Program Associate

JOB TITLE: Program Associate

DEPARTMENT: Administration 

REPORTS TO: Chief of Staff

FLSA: Exempt 

Salary: $55-$60K

About the Center

Founded in 2008, the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, Inc. (the “Center”) is a not-for-profit that promotes and protects affordable homeownership so that all New Yorkers can build strong, thriving communities. With more than 18 years of experience, the Center's work spans direct services, network coordination, and systems-level intervention. It coordinates a citywide network of housing counseling and legal services providers, operates a statewide Homeowner Hub call center, and co-administers approximately $40 million annually in state funding that supports homeowner services statewide. The Center’s mission-driven CDFI, Sustainable Neighborhoods, lends approximately $7 million annually and holds approximately $100 million in net assets as of December 2025. The Center’s work is grounded in collaboration with community-based partners, public agencies, philanthropy, and national leaders in heirs’ property and housing preservation. Through these partnerships, the Center continues to develop scalable, practical solutions that preserve homeownership, stabilize communities, and expand access to economic opportunity.

Position Summary 

The Center seeks a Program Associate to join our team. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Program Associate will provide day-to-day administrative and operational support while contributing to the coordination and implementation of programmatic initiatives across the organization. This role will work collaboratively across teams to help ensure that the Center’s operations and programs run smoothly and effectively.

The ideal candidate is self-aware, proactive, highly organized, and collaborative, with strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and take initiative.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The Center operates under a hybrid work model, with staff generally expected to work on site a minimum of two days per week to support collaboration, connection, and impact. Due to the nature of this position, the Program Associate is required to work in the office four days per week. Candidates must be able to meet this in-office requirement.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Operations 

• Provide administrative, logistical, and project coordination support to program teams as needed.
• Support the implementation of programmatic activities, including coordinating meetings, workshops, trainings, and events; preparing materials; communicating with participants; and managing related logistics.
• Collaborate with program teams to maintain the Center’s relationship management system and ensure external stakeholder and engagement information is accurate and up to date.
• Assist with program-related data entry, research, recordkeeping, materials preparation, and tracking of activities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Support cross-functional initiatives, special projects, and other organizational priorities as assigned.

Operations & Administration

• Help foster a welcoming, productive, and well-organized work environment for staff and visitors, including ensuring the office remains functional and presentable.
• In partnership with the Senior Operations Associate, support day-to-day office operations, including reception coverage, visitor management, incoming inquiries and mail, office supplies, catering, and meeting set-up.
• Coordinate office repairs and maintenance with building management and third-party vendors.
• Partner with the Chief of Staff, Senior Operations Associate, and Information Technology to maintain a consistent and productive in-office technology experience, including troubleshooting equipment and escalating issues as needed.
• Manage designated operational processes and systems, including monthly safety inspections, Google Drive and Asana administration, employee onboarding support, and documentation of office procedures.
• Support the Center’s organizational culture and staff engagement initiatives, including coordinating logistics for staff meetings, outings, lunch and learns, new hire check-ins, and other in-person and virtual gatherings.
• Assist with the implementation of office safety procedures and serve as a member of the Safety Committee.
• Identify opportunities to improve day-to-day administrative and operational processes and work collaboratively with colleagues to implement solutions.

Values
  

• Demonstrate Ownership by showing initiative, active problem solving, being solution-oriented, acting conscientiously, and putting team results above individual accomplishments 
• Demonstrate Growth Mindset through resilience, humility, engaging in expansive thinking, and showing curiosity and openness to learning
• Work collaboratively by demonstrating the ability to work in teams, exhibiting emotional intelligence, actively seeking input and consensus building, and having positive energy 

Skills & Qualifications

•   Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• One to two years of experience ideally gained in a high-pressure office environment, including specific experience in operations management, development, and implementation of policies and procedures
• Proficiency with Excel, other Microsoft Office suite programs, and Google apps. Experience with Slack and Asana project management preferred  
• Articulate with an extremely professional self-presentation and outstanding interpersonal skills
• Polite, tactful, and able to maintain composure under pressure
• Sound judgment, a high degree of professionalism, and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proactive and solution-oriented, able to use initiative and work independently
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize effectively, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• An excellent team player
• Background or interest in racial equity and affordable housing issues preferred