Circle of Service Foundation (COSF, the Foundation)

Reports to: Program Director – Medical Research

Position Summary:

The Circle of Service Foundation (“Foundation”) seeks a Program Associate who will support the Foundation’s Medical Research and Climate Programs in all aspects of grant review and grantmaking, including administration, research, and special projects. The COSF Medical Research program supports creative scientific research to advance treatments, prevent disease and improve health for all. The COSF Climate program works to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Program Associate will report to the Program Director for Medical Research, and their time will be allocated approximately as follows:

• 50% support of grantmaking process, review, and recommendations
• 30% program area projects, research, partnerships
• 20% communications and administrative support/other work as assigned

Major Responsibilities:

Assist in Grantmaking and Monitoring (approximately 50% of time)

• Support the Program Director for Medical Research in the grant review process, including checking grant materials for accuracy, scheduling meetings, and preparing materials for board and committee review.
• Insightfully evaluate grant proposals – including analyzing organization and program goals, outcomes, financial data, sources of funding and other relevant information, and appropriately applying qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Establish and maintain relationships with grant applicants – including communicating with grant applicants, supporting meetings and site visits, and requesting and providing information related to the grantmaking process.
• Prepare written summaries and analyses of assigned grant proposals, including a recommendation of Foundation action. 
• Monitor performance, progress and impact of organizations and researchers receiving grants from the Foundation.
• Serve as a thought-partner with the Program Director on new and evolving initiatives and recommend Foundation action as appropriate.

Lead and Participate in Medical Research and Climate Program Projects, Research, and Partnerships (approximately 30% of time)

• Analyze and synthesize trends and opportunities in the Foundation’s funding areas, in conjunction with the Program Director.
• Undertake research in areas of existing grantmaking and potential areas of future interest in Medical Research and Climate Programs.
• Review and synthesize research, presentations, and other information relevant to the Medical Research and Climate programs.
• Represent the Foundation to funder groups and other networks.
• Plan, coordinate and/or participate in Medical Research and Climate Program projects as needed.
• Collaborate with other members of the Foundation’s team to support internal project priorities.

Communications and Administrative Support (approximately 20% of time)

• Revise and maintain the Foundation’s application and reporting tools, in coordination with the Director of Grants and Operations and the Grants Management team. 
• Draft and maintain Foundation communications, including, but not limited to, the Foundation’s website, and communication with the board, grant applicants, grant recipients and others.
• Provide administrative support to the Foundation through note taking, screen sharing and other tasks, as needed.
• Maintain knowledge management systems within the Medical Research and Climate Programs.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in roles within or alongside the science community with a passion for improving health and addressing climate change.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. 
• Three to five years’ professional experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively among a team – both with internal colleagues and external colleagues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Attentive to detail; excellent capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously; strong time-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a self-starter; not afraid to ask questions.
• Excellent organizational skills and qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
• A person described by their peers as humble, honest, hardworking, strategic, adaptable, and enthusiastic.

Additional Information:

• The estimated starting annual base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000/year. Compensation is a reasonable estimate. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, education and performance. 
• This position is also eligible for an annual holiday bonus and a discretionary profit-sharing contribution. 
• The Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental and vision), life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan and pension plan. In addition, health and wellness incentive programs are available along with paid public transit for commuting expenses.  
• This is a hybrid role. Candidates must be able to work in the office located in the Chicago Loop three designated days/week. Relocation services are not available for this position.

Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Team:

The Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively invites applications from individuals who identify as a member of a traditionally marginalized and/or underrepresented community. 

Applying:

The application review process will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. No phone calls or emails about the position, please.

The information contained in this job description is intended to convey information about the essential functions and requirements of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the opportunity.