Social Impact & Grants Associate

MacArthur Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

MacArthur Foundation in Chicago seeks a Social Impact Associate to support the Vice President, Social Impact and the Lever for Change team. The role offers a dynamic environment to strengthen programs and help philanthropic opportunities scale with impact.

You will help source and vet social change opportunities, draft memos and reports, and assist in designing initiatives to improve grantees’ effectiveness. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience
• BA/BS in Education, International Affairs/Development, Human Rights/Social Justice, Multicultural Communication, Anthropology, Social Work, Psychology, Law, Public Health or related field
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to do what is necessary to get the job done
• Well-developed organizational skills and attention to detail
• Able to manage multiple tasks and projects under tight deadlines
• Able to take initiative and work proactively; strong cross-cultural diplomacy skills
• English fluency (spoken and written) required
• Demonstrated competency in public speaking

Responsibilities

• Support the sourcing and due diligence of social change organizations through competition processes, including analysis of proposals, budgets, and work-plans
• Undertake background research on core sectors and issues to support nonprofit grantees and applicants
• Draft program-related memos, reports, materials, and presentations
• Assist in designing new initiatives to support grantees and top applicants
• Monitor the performance of grants and the implementation of grant strategies
• Manage a caseload of active grants and maintain accurate records and supportive contact with grantees
• Identify opportunities and help organize meetings of top applicants, grantees, and program advisors

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Multi-tasking

Tech-savvy

Education

BA/BS in Education/Intl Affairs/Development

Job description

MacArthur Foundation in Chicago seeks a Social Impact Associate to support the Vice President, Social Impact and the Lever for Change team. The role offers a dynamic environment to strengthen programs and help philanthropic opportunities scale with impact.

You will help source and vet social change opportunities, draft memos and reports, and assist in designing initiatives to improve grantees’ effectiveness. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.