1

Program Associate Jobs in Newark, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Program Support Associate

Cranford, NJ · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Responsibilities Responsible for driving Johnstone Supply NJ's customer sales program initiatives and work within sales operations team to implement all sales and marketing programs, solutions and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Associate information

See Newark, NJ salary details

$26.1K

$54.8K

$94.6K

How much do program associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program associate in Newark, NJ is $54,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $62,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Associates?

Program Associates are professionals who support the planning, implementation, and management of specific programs within an organization, often in nonprofit, educational, or philanthropic sectors. Their responsibilities can include coordinating program activities, tracking progress, managing data, preparing reports, and communicating with stakeholders. Program Associates often work closely with program managers and other team members to ensure that projects run smoothly and meet organizational goals. This role typically requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Newark, NJ? The most popular types of Program jobs in Newark, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Program Associate jobs in Newark, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Program Associate jobs in Newark, NJ are:
What cities near Newark, NJ are hiring for Program Associate jobs? Cities near Newark, NJ with the most Program Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Associate job openings in Newark, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,754 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Program Associate, Opening Doors & Unlocking Potential

Program Associate, Opening Doors & Unlocking Potential

Vera Institute of Justice

New York, NY • On-site

$77K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

About the team:
Access to employment and housing is essential to success in reentry and post-release well-being, but both good jobs and stable housing can be elusive for people with conviction histories. The Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team is working to create pipelines into meaningful work and break down barriers to housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through legislative advocacy and technical assistance engagements. As part of the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team, the Program Associate will help drive policy change, build coalitions, and provide technical assistance in select jurisdictions to advance the Initiative's priorities.
About the role:
1. Technical Assistance and Advocacy
  • Work with the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership team to develop state-based strategies to advance policy changes and provide technical assistance
  • Cultivate relationships with partners and stakeholders in Opening Doors' and Unlocking Potential's states to implement strategies
  • Provide advocacy support to the lead of specific states, including meeting with policymakers, providing support in building and leading coalitions, and drafting advocacy documents
  • Lead meetings, conference calls, webinars, and site visits, and serve as a main point of contact for external partners
  • Work in tandem with the state leads and Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership to collaborate with Vera's Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams on the components of active and forthcoming state campaigns, troubleshooting as issues arise
  • Track and monitor relevant state and federal policies
  • Complete initial drafting of and finalize program and technical assistance materials, including work plans, agendas, presentations, recommendations, and guidance documents
  • Field questions from and devise solutions for stakeholders, including housing providers, employers, government partners, and direct service providers, on employment and housing challenges faced by justice-impacted people
  • Develop trainings or conduct policy analyses as components of broader projects

2. Write up/presentation of projects
  • Prepare information and/or lead background research and literature reviews for reports. Write up results and integrate into public-facing products including reports, advocacy documents, or other publications under the supervision of senior associates
  • As part of a team, provide technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, including preparation of public presentations, facilitation of meetings, and shared expertise
  • Co-author and co-develop content such as program reports, fundraising proposals, presentations, and blog posts.
  • Present on Vera's work at conferences, on webinars, and other external events.
  • Present at internal Vera events (department meetings, "brown bag" discussions, etc.)

3. Team Support and Internal Collaboration
  • Create agendas, update internal documentation, support with facilitation of team meetings
  • Mentor program analysts and/or interns on tasks as needed
  • Monitor relevant news coverage of this work to stay informed about trends in the field
  • Support the logistical/event planning process, as needed
  • Support related research projects, as needed
What qualifications are we looking for?
Required:
  • A bachelor's degree in political science, criminal justice, public policy, or other related field and 3 plus years of relevant experience. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.

Preferred:
  • Experience in reentry, workforce development, affordable housing, reentry housing, and/or homeless
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of policy development, government, criminal justice and social justice for underserved populations
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Excellent strategic, problem-solving, and analytic skills
  • Experience and ability to manage multiple projects, committees, or work groups
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills
  • Ability to work with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
  • Knowledge of policy change processes is a plus
  • Knowledge of housing finance is a plus
  • Ability to travel around the country
Location:
Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.
Compensation and Benefits:
The compensation range for this position is $77,000 - $80,000. In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institute's total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay, generous paid time off, a comprehensive health insurance plan, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training opportunities and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time. To learn more about Vera's benefits offerings, click here.
Application Process:
If you're interested in this position, please apply by July 20, 2026. To receive further consideration for this career opportunity, applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, their interest and qualifications. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen/form in advance of an invitation for a virtual or in-person interview with the team. Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / [JOBTITLE]
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.