Program Associate, Arts and Culture

Fidelity Foundations

Job Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in non-profits from across arts and culture, education, conservation, health, and economic opportunity. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 50 years. We also support non-profits that strengthen the communities in other regions of the country where Fidelity Investments employees live and work.

 

Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years under new leadership. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.

 

As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Our values of excellence, integrity, innovation, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity.

 

The Foundations’ Arts and Culture Program seeks to create a robust, engaging, and diverse cultural ecosystem that fosters community building, reflection, and innovation.  The Foundations have historically funded organizations that anchor their local cultural landscapes, advance contemporary and public art, support historic preservation, and advance diversity and inclusion within the sector.  As the Foundations continue to drive impact and excellence, the Arts and Culture program strategy will continue to evolve.

 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

As a critical member of the Foundations’ Arts and Culture team, the Program Associate will manage projects, coordinate data administration, and enable smooth execution of logistics and workflows for the Arts and Culture team.  Reporting to the Senior Advisor and intersecting with all team members, the Program Associate will contribute to the execution of a growing portfolio of philanthropic arts and culture investments. 

 

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

 

Coordination and Administration

  • Manage projects and workflows for the Arts and Culture team, including liaising and coordinating with other teams within the Foundations, participating in meetings, taking notes, maintaining project plans and records, and executing follow-up tasks.
  • Coordinate team meetings and agendas, prepare briefing documents, and organize shared resources and other materials.
  • Create engaging and well-formatted project updates, reports, presentations, figures, board books, and other materials to ensure staff, senior management, and Trustees can access and share key information.
  • Serve as interface with potential and current grantees in support of grantmaking logistics, data collection, and information management. 
  • Periodically engage directly in on- and off-site meetings with grantees. Plan and, on occasion, participate in site visits.
 

Grantmaking Support

  • Conduct database management and administration in support of applications, grants, and program evaluation. 
  • Serve as the team lead in management of files, data and activities related to the grants management system including correspondence with grantees, activity records, grantee information, applications, grant materials, and reports.
  • Work closely with the Grants Administration team on grant reports, modifications, and extensions, and execute appropriate follow-up.
  • Draft and/or edit written materials on a timely basis, including correspondence with grantees and other stakeholders, meeting notes, grant letters, and reports.
  • Advance continual improvement and efficiency in grants processing and utilization of the grants management system in collaboration with the Grants Administration and Program teams.
  • Gather information and conduct research on organizations and collaborate with the program and research teams to assist in content-area landscape analyses and grantmaking.
  • Use public sources to develop familiarity with and stay up to date on grantees and their work in their communities.
  • Assist with other projects, tasks and processes as required.
 

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

It is critically important that the Program Associate be a highly collaborative team player with a service-oriented attitude, who listens and communicates well.

To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

  • Strong organizational and coordination skills, including the ability to manage and prioritize multiple complex workflows, follow-through, and a keen attention to detail.
  • Strong commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.
  • Knowledge of and interest in the arts and culture sector
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including editing experience, and the ability to tailor communication style and approach different audiences.
  • Advanced computer skills including database experience and strong aptitude and interest in learning other software systems; comfort with detailed data entry and managing workflows within a database.
  • Ability to multitask and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, complex environment.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills; ability to assess information to draw sound conclusions.
  • Demonstrated service orientation.
  • Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality.
  • Ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of co-workers.
  • Minimum three years of relevant work experience
 

 

This position will be based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

 

TheFidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Important COVID-19 Information

 The Fidelity Foundations are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees, grantees, and candidates. To ensure your safety as a job candidate, we will be relying on virtual interviewing and other digital communications; we may request an in-person conversation for finalists. Note that we currently require COVID-19 vaccination attestation for in-person interactions. We are committed to providing the support you need throughout the hiring and onboarding process. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility during this time.