Posted on June 21, 2012

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Program Associate

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The Open Society Institute – Baltimore, a field office of OSI’s U.S. Programs, supports a grantmaking, educational and capacity-building program to expand justice and opportunity for Baltimore residents. With support from a range of investors, its current work focuses on helping Baltimore’s youth succeed, reducing the social and economic costs of incarceration, tackling drug addiction, and building a corps of Community Fellows to bring innovative ideas to Baltimore’s underserved communities (www.osi-baltimore.org). The Community Fellowships Program selects eight to 12 new fellows each year and supports an active alumni network of past and current fellows, now numbering over 125.

Purpose of Position: Provide administrative and programmatic support as part of a team. Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Provide administrative and programmatic support to the Director and/or Deputy Director;
• Generally assist in program administration and carry out office duties, including: photocopying, faxing, mailings and updating electronic and paper files;
• Coordinate logistics for some internal meetings and public forums, including schedule, book rooms, prepare materials and set up conference calls;
• As directed, coordinate travel, including arranging itineraries, tickets, visas and travel authorizations for project staff and non-OSI colleagues;
• Handle correspondence for program staff as needed;
• Provide administrative support to the grants management, legal and finance departments as needed in order to ensure smooth and timely processing of grants, contracts and payments;
• Process and track grant payment requests and budget allocations;
• Act as a point of contact (telephone and/or e-mail) for grant- and program-related inquiries and respond to routine telephone and written inquiries from applicants and others;
• Assist in the preliminary review of the quality and completeness of documentation of proposals and request additional information from applicants as directed;
• Prepare necessary internal paperwork to ensure timely payment of grants, ensure that proper documentation has been completed and submitted and produce pro-forma financial reports on grant spending;
• Attend strategy meetings with program staff, grantees and potential grantees;
• As requested, attend meetings and report back on public meetings;
• Assist in compiling, editing, and drafting program material, including updates to the OSI website;
• Perform research and assist with special projects as requested;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of two to three years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred

Skills Required:

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised and works well under pressure, attentive to detail and prioritizes and works well under pressure;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program Specific Requirements:

• Demonstrated concern for justice issues.
• Ability to organize site visits for Fellows, staff and investors
• Ability to conduct research and draft occasional surveys to measure the impact and needs of the Community Fellows
• Ability to speak publicly to describe the program to applicants, investors and civic groups

Start Date: immediate

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Location: OSI-Baltimore

Application Instructions

To Apply:

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before June 22, 2012 to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: PGA-CFI

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code PGA-CFI
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations is an Equal Opportunity Employer.