Associate, Fellows (MF)

MacArthur Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The MacArthur Foundation seeks an Associate for the Fellows Program in Chicago. This role participates actively in workflow and communications to support unrestricted fellowships that recognize extraordinary originality and self-direction.

Essential duties include budgeting for Fellows, coordinating contracts and travel for consultants and selectors, drafting communications, and preparing materials for the Selection committee. Strong organization and independent work are required.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or related experience; master’s in Library or Information Science preferred.
• Experience managing budgets and coordinating contracts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with diverse contacts.
• Advanced relational database knowledge and experience with budget software a plus.
• Excellent organizational abilities and independent work habit.

Responsibilities

• Manage the budgets for Fellows.
• Manage contracts and travel for external consultants, including Fellows Program Selectors.
• Drafts, edits, and proofs communications for the Fellows Program and Director.
• Coordinate information for the Fellows Selection committee.
• Maintain workflow of information and paperwork for Fellows to become grantees.
• Coordinate orientation materials for Selectors.
• Manage logistics for Selectors meetings and liaise with Meeting Planners.
• Process expense reports for Fellows program staff.
• Perform background research on nominees’ work and curate material for the Selection Committee.
• Provide backup for Fellows Program coordinators.
• Conduct special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Budget management experience

Organizational skills

Independent work capability

Time management

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or related experience

Master’s in Library or Information Science preferred

Tools

Budget software

Relational databases

Job description

The MacArthur Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. The MacArthur Fellowship is a \"no strings attached\" award in support of people, not projects. Each fellowship comes with a stipend of $625,000 to the recipient, paid out in equal quarterly installments over five years.
The Associate is an integral and active part of the Fellows Program. He/She works closely with the Fellows staff to ensure efficient workflow and communications across the Program.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the budgets for Fellows
• Manage contracts and travel for external consultants, including Fellows Program Selectors
• Drafts, edits, and proofs communications for the Fellows Program and Director
• Work with the Director and program staff in coordinating information for the Fellows Selection committee
• Maintain the workflow of information including paperwork for all Fellows to become grantees
• Coordinate orientation materials for Selectors
• Manage logistics for Selectors meetings, including liaising with Meeting Planners
• Process expense reports for Fellows program staff
• Perform background research on the work of nominees across a wide number of fields and curate material by and about nominees for the purposes of Selection Committee review

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide backup for Fellows Program coordinators
• Conduct special projects as requested by program staff
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or related experience; master’s degree in Library or Information Science preferred
• Experience managing budgets
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to learn Foundation specific programs
• Advanced relational database knowledge and experience with budget software a plus
• Excellent organizational skills
• Well-organized and able to work independently with little direct supervision
• Able to manage and prioritize own time where assignments are routine in nature
• Able to effectively communicate in written and oral format with both internal and external contacts
• Must exercise sound judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques of obtaining solutions
• Able to manage numerous tasks/projects and meet tight deadlines
• Must work in harmony with all levels of the organization