Project Specialist

Position Overview The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Higher Education program seeks a dynamic Program Associate to support grantmaking, external engagement, and strategy development. This is a full-time, three-year position with the possibility of a two-year extension. The goal of Sloan’s Higher Education program is to expand fair access and opportunity in STEM higher education so that all talent is included and can thrive. To this end, the program funds institutions and organizations that seek to strengthen undergraduate STEM education; widen pathways to and through STEM master’s and doctoral programs; transform graduate education through evidence-informed approaches; and support efforts to include all talent in the STEM professoriate. This is a term-limited position (three to five years); a minimum two-year commitment is expected. The Associate will work from Sloan’s Rockefeller Center offices Tuesday–Thursday and may work remotely Monday and Friday, except when in-office presence is required. The Foundation offers a generous benefits package. The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $105,000. Alfred P. Sloan Foundation The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit grantmaking institution based in New York City. Established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan Jr., then-President and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, the Foundation makes grants in three broad areas, direct support of research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics; initiatives to increase access and opportunity in graduate science education; projects to develop or leverage technology to empower research; and efforts to enhance and deepen public engagement with science and scientists. Duties and Responsibilities Day-to-day responsibilities include, Meeting with prospective and current grantees; Reviewing and providing feedback on grant proposals; Collaborating with the Program Coordinator and fellow Program Associates; Managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously; Supporting grant management, including review of reports and financial statements; Triaging inbound requests and letters of inquiry; and Drafting internal grant documents. Because much of the Foundation’s work involves iterative revision of proposals and internal memoranda, the Program Associate must communicate complex ideas clearly and help others do the same. Over time, the Associate will take on primary responsibility for elements of the grant workflow, sourcing external reviewers, and developing grants under the Program Director’s supervision. Working closely with the Program Director on strategic planning and implementation, the Associate will also, Research new grantmaking opportunities and map the landscape of potential grantees, reviewers, and collaborators; Draw on internal and external reports, landscape scans, and research literature to identify evidence-based approaches for potential investment; Build connections across grantees and strengthen program communications, including managing the program’s newsletter; and Work with the program coordinator and the Sloan Scholarship Program administrator and grantees to plan events, meetings, and campus site visits. Moderate travel is expected; the Program Associate must exercise sound judgment when representing the Foundation at meetings, conferences, and workshops. Qualifications A PhD (or equivalent experience) is preferred; this position is well suited to a recent PhD graduate in higher education or a related field with an interest in philanthropy. Deep familiarity with higher education research and related literature is important. Candidates should have subject matter expertise in access and opportunity in STEM higher education—including knowledge of persistent barriers and areas of opportunity for the inclusion of all talent in undergraduate and graduate STEM education and the STEM professoriate, including in the field of economics. Familiarity with Minority Serving Institutions, two-year colleges, and access-focused institutions as pathways to graduate education is desirable, as is knowledge of promising practices aligned with the program’s goals. Relevant expertise may include systemic change in graduate education, undergraduate STEM pedagogy and emergent technologies, or Indigenous science and methodologies. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, as are organizational ability, self-motivation, and comfort working independently. Candidates must be able to navigate ambiguity, learn new tools quickly, and thrive in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. Humility and a genuine commitment to serving grantees and the field are essential.   No visa sponsorship is provided for this position.