Title: Program Associate / Arts
Location: New York, NY
Reports to: Senior Program Officer / Arts
Status: Full time, exempt (minimum three days a week in person)
How to apply: Click here to apply. Please send a résumé and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The mission of the Doris Duke Foundation is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts and culture, nature, and health and well-being. The foundation operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that serve the public directly. Our activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total more than $2 billion. To learn more, visit www.dorisduke.org.
About the Arts Program
The Doris Duke Foundation’s arts program is among the leading philanthropic programs focused exclusively on performing artists. The program supports artists with the creation and public performance of their work. The foundation directs its support to contemporary dance, jazz and theater artists, as well as the organizations that nurture, present and produce them.
Historically, the program has pursued a range of initiatives, from investments in leading programs that commission works and support artists to grants for presenting organizations. These programs seek to provide direct resources to practicing artists and to enable greater opportunities for performing artists to develop, present and tour their work. This field-leading body of work has been nationally recognized: the foundation was awarded the 2014 National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama for "a bold commitment to artistic risk."
The foundation is now moving in a new direction, building on its legacy of commitment to performing artists who are pushing their disciplines forward. In particular, the arts program is increasingly focusing on two areas: growing the foundation’s role as an advocate for the fundamental conditions that enable artistic creativity and helping the performing arts adapt to and shape the role of technology in changing how the performing arts are produced, distributed and consumed.
Position
The program associate (PA) is a key member of the arts program team, advancing the foundation’s mission to support a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable performing arts ecosystem. This role supports program implementation, events coordination and grants management.
Reporting to the senior program officer (SPO) and working closely with the program director, the program associate plays a vital role in the daily operations of the program. The program director sets the program’s strategic direction, the senior program officer oversees its strategic implementation and the associate ensures its smooth, day-to-day execution.
Responsibilities
- Grants management
- Research and report on topics relevant to the program’s focus areas, including potential grantees, collaborators, partners and grantmaking best practices.
- Coordinate the grant application process, including applicant communications, due diligence and first-round proposal reviews.
- Manage communication with applicants and grantees and monitor grants in collaboration with the grants management team.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in GivingData.
- Assist in drafting, reviewing and editing internal memos and presentations.
- Coordinate grantmaking programs and liaise with consultants and panelists.
- Budget and accounts payable
- Coordinate budget and accounting processes for program staff.
- Track and process all expenses and manage costs within the program budget.
- Assist in managing vendor relationships and procurement processes.
- Track monthly operating and grantmaking budgets with guidance from the SPO.
- Administrative
- Manage calendars, travel and scheduling for the program and its staff.
- Manage and coordinate use of shared platforms and databases.
- Draft, edit, review and proofread contracts for consultants.
- Events
- Plan and manage logistics for events, meetings and site visits.
- Identify and manage vendors for event needs.
- Manage guest lists and ensure data accuracy.
- Staff program events.
- Communications
- Support the program’s communications strategy.
- Coordinate with the Influence and Marketing team on media coverage and content updates.
- Serve as the primary contact for program inquiries, grantees and consultants.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience, preferably in arts administration or the performing arts.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Enthusiasm and passion for the performing arts.
- Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through on complex tasks.
- Clear and proactive communication, including timely status updates.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across teams.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with initiative.
- Skilled in managing administrative systems and maintaining data integrity.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management tools such as Asana and Airtable.
- Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Ironclad, HubSpot and/or GivingData is a plus.
We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.
Compensation and Benefits
- Anticipated salary range is $62,000 to $77,000. Final offer will depend on experience.
- Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year — all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
Our Values
The following values underpin everything we do in pursuit of our mission across the Doris Duke Foundation:
- Integrity: We must be honest and ethical in all that we undertake.
- Excellence: We insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission.
- Openness and imagination: We value creativity and responsiveness to diverse perspectives.
- Collaboration: We promote trust, honesty and respect within our organization.
- Diversity, equity and inclusion: We commit to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.