Job Description

The annual base salary range for this position in California is $90,000 to $110,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education/training, internal value, peer equity, external market demands, and organizational considerations.

The Samueli Foundation seeks a curious and detail-oriented Program Associate to support its philanthropic initiatives as it seeks to double its grantmaking over the next decade. This role plays a critical part in managing grants, building partnerships, and engaging with community stakeholders across several focus areas (i.e., Combatting Antisemitism, Housing & Homelessness, Human Trafficking, Integrative Health, OC Jewish Thriving, STEM, and Strengthening Orange County’s social sector).

The ideal candidate is highly organized, equity-focused, and passionate about philanthropy and collaborative community impact.

Responsibilities

Grantmaking

• Support the Chief Program Officer (CPO) in executing against the full grant lifecycle (i.e., conduct desk research to source high potential prospective grantees, conduct initial review and assessment of proposal materials, support CPO with due diligence tasks) with a focus on renewal diligence
• Track grant milestones, maintain accurate data in grants management systems, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements in coordination with the Grants Management team
• Summarize grantmaking activities for quarterly board meetings
• Respond to inquiries from grantees and potential applicants

Research & Analysis

• Stay informed on local and national trends by monitoring news sources, attending webinars, and reviewing sector publications
• Conduct and synthesize relevant research and field trends that could impede or accelerate existing program strategy in collaboration with CPO

Community Engagement

• Help coordinate events such as grantee appreciation gatherings and convening sector leaders around critical topics in coordination with the CPO, President, and Project Manager
• Assist in managing relationships with grantees and partners, including coordinating site visits and ongoing communications
• Respond to requests for information and resources or refer to the appropriate Foundation contact

Operational Support

• Provide scheduling and logistical support for CPO
• Assist with internal coordination by gathering agenda items, taking meeting notes, and tracking follow-up actions across teams

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field, such as nonprofit management, community development, or public administration
• 2–4 years of experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, or community-focused roles with transferable skills
• Proficiency in office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace); familiarity with grants management systems is a plus
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clarity and collaboration
• A commitment to the foundation’s values of equity, inclusion, and partnership-driven impact

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Education - Bachelor's Degree

Experience Required – 2+ Years

This position is on-site.

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