Program Associate

The Perenchio Foundation is a private foundation established by the late A. Jerrold “Jerry” Perenchio. We believe that the arts play an essential role in creating more equitable, culturally vibrant, and inclusive communities.

Our mission is to support visual and performing arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create impactful experiences for current and future generations. The Foundation’s work is guided by Mr. Perenchio’s commitment to create a positive, lasting impact in the region through the arts, with a focus on our values of quality, accessibility, and permanence.

The Foundation seeks a dynamic Program Associate to join our collaborative, high-performing team of 6 staff members. Reporting to the Program Officer, the Program Associate plays a central role in supporting the grantmaking activities of the Foundation, which awards approximately 50-80 new grants annually to arts organizations throughout Los Angeles County.

The ideal Program Associate is solutions-oriented and possesses exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to execute a variety of activities with precision and care. This position requires an agile self-starter who is reliable, thrives in a dynamic environment, and excels in a collaborative, iterative setting where attention to detail is paramount.

GRANT ADMINISTRATION AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT

-Design and maintain comprehensive grantmaking timelines, workflows, and project management tools

-Develop application guidelines, proposal templates, and grantee report templates in consultation with the Program Officer and CEO

-Organize and participate in the review of grant applications and proposals

-Prepare correspondence and documents related to grants, including award notifications and grant agreements

-Support community review processes, panels, and site visits

ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH

-Review and analyze grantee reports to distill key takeaways, trends, and challenges

-Conduct initial research to identify funding opportunities for visual and performing arts organizations in LA County

-Support the development of quarterly board materials that reflect grant recommendations

-Utilize data to inform program development and decision-making

GRANTEE RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION

-Provide technical assistance to grant applicants and grantees

-Support programmatic content creation for internal and external documents and materials

-Maintain clear and professional communication with arts organizations and partners

-Assist with coordination of grantee convenings and foundation events as needed

CANDIDATE PROFILE

You are passionate about the Los Angeles nonprofit sector and the arts, with a genuine understanding of how your role supports our mission to strengthen the arts ecosystem. As a natural communicator, you engage effectively with colleagues and external partners alike. Your strong writing skills allow you to clearly articulate the qualities and attributes of an organization's programs.

You bring a thoughtful, qualitative approach to grantee review, ensuring that grant recommendations align with the Foundation's mission. With excellent attention to detail and strong project management capabilities, you track multiple concurrent deadlines while maintaining accuracy. Above all, you approach your responsibilities with integrity and a commitment to excellence, care, and intentionality.

QUALIFYING SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

-Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in arts administration, nonprofit management, philanthropy, or related fields

-Local Knowledge: Authentic understanding of the issues impacting the Los Angeles arts and nonprofit sector

-Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data to drive decision-making and problem-solving

-Project Management: Proven experience developing and implementing complex projects that require engagement from multiple stakeholders

-Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to give and receive feedback professionally

-Collaborative Approach: Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships and maintain collaborative relationships both internally and externally

-Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data organization and analysis

-Education: Bachelor's degree, preferably with coursework or demonstrated interest in the arts, humanities, nonprofit sector, or related areas.

-Transportation: Valid driver's license and current insurance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While we understand candidates may not possess all qualifications listed, we encourage applications from those who demonstrate strengths in several of these preferred areas.

-Experience using GivingData and/or other grants management software

-Experience with scoring rubrics and evaluation frameworks

-Prior experience in a grantmaking organization

-Fluency in a second language commonly spoken in Los Angeles

-Master's degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or related field

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND COMPENSATION

Perenchio Foundation offers a salary range of $75,000–$85,000 and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance; vacation and sick leave; a 401(k) plan with employer match; and a winter office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day. This position is based in Pasadena, California, with a hybrid work arrangement and an expectation to be onsite Tuesday through Thursday. This position is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, twist, and stoop; occasionally lift or carry up to 15 lbs. It may be necessary to work in busy and loud environments sometimes.