Program Associate

Fundamental is a boutique consulting firm that works with individuals, families, and organizations, to help them use their resources (financial and otherwise) to build a more just and equitable world. The firm takes an innovative approach to making social change—one that involves mapping new trends, collaborating with thought leaders, developing and executing on impactful grantmaking strategies, and devising creative solutions to complex problems.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives come together with common purpose. We strongly encourage people from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in philanthropy – including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.

Fundamental Philanthropy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fundamental provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Fundamental complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us via telephone at 310-314-8393.

We are seeking to add a full-time Program Associate to our Los Angeles-based office. This team member will serve as an ambassador for our company and clients (a mix of individual philanthropists and families with private foundations) and will collaborate with other members of the Fundamental team on all aspects of programmatic and operational support. While there will be work across client accounts, the Program Associate role will predominately support two foundations, Righteous Persons Foundation (RPF)—a private foundation that is rooted in Jewish values and seeks to build a more just and vibrant future both for the Jewish community and beyond—and The Hearthland Foundation, RPF’s sister foundation, which is dedicated to building a more just, equitable, and connected America.

Fundamental is currently working in a hybrid model. Candidates located in the Los Angeles area are strongly preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. A generous compensation package includes medical, dental and vision plans, a 401k plan, paid vacation and sick days, professional development opportunities and more.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

•Sourcing and conducting programmatic and financial vetting of potential grantees partners

•Building relationships with key grantee partners and stewarding those relationships with care

•Managing active grants, assessing their progress, and reviewing and synthesizing reports for senior staff

•Creating or co-creating all materials relating to the grantmaking process (preparing grant recommendation memos, board meeting presentations, research briefs, talking points, and other materials for client meetings)

•Conducting research, providing analysis, and building issue-area expertise

•Requesting, reviewing, and responding to inquiries and proposals

•Assisting with foundation communications (website, e-newsletter, ad, branding etc.) as needed

•Supporting Senior Program Officers and senior leadership in creating and executing grantmaking strategies

•Working with the grants management and operations team to manage and track program areas budgets

•Other duties as assigned

•Alignment with the mission and values of Fundamental and our clients’ work

•Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years’ experience working for social change

•Strong background in at least one or more of the following issue areas preferred: faith-based community organizing; social justice; cultural change; narrative, storytelling, journalism and/or the arts and artists

•Proven ability to deliver results and meet deadlines as part of a fast-paced office environment

•Strong writing and research skills

•Exceptional attention to detail and demonstrated ability to prioritize large numbers of tasks efficiently and effectively

•Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel), Dropbox/Box, Slack, Adobe Acrobat and Zoom; comfortable working on a Mac; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Salesforce, Squarespace, WordPress, and Mailchimp software a plus

We are seeking an individual who:

•Is passionate about social change and building meaningful, long-term relationships

•Is interested in the connections between Jewish life, justice, democracy, and storytelling, and comfortable working with religious leaders from other faiths

•Works best in a fast-paced, relationship-driven culture that values creativity and iteration

•Thrives in a collaborative team environment and has a collegial spirit in sharing ideas and receiving constructive feedback

•Loves to learn and brings an abundance mindset to all challenges

•Anticipates needs before others ask, takes initiative, and is extremely resourceful

•Communicates effectively with a diverse, dynamic and partially remote team

•Operates with discretion and confidentiality

•Is comfortable working in a hybrid model for the indefinite future