Leonard Lieberman Philanthropy Fellowship – Program Associate

The Fund for New Jersey, a private grant-making foundation, works to improve the quality of public policy decision-making on the most significant issues affecting the people of New Jersey and our region. Our grant making advances systemic and sustainable solutions to public problems through the work of policy, advocacy, analysis, and organizing. In addition to work on issue areas including budget & finance, climate & environment, criminal justice, education, housing, immigration, poverty, and public media, The Fund has launched special initiatives to address structural discrimination, to advance democratic participation, and to promote and accomplish a complete Census count in 2020.

We encourage aspiring leaders in public policy to apply for this two-year fellowship position, named in honor of New Jersey public policy leader Leonard Lieberman, who served The Fund with distinction from 1987 to 2015 and led the Board of Trustees as Chair from 1997 to 2008.

The Lieberman Fellow/Program Associate will learn about all aspects of the work of a private foundation and will work to address many of New Jersey’s most significant policy issues. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to learn how non-profit advocacy organizations operate, better understand the New Jersey and national policy landscape, and gain experience supporting organizations to help advance their stated mission and goals. See The Fund’s website for details of our work.

The Program Associate will contribute to programmatic and strategic work of The Fund, including:

• Contributing to invitation, review, and evaluation of grant inquiries and proposals
• Conducting site visits with potential and current grantees
• Preparing materials and presenting grants quarterly for board consideration
• Managing and reporting grantmaking data and outcome evaluations
• Representing The Fund at meetings and conferences
• Completing issue-focused research to support and expand grantmaking
• Generating and distributing information about The Fund and the work of its grantees, including preparation of bi-monthly news updates
• Managing digital communications and developing social media and website content
• Preparing background materials for meetings
• Assisting with program-related correspondence

The position requires regular travel throughout New Jersey to engage with grantees and other key partners. The Program Associate will be encouraged to develop their own expertise and, in consultation with colleagues, work responsibilities will be adjusted to leverage and strengthen the Program Associate’s particular skills and interests, including support through professional development opportunities.

The strongest candidate will have demonstrated experience and qualities, including:

• A Master’s degree including coursework in policy, politics, economics, sociology, environmental studies, or related fields.
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for public policy and social change related to an array of issues affecting New Jersey.
• Understanding of and commitment to concepts of justice, equity, and inclusion, both in substance and in process.
• Strong multitasking skills; ability to coordinate, organize, prioritize, and execute multi-faceted workload with competing deadlines.
• Ability to carry out responsibilities with sensitivity, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Familiarity with social media and media management tools.
• Excellent writing, research, and editing skills.
• Strong technology skills and ease with basic quantitative analysis (i.e. Microsoft Excel).
• Ability to think clearly, listen well, and ask good questions.

This is a two-year position beginning as early as August 2025 and continuing for 24 months. Salary depends on experience and will exceed $60,000 annually with excellent benefits including ten sick days, twenty vacation days, and a generous 401k retirement plan. The Fund has a small, energetic, and highly collaborative staff, and offers an exceptional work environment with opportunities for mentorship and networking. The Fund promotes, values, and respects diversity.

To apply: Please send a cover letter describing your interest and fit for the Lieberman Fellow/Program Associate position. Also include a resume, a writing sample (no more than 1,000 words), and a list of three references.

Send all materials to jobs@fundfornj.org. Review of applications will begin April 14 and will continue until the position is filled.