US Program Associate

GiveDirectly has delivered more than $1B in cash directly to 2+ million people living in poverty across 15 countries since 2011. We believe cash transfers are one of the most scalable, cost-effective, and dignified forms of aid, with research backing it up. Our work has been covered by The Economist, NPR, TED, and The Washington Post, and we are one of Time100’s most influential companies of 2026. Location Cleveland, Ohio. Candidates must be based in Cleveland or the greater Cleveland area. About This Role The U.S. Program Associate supports the implementation of large‑scale cash initiatives in the United States. As a critical member of the U.S. programs team, you will manage operations, internal coordination, and team processes, often serving as the project point person for community engagement and customer service. You will support managers and senior managers across multiple projects and handle multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment. Reports to US Program Manager Level Associate Travel Requirement Commuting within the base location 2–4 days per month and other travel within Ohio. Additional travel to New York or elsewhere in the United States 2–3 times per year. Required to have a car, driver’s license, and insurance. Costs for work‑related travel outside of Cleveland are reimbursed. What You’ll Do Recipient Experience & Customer Service (40%) Lead customer service, including an email‑based help desk and phone support, and potentially oversee additional customer service staff or contractors as the program scales. Coach applicants through the intake process, focusing on applicants facing significant barriers. Case‑manage applicant/recipient concerns, adhering to GiveDirectly’s safeguarding and protection policies. Meet periodically with recipients in person to build trust and identify program or process improvements. Serve as a trusted resource for recipients, responding to communications in a timely and professional manner. Resolve one‑off recipient issues through communication, data entry, and/or escalation of more serious matters to the appropriate individuals. Direct Program Support (40%) Support a range of operational and project‑management duties to ensure U.S. projects are executed with excellence and in line with our values, particularly “recipients first.” Lead operational processes, including conducting verification of applications directly and overseeing verification staff as the program scales. Support field operations, including payments and follow‑up surveys, across various program stages. Maintain knowledge management and process documentation, refreshing protocol and process documents regularly. Collaborate with team members to identify process challenges and propose solutions, such as increasing operational efficiency or improving recipient experience. Become an expert in the tech systems used to support project execution. Track and report operational and efficiency metrics. May manage other individuals, such as verification support staff. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including tech partners, research partners, and customer‑service teams. Community Engagement (20%) Cultivate and maintain relationships with implementing partners, key community members, and local service organizations. Serve as the local program representative and community liaison for Rx Kids, supporting local partners and educating community members on program policies. Build knowledge of the community and identify existing local resources or services for recipients. Organize and attend events, conferences, and similar programs to sensitize communities on program benefits and requirements. Collaborate with the communications team to develop and execute storytelling plans. Participate in program evaluation and scoping strategies to improve operations and enhance recipient satisfaction. Qualifications Exceptional alignment with GiveDirectly values and active demonstration of our core competencies: emotional intelligence, problem solving, project management, follow‑through, and fostering inclusivity. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, or Chinese is a plus. 2+ years of professional or volunteer experience in a role that required project management and people management or coordination. Exceptional communication, organizational, and time‑management skills. Strong customer‑service instincts, including skilled problem solving, patience, and high emotional intelligence. Ability to manage day‑to‑day operations and propose and implement process improvements. Ability to learn and become proficient in new technological platforms quickly. Demonstrated ability to work independently and self‑directed while effectively communicating upward about gaps and risks. Enthusiasm for fast‑paced environments that may lack a pre‑defined playbook for success and involve significant learning by doing. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates who have personal or professional experience in low‑income and/or historically marginalized communities that we serve. Compensation The base salary for this role is $77,147 USD per year. GiveDirectly uses an accredited third‑party salary aggregator to ensure staff total compensation (base + bonus) falls within the 75th percentile of comparable roles at similar organizations. We follow a no‑negotiation policy to ensure equity across roles. Benefits Positive and supportive team with opportunities for advancement. Commitment to helping all staff develop and grow. Competitive salary, including bonus. Robust health benefits plan (details vary by country). Unlimited PTO, which we encourage staff to take. Desk allowance and flexible work location. Equal Opportunity Employer GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Commitment to Safeguarding As a global organization working with communities to eliminate extreme poverty, GiveDirectly takes the safeguarding of its recipients, staff, and partners seriously. We are a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and conduct systematic background checks, reference checks, and sanctions checks on potential hires. We maintain a zero‑tolerance policy toward abuse or exploitation and expect all staff to prioritize the protection of our recipients. Reasonable Accommodations We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of the role, please email View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject “Accommodation Needed.” We will work with you to ensure reasonable accommodations are made. US Applicants We invite you to review your rights as an applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr GiveDirectly