Ford Foundation Program Associate, Mission Investments Job 2026 (US$104,000 Salary)
Organisation: Ford Foundation
Position: Program Associate, Mission Investments
Location: New York, United States (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: Starting at US$104,000 per year
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Are you passionate about social justice, philanthropy, and impact investing? The Ford Foundation is recruiting a Program Associate, Mission Investments to join its New York-based team. Offering a starting salary of US$104,000 per year, this permanent position provides an outstanding opportunity for professionals interested in using finance and philanthropy to create lasting social impact.
The successful candidate will work alongside senior leadership to manage grantmaking and mission-related investment portfolios, conduct research, build strategic partnerships, and support initiatives that strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty, and advance human rights worldwide.
Whether your background is in international development, impact investing, research, nonprofit management, finance, or philanthropy, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most influential charitable foundations.
About the Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is one of the world’s leading independent philanthropic organizations. For more than 80 years, it has supported individuals and organizations working to reduce inequality, promote justice, strengthen democracy, and advance human dignity across the globe.
Headquartered in New York City, the Foundation operates through regional offices in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, supporting innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
Its Mission Investments team combines traditional grantmaking with impact investing, enabling the Foundation to maximize the effectiveness of its financial resources while generating sustainable social change.
About the Program Associate, Mission Investments Role
The Program Associate will report directly to the Senior Program Officer and play a central role in supporting the Mission Investments portfolio.
This position combines research, grant analysis, investment coordination, relationship management, and strategic communications. The successful candidate will help identify funding opportunities, evaluate grant proposals, coordinate with investees and grantees, and contribute to the Foundation’s broader learning and innovation agenda.
It is an ideal opportunity for professionals seeking to build a career at the intersection of philanthropy, social innovation, and impact investing.
Key Responsibilities
As Program Associate, your responsibilities will include:
Portfolio Strategy and Grant Management
- Review grant proposals and investment opportunities.
- Prepare strategic analyses for senior leadership.
- Conduct preliminary discussions with prospective grantees and investment partners.
- Coordinate due diligence activities.
- Support webinars and learning events for grantees and investees.
- Help manage active grant and investment portfolios.
Research and Knowledge Management
You will:
- Conduct research on emerging topics such as responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI), systems stewardship, and social innovation.
- Analyse programme data and identify trends.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and research summaries.
- Support evidence-based decision-making across the Mission Investments team.
Grantee and Partner Engagement
Responsibilities include:
- Conduct regular check-in meetings with funded organisations.
- Support planning of convenings and networking events.
- Prepare briefing materials and background research for meetings.
- Strengthen relationships with partners across the Foundation’s network.
Communication and Learning
The successful candidate will:
- Organise internal learning sessions.
- Share knowledge across Foundation teams.
- Support strategic external communications.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Strategic Collaboration
You will also:
- Work closely with the Chief Innovation Officer.
- Support innovative financing mechanisms.
- Represent the Mission Investments team at conferences and meetings.
- Build relationships with external partners and sector leaders.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A college degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.
- At least four years of professional work experience.
- A minimum of three years supporting programmes within the social development sector.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Experience collecting, analysing, and reporting data.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Exceptional organisational skills.
- Strong client-service orientation.
- Ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams.
Technical Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate proficiency in:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Databases
- Data analysis
- Reporting tools
- Digital collaboration platforms
Experience managing grant information and research databases will be an advantage.
Desired Personal Qualities
The Ford Foundation is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Humility
- Curiosity
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Adaptability
- Professional integrity
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Collaborative leadership
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving ability
- A sense of humour
- Passion for social justice
Salary and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive an excellent benefits package, including:
- Starting salary of US$104,000 per year
- Permanent full-time employment
- Hybrid work arrangement (three office days per week)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid vacation and wellness leave
- Paid parental leave
- Backup childcare and eldercare support
- Professional development opportunities
- Retirement savings plan with employer contributions of up to 13%
- Flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance
Work Location
This role is based in:
New York City, United States
The Ford Foundation follows a hybrid working model, requiring employees to work in the office three days each week.
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must already be legally authorised to work in the United States.
Why Join the Ford Foundation?
The Ford Foundation offers far more than a traditional nonprofit career. Employees work alongside globally recognised experts, philanthropists, researchers, and innovators tackling some of the world’s most complex social issues.
As a Program Associate within the Mission Investments team, you will help shape investment strategies that generate measurable social impact while supporting groundbreaking organisations working in democracy, human rights, technology, climate, economic justice, and community development.
If you’re looking to combine research, finance, philanthropy, and global development into a meaningful career, this is an outstanding opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- An updated Resume
- A Cover Letter
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Applications submitted without both documents will not be considered.
