The Opportunity:

The Dana Foundation seeks a Program Associate for its Neuroscience & Society Program Team. The Neuroscience & Society Program Associate reports to the Vice President of Neuroscience & Society of the Dana Foundation and works in partnership with the Vice President and the broader Neuroscience & Society Program Team to support evaluation and learning, programmatic strategy refinement, grantmaking, and external engagement. 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.

The Role:

Key Responsibilities:

• Support evaluation and learning, including:
  • Partner with the Vice President, neuroscience and society program team, grantees, and other external partners to continue to deepen the Foundation’s programmatic evaluation work and associated learning;
  • Identify synergistic learning opportunities across the neuroscience and society portfolio;
  • Build the Foundation’s capacity to analyze, visualize, and interpret data, including through the use of AI; and
  • Support efforts to generate and disseminate practical insights for both practitioners and funders in the field.
• Support programmatic strategy refinement, including:
  • Research and maintain a current understanding of the trends, needs, and gaps in neuroscience and society, particularly in areas related to education, next generation training, and public engagement.
  • Partner with the Program Directors and draw on internal and external reports, landscape scans, and research literature to identify evidence-based approaches for potential investment and support; and
  • Identify opportunities to deepen cross-cutting programmatic strategy across the neuroscience and society portfolio.
• Support grantmaking, including:
  • Triage inbound requests and letters of inquiry;
  • Meet with prospective and current grantees;
  • Review and providing feedback on grant proposals;
  • Review programmatic progress reports; and
  • Draft internal grant documents.
• Support external engagement, including:
  • Support ongoing efforts to partner with other funders on areas of shared interest, including connecting our learnings with those of relevant other funders to advance the Foundation’s mission; and
  • Represent the Foundation within the neuroscience and society community, and at scientific conferences.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in life sciences, neuroscience, psychology, science and technology studies OR J.D., M.S., or M.P.H. with strong experience working in science or societal aspects of science (such as ethics, equity, or scientific integrity).
• No less than two years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in data-driven strategic program development, management, and evaluation at an academic institution, non-profit organization, other funding organization, or mission-driven organization, including measuring programmatic outcomes, impact, and success using qualitative and quantitative measures.
• Demonstrated familiarity with AI and machine learning concepts, with the ability to translate technical possibilities into operational needs.
• Proven ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities with excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively develop and maintain a variety of productive relationships across different working groups
• Attention to detail, proactivity, and follow-through ability.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including facility with multiple software packages such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).

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.

Additional Details:

•    The anticipated/desired start-date is fall 2026

.•    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 application deadline is Friday, July 10.

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 $95,000-$105,000. 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.