Program Associate for Defending Inclusive Democracy

Job Title:               Program Associate for Defending Inclusive Democracy

Reports To:           Senior Program Officer for Defending Inclusive Democracy

Location:               Dayton, OH

Position Status:    Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range:       $70,000 - $85,000 Annually

Summary: 

The Program Associate for Defending Inclusive Democracy supports the Charles F. Kettering Foundation’s strategic initiatives to counter democratic decline and authoritarianism by strengthening civic engagement, raising public awareness of anti-democratic threats, and promoting proactive democratic defense strategies. Reporting directly to the Senior Program Officer, the Program Associate provides project management oversight, organizes critical meetings and events, and manages partnerships with external organizations and stakeholders. This role demands exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and collaborative capabilities across internal teams and external partners. The Program Associate conducts research on relevant trends, supports proposal development and review, manages budgets and documentation, and ensures efficient operational execution, contributing directly to the foundation’s vision of thriving, inclusive democracies worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage projects from initiation to completion, developing detailed work plans, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely and effective delivery of outcomes.
• Coordinate and oversee meetings and events related to defending inclusive democracy.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and grantees, facilitating effective collaboration and alignment with program goals.
• Communicate proactively and clearly across internal teams and external partners to foster strong collaborative relationships and partnerships.
• Assist in the development and management of contracts and agreements, tracking invoices and deliverables to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Manage program budgets, track financial expenditures, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives and compliance with organizational policies.
• Collaborate with the communications team to promote and publicize initiatives and partnerships across diverse platforms.
• Conduct ongoing research to inform program activities, monitor relevant organizations, identify potential partners, and track emerging trends in democracy and authoritarianism.
• Utilize technology tools for operational effectiveness, including project management software, video conferencing, presentations, and digital collaboration platforms.
• Maintain accurate documentation and produce necessary reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned to enhance the growth and success of the program.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in project management, program coordination, or partner management within organizational settings.
• Background in democracy-related fields (e.g., citizen engagement, human rights advocacy, anti-authoritarian initiatives) highly desirable.
• Proven budgeting, financial reporting, and contract management experience necessary.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong project management, organizational, and time-management capabilities.
• Independent critical thinking, sound judgment, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, familiarity with project management tools, and digital platforms such as video conferencing software.
• Effective relationship-building skills to engage diverse groups and stakeholders.
• Competence in research, information analysis, and synthesis.
• Detail-oriented, efficient, and deadline-focused, with a strong commitment to budget adherence.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Some travel required for program events or meetings.
• Primarily office-based work involving regular use of office equipment and computers.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Capability to lift up to 25 pounds.

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation is committed to equal opportunity and embraces diversity in the workplace. The Foundation actively encourages applications from women, individuals of diverse racial backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. We strive to create an inclusive work environment where employees thrive based on their personal merit, qualifications, experience, abilities, and job performance.