Program Associate - Medical Research (Circle of Service Foundation)

Flexibly Focused•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Circle of Service Foundation (COSF) seeks a Program Associate to support its Medical Research and Climate Programs. This role involves all aspects of grant review and grantmaking, including administration, research, and special projects. The Medical Research program focuses on advancing treatments, preventing disease, and improving health, while the Climate program aims to mitigate climate change impacts. The Program Associate will report to the Program Director for Medical Research and their time will be allocated across grantmaking support (50%), program projects and research (30%), and communications/administrative support (20%).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in roles within or alongside the science community with a passion for improving health and addressing climate change.
Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in the grant review process by checking grant materials for accuracy, scheduling meetings, and preparing materials for board and committee review.
Analyze grant proposals, including organizational goals, outcomes, financial data, and funding sources, applying qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Establish and maintain relationships with grant applicants, communicating and providing information related to the grantmaking process.
Prepare written summaries and analyses of assigned grant proposals, including recommendations for Foundation action.
Monitor the performance, progress, and impact of funded organizations and researchers.
Serve as a thought-partner on new initiatives and recommend appropriate Foundation actions.
Analyze and synthesize trends and opportunities in the Foundation’s funding areas.
Undertake research in existing and potential future areas of interest for the Medical Research and Climate Programs.
Review and synthesize research, presentations, and other information relevant to the programs.
Represent the Foundation to funder groups and other networks.
Plan, coordinate, and/or participate in program projects as needed.
Collaborate with other team members to support internal project priorities.
Revise and maintain the Foundation’s application and reporting tools.
Draft and maintain Foundation communications, including website content and communications with stakeholders.
Provide administrative support, including note-taking and other tasks as needed.
Maintain knowledge management systems within the Medical Research and Climate Programs.