The Opportunity:
The Dana Foundation seeks a Program Assistant for its Neuroscience & Society Program Team. The Neuroscience & Society Program Assistant reports to the Vice President of Neuroscience & Society of the Dana Foundation and is responsible for directly assisting the Vice President and supporting the Neuroscience & Society Program Team, which includes three Program Directors. Duties will include but not be limited to: providing administrative support to the Vice President and general administrative support to the program team; assisting with grantmaking processes; and supporting grants data analytics. The work involves considerable variety and complexity of assignments, requiring independent judgment in applying guidelines to different work situations.
This role is full-time and based in the Foundation’s New York City office. The Foundation maintains a hybrid work schedule, with 3 days per week in the office.
The Organization:
The Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing neuroscience and society, a human-centered neuroscience paradigm that connects brain research to real-world needs, values, and experiences. It brings together students, scientists, practitioners, and communities to reflect on assumptions, share expertise, and ensure that neuroscience serves people in meaningful and socially responsible ways.
The Foundation pursues its mission through grants and partnerships. These include funding
organizational partnerships nationally and internationally, to amplify work in the neuroscience and society space. Learn more about our Neuroscience & Society work.
We seek employees who are both highly skilled and able to work collaboratively. Our values drive not only our mission but also our daily work. Learn more about us online.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform administrative duties, such as:
- scheduling and supporting internal and external meetings and conferences, including drafting materials for meetings and notetaking;
- assisting in coordinating special projects;
- processing invoices; and
- organizing and maintaining files and data.
- Assist with processes and documentation related to grantmaking, including:
- helping grantees with general questions or routing them to the right person for information;
- supporting the release and management of funding opportunities;
- tracking and monitoring status of applications and projects in multiple grant portfolios via the GivingData grants management platform/database;
- supporting grants data analytics activities in Microsoft PowerBI; and
- working with other relevant staff such as the Grants Director.
- Collaborate with communications colleagues to highlight Neuroscience & Society activities of grantees and Dana staff.
Desired Skillsets and Characteristics:
- Commitment to contributing to a strong organizational culture that represents the Foundation’s core values and code of conduct.
- Brings excitement and optimism during a time of evidence-based active strategy implementation and refinement.
- Demonstrated alignment with organizational values, including trust, collaboration, community, empathy, and belonging.
- Ability to maintain diplomacy and composure under pressure.
- Ability to work as a member of diverse teams consisting of both internal and external stakeholders.
Required Education and Experience:
- BS or BA degree, preferably in a field related to Neuroscience & Society such as bioengineering, biology, computer science, ethics and technology, psychology, sociology, STS (science, technology, and society), etc.
- No less than two years of professional experience.
- Superb project management, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Attention to detail, proactivity, and follow-through ability.
- Strong analytical abilities, including clear judgment and creative thinking.
- Strong writing skills.
- Excellent computer skills, including facility with multiple software packages such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
Additional Details:
- The anticipated/desired start-date is early spring.
- The Foundation cannot offer work visa sponsorship for this position at this time.
Application Process:
- Please submit a resume and cover letter to the Dana Foundation’s Director of Human Resources, Pat Mangini: [email protected].
- The priority application deadline is February 27.
Benefits Currently Offered:
- Group Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance with premiums paid by the Foundation
- Direct medical and gym reimbursement plans
- Short- and long-term disability, and Paid Family Leave
- Section 401(a) retirement plan: Non-contributory contribution of 15% of compensation up to the IRS statutory limit (eligible after six-months’ employment)
- Section 403(b) savings plan: Voluntary plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education Assistance Program
- Professional Development Support
- Matching Gift Program
- Vacation and Holiday Leave: All employees are entitled to 20 vacation days, other than those hired during a calendar year who are entitled to one day vacation per each full month of work. Employees are also entitled to three personal days and 12 paid holidays.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $75,000-$82,000.
It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.
The Dana Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring, and fosters belonging in its workplace culture. The Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants for employment and employees without regard to factors such as race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, neurodiversity, disability, or veteran status, in addition to all other protected categories under federal, state, and local law. The Dana Foundation strongly encourages candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.