Arts & Culture Program Assistant (Equity & Impact)

Surdna Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Surdna Foundation in New York City seeks a Program Assistant for its Thriving Cultures program. This role supports day-to-day administration for a three-person team and helps invest in artists and culture bearers of color to foster a racially just future with equitable outcomes.

Responsibilities include grant tracking, budget review, due diligence, and communications support. A commitment to social justice and teamwork is essential in this collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; arts/policy/immersive tech is strongly preferred.
• Commitment to social justice and inclusive practices to effect change.
• 1–2 years’ work experience with office/administrative tasks.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Nonprofit or foundation experience is a plus.
• Excellent analytical thinking, narrative writing, speaking, research, scheduling, and editing skills.
• Strong team-player with diplomacy, humility, and a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Administrative support for a three-person team and board-related activities.
• Track grants, contracts, and reports; process expenses and invoices.
• Proof and assemble written materials; provide technical support to grantees.
• Coordinate meetings, travel, and events; manage timelines and systems.
• Support cross-program connections and internal foundation initiatives.

Skills

Systems thinker

Detail-oriented

Team-player

Diplomatic

Humility & learning

Analytical thinking

Narrative writing

Speaking

Research

Editing skills

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The Surdna Foundation in New York City seeks a Program Assistant for its Thriving Cultures program. This role supports day-to-day administration for a three-person team and helps invest in artists and culture bearers of color to foster a racially just future with equitable outcomes.

Responsibilities include grant tracking, budget review, due diligence, and communications support. A commitment to social justice and teamwork is essential in this collaborative environment.