Senior Associate, Sponsored Projects & Funds

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) is a nonprofit organization that currently advises on and manages more than $400 million in annual giving by individuals, families, corporations and major foundations. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors accelerates philanthropy in pursuit of a just world.
Continuing the Rockefeller family’s legacy of thoughtful, effective philanthropy, RPA remains at the forefront of philanthropic growth and innovation, with a diverse team led by experienced grantmakers with significant depth of knowledge across the spectrum of issue areas. Founded in 2002, RPA has grown into one of the world’s largest philanthropic service organizations and, as a whole, has facilitated more than $3 billion in grantmaking to nearly 70 countries. RPA serves as a fiscal sponsor for more than 120+ projects, providing governance, management and operational infrastructure to support their charitable purposes. For more information, please go to www.rockpa.org.

Role Overview

The Senior Associate is a member of the team responsible for providing operational support for a portfolio of client relationships and coordinates/supports activities including grantmaking, contract administration, expense reimbursements, and other operational activities as assigned. The Senior Associate understands RPA’s internal systems and processes and how they can be utilized in service of a project's objectives, train project staff on their appropriate use, and suggest enhancements and efficiencies for existing tools and processes. The Senior Associate anticipates and leads in providing operations services for complex projects, including what RPA services to draw upon to achieve project outcomes. 

Core Accountabilities:

GRANT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Manage the grantmaking review process, share funding requirements with internal stakeholders, and ensure timely responses to clients and potential grantees. Utilize internal grantmaking system for client communication and tracking including tracking proposals, high-level due diligence, generation of award letters and grant agreements, and the monitoring of process and flow for assigned grants

PROJECT RISK AND ISSUE RESOLUTION

Support the resolution of risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints associated with the project, escalating these where appropriate. Where necessary, develop, agree on, and implement solutions to overcome these.

DOCUMENT PREPARATION

Organize and prepare complex documents using a variety of applications for technology devices such as standard office software. Also responsible for gathering and summarizing data for special reports. 

PROJECT OPERATIONAL COORDINATION

Track and approve project expenses, train on systems and processes, and connect sponsored project staff to resources such as credit card procurement and other benefits of sponsorship at RPA.   Resolve issues of administration with appropriate internal partners as needed.

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Respond in a timely fashion to all Sponsored Project inquiries.  Develops strong relationships with project partners based on trust and accuracy of service delivery.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Support inquiries and requests. participates in problem-solving for Sponsored Projects as requested.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Review existing operations in own area of work and suggest and implement innovations to processes to support client need and operational efficiency and ensure continuous improvements are delivered.  

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Develop and administer contracts for Sponsored Projects utilizing the RPA template and systems. Escalate complex contracts to Grants Management and/or Legal as required.

COMPLEXITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

• Works with minimal supervision to prioritize components of a project, program, or portfolio and can identify and manage risks, activities, stakeholders, etc. across the life of the project.  

• Uses knowledge and skills to act collaboratively with others on identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and managing project-related risks.

• Uses clear and effective verbal communication skills without supervision and provides technical guidance when required on expressing ideas, requesting actions, and formulating plans or policies. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required.  

• Experience in operations, office, support, and client service. (3-6 years)

• Experience with project management and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector, including grantmaking or nonprofit operations.

• Experience with CRM and comfort in learning new technologies.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS  

• We are seeking a candidate within reasonable commuting distance to either our San Francisco or New York City office.

• Some travel may be required.

The individual in the role must demonstrate a commitment to RPA’s Values:

• We believe that philanthropy can help create a better world.

• We make decisions that center people and communities.

• We believe philanthropy has a responsibility to pursue equity.

• We uphold the highest standards of integrity and trust.

• We are committed to learning and sharing knowledge. 

Compensation & Benefits

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement and access to professional development resources.

The salary range is one component of the total compensation package for employees.

Pay Range: $77,000 - $80,500 salary per year.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed as received. In order to be considered, all applications must include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and your resume. The position will remain open until filled.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors celebrates the uniqueness of our staff, our partners, and the communities we serve. We are committed to inclusion with the goal of cultivating a culture of belonging and acceptance. We strive to embed this value in our philanthropic work to advance a more just, equitable and sustainable world.

RPA is an equal opportunity employer.