ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Outrider Foundation

Program Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

Outrider Foundation is hiring a Program Associate to coordinate events and build fundraising infrastructure. You will plan media training sessions and conferences, manage communications, and seek new ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram Associate JobsProgram Associate Jobs in Madison, WI

Program Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$25.2K

$52.8K

$91.2K

How much do program associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program associate in Madison, WI is $52,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program associate?

A program associate fills a variety of roles in nonprofits and professional associations, including that of office administrator, project manager, and strategic planner. In this career, you often work to sustain your organization by managing donor programs, fundraising, and enlisting support from a corporation or government agencies. Depending on your role and the organization, your job duties may include creating plans and budgets, tracking membership or partnerships, calculating donations or other expenditures, developing program literature, and researching or analyzing data. You need to plan and execute events seamlessly, so organizational skills are vital. Common qualifications for a program associate include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

What are some of the typical challenges a program associate might face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines, stakeholders, and reporting requirements. Balancing competing priorities while ensuring that every project receives adequate attention can be challenging. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and proactive problem-solving are essential for success in this role. Regular check-ins with supervisors and utilizing project management tools can also help Program Associates stay organized and meet expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Associate, you need strong organizational abilities, project coordination experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is often required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help Program Associates stand out. These abilities ensure efficient program execution, smooth stakeholder collaboration, and achievement of organizational goals.
More about Program Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Madison, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Program Associate jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Associate jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Program Associate jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Program Associate job openings:

Program Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,759 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Program Associate

Madison, WI • On-site

Outrider Foundation
See more jobs at Outrider Foundationexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate events, manage logistics, and handle outreach and communication with speakers, guests, and partners.

  • Research and identify prospective donors and funding partners, and engage with them to secure funding and partnerships.

  • Assist in planning and managing program activities, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and coordinating with vendors and team members.

Job description

Outrider Foundation is hiring a Program Associate to coordinate events and build fundraising infrastructure. You will plan media training sessions and conferences, manage communications, and seek new partners and co-funders to expand our impact.


We are in the early phases of building a formal fund development program to expand our work supporting journalism and storytelling about nuclear threats and climate change. The Program Associate will be key to helping Outrider thrive by building strong relationships with sponsors, funding partners, like-minded foundations, and major-gift donors.


Event Coordinator

Event planning and project management are big parts of this job. Each year, we organize conferences and training for journalists in our issue areas. The Program Associate helps run these programs, handles outreach and communication with speakers and guests, and works with our team and partners to manage logistics. Duties include managing catering and hotel logistics, preparing event spaces, setting up and taking down event materials, and coordinating programs in collaboration with the CEO and Chief Climate Officer.


Development Associate

Another important part of this job is researching and finding foundations that could help fund journalism projects and reporting fellowships. Outrider’s fellowship program partners with organizations such as The New York Times, TIME magazine, Science Friday, The Guardian, Inside Climate News, Vox, CNN, and the Associated Press to support investigative reporting and analysis. Duties include researching and identifying prospective donors, engaging new and existing funders, and working closely with the CEO to secure partnerships and co-funding for Outrider programs.


We want someone self-motivated, creative, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. You should be organized, comfortable using cloud-based project management tools, and able to work well both remotely and in person. We value team players who can also work independently.


The ideal candidate cares about Outrider’s mission, understands philanthropy, and is experienced in event planning. Familiarity with advancement programming, alum/donor relations, stewardship, and engagement would be a plus.


Specific duties include:


Programmatic

  • Event training, coordination, and materials preparation
  • Event coordination and management, including negotiating vendor rates
  • Events development and project planning (virtual and in-person)
  • Scheduling meetings/travel for Outrider events and programs


Fundraising

  • Identifying prospective donors and developing ways to engage future funders
  • Outreach and engagement with co-funders and prospects to secure funding
  • Coordinating advancement meetings for the CEO and Chief Climate Officer
  • Managing and maintaining a database and CRM management


Administrative

  • Board meeting planning and materials preparations
  • Preparing grant reports and proposals, and annual impact reports
  • Coordinating payments and documentation with the front office


Role Requirements

  • Background in event planning, philanthropy, journalism, communications, public relations, public policy, science communications, or related fields.
  • Experience in planning and executing various communications initiatives that meet or exceed goals and impact an organization.
  • Excellent project management skills and experience overseeing/collaborating with vendors and partners.
  • Communication and content skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal skills, with the ability to articulate complex topics into easily understandable content and messaging for various audiences.
  • Proficient knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, social media, CRM and CMS, and email marketing platforms.


Featured benefits

  • Medical insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k)

Apply