MeHAF Seeks Program Associate

JOB  DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Program Associate

Reporting to: Vice President for Programs

Position Summary: The Program Associate (PA) serves as a member of the Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF) program staff. This member of the program staff team supports critical functions in grant and other program planning, development, implementation and evaluation, including managing the Foundation’s Discretionary Grants program. In addition, the program associate performs administrative functions related to the foundation’s program efforts such as coordinating grantee meetings, disseminating information and grants results, preparing information for a variety of communications vehicles, overseeing consultant contracts, and updating information on the MeHAF Web site and within grants management databases. The PA reports directly to the Vice President for Programs, receives assignments from all program officers and works closely with all program staff.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Program Development, Implementation and Monitoring:

• Gathers, synthesizes, and analyzes background information relevant to the development of grant programs, as directed by program officers.
• Participates in and supports program staff efforts to monitor grantee progress as well as progress toward overall organizational goals.
• Oversees the Discretionary Grants program, including fielding calls from prospective applicants, reviewing and scoring proposals, tracking volume of inquiries and funded projects, reviewing final reports, and evaluating the discretionary grants portfolio.
• Updates the grants management databases to support MeHAF knowledge management.
• Coordinates regular meetings, conference calls, and other contacts with grantees to provide technical assistance and monitor progress, both for his/her own portfolio and on behalf of program officers.

Grantmaking Processes:

• Understands and implements MeHAF grantmaking processes and policies.
• Responds to public inquiries about program priorities and application processes.
• Coordinates internal and external reviews of proposals and concept papers, including site visits.

Learning and Dissemination:

• Monitors, tracks, learns from, and reports on grant initiatives and programs.
• Works with program staff and consultants to glean results from previous and current grantmaking and to disseminate this information to the MeHAF board, other staff, grantees and the field.
• Prepares formal and informal presentations on MeHAF programs and grant results.
• Attends outside meetings and conferences and provides formal and informal reports on lessons learned.
• Assists with development of web, newsletter and other communications content as needed.

Foundation Functioning:

• Publicly represents MeHAF regarding strategic and programmatic directions, current and future funding opportunities and grantmaking results.
• Assists other program staff, as assigned by the Vice President for Programs.
• Provides back-up and assists with administrative and facilitation tasks, as needed.
• Develops background information and presentations as directed by the President and program officers.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in a related field; or Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years related experience and/or training in health or health care related field, preferably in the non-profit or government sector; experience with or knowledge of philanthropy desirable.
• Personal motivation to support MeHAF’s mission and goals.
• Strong project and people management skills, including demonstrated ability to think independently, to be flexible and to juggle multiple priorities for multiple managers, and to be tolerant of ambiguity and change.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytic skills and ability to synthesize and translate complicated material into clear and simple language. Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals and periodicals, technical procedures, or government documents and regulations.
• Creativity, flexibility; ability to work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities, to create and respond to novel and innovative approaches to addressing issues and to inspire others to work towards achieving organizational goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: collegial, energetic, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, consultants, funders, and others who contribute to program development and management.
• Good judgment and maturity: ability to identify and address organizational needs, make decisions, develop and justify recommendations, resolve conflicts and be responsive and clear with internal and external customers, including other staff, current and potential grantees, board and community advisory committee members.
• Strong research and electronic communications skills, including use of Internet.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and team environment.
• Discretion and commitment to organizational confidentiality.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Polished and professional presentation and appearance.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary range $43,000 - $48,800 commensurate with experience and skills.
• Generous comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance as well as employer-sponsored retirement account with employer contribution.