and request additional information from applicants as directed;
• Prepare necessary internal paperwork to ensure timely payment of grants; ensure that proper documentation has been completed and submitted; produce pro-forma financial reports on grant spending;
• Attend strategy meetings with program staff, grantees and potential grantees;
• Assist in compiling, editing, and drafting program material, including updates to the OSI website;
• Perform research and assist with special projects as requested;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of two to three years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.

Skills Required

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program Specific Requirements

• Demonstrated concern for social justice issues.

Start Date:  ASAP

Compensation:  Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before May 25, 2012, to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: PGA-USP/EOF

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code PGA-USP/EOF
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 646.557.2672

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.