Program Assistant (Two Openings)

The application deadline is on April 24th. Please submit both a resume and a cover letter to be considered.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ford Foundation seeks two Program Assistants for two different teams. The Program Assistant will provide overall administrative, logistical and programmatic support to a program team. The Civic Engagement and Government (CEG) team seeks a Program Assistant to provide key support to two Program Officers who serve as grantmakers working to make a real difference in the areas of civic engagement, government, and social justice. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented problem solver with exceptional organizational and communications skills, who is able to manage complex schedules and effectively navigate high-pressure situations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to learn from a collaborative and inclusive team on issues relating to civic engagement, government, and social justice. This position will also allow the Program Assistant to learn about the philanthropy landscape. The JustFilms division of the Creativity and Free Expression team seeks a Program Assistant to ensure the smooth functioning of JustFilms’ workflow, grantmaking processes, event coordination, communications, and information management. The role requires strong organizational and research skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated interest in film, media, and archival preservation. The ideal candidate will bring both administrative precision, rigor, and an archivist’s attention to detail, helping to maintain and organize JustFilms’ growing databases, information systems, and archive of visual, written, and digital materials that document the program’s impact. This role offers an excellent opportunity to learn from a collaborative and inclusive team, focusing on issues related to artist-driven documentary and social justice storytelling.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Manage calendars for Program Officers, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and tracking follow-up actions. Coordinate travel logistics and process expense reports through Concur. Maintain organized digital files and shared drives (Google Drive, FLUXX, Airtable, CRM) for easy retrieval and continuity. Support the development and processing of grant recommendations, coordinate responses to grantee inquiries, and ensure data accuracy across systems. Work with the Legal and Finance departments on contract review and compliance. Monitor contracts, review invoices, verify deliverables, and ensure timely payments. Provide logistical and creative support for events, convenings, and site visits. Prepare presentations and compile information or visuals for internal reports and external communications. Manage and organize both digital and physical archives. Support with research related tasks as needed in collaboration with the Information Management department.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

College degree plus a minimum of 1 year of work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Ability to manage complex calendars, tasks and projects with accuracy. Experience managing administrative processes in a complex, fast-paced environment. Experience with GSuite, Microsoft Office, and workflow management tools. Proficiency in using information management systems and online databases for comprehensive information retrieval and data management. Ability to self-manage, prioritize work assignments, and handle confidential information with discretion. Exceptional organizational and time management skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation’s mission, core values, and commitment to creating a culture of excellence. Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer. The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

SALARY

The starting salary for this position is $90,000.

LOCATION

This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr Funders for LGBTQ Issues