Program Associate, Center for Benefits Access

Position Summary

The Program Associate plays a central role in the development and coordination of programmatic activities within the Center for Benefits Access. The Program Associate works independently and collaboratively with team members to plan and implement training and technical assistance for network members, including grantees and other service delivery partners and community-based organizations. Working as the Program Associate for the Center for Benefits Access, the incumbent will be the primary point of contact for community-based partners across the country and will be responsible for monitoring and supporting the progress of grantees and other network partners toward social impact goals; highlighting exemplary practices; and providing information, support, and resources to strengthen and expand an integrated, sustainable service system.

The Program Associate will work collaboratively with NCOA staff, external grantees, consultants, and other network members and partners. The incumbent will work across diverse audiences of service providers, community leaders, funders, and the public. Activities will center on technical assistance and support to the Center for Benefits Access’ network of community-based organizations.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Provide technical assistance and support to network members to build capacity toward an expansive, sustainable infrastructure for programs. Technical assistance includes monitoring partner activities; researching and providing prompt and thoughtful responses to requests for information or assistance; resource development (tip sheets, issue briefs, fact sheets, toolkits, etc.); ongoing communication with partners via various channels to support their activities and goals; and documenting and sharing learnings and exemplary practices from the field.
• Track, identify, and foster use of promising practices related to comprehensive, person-centered approaches that facilitate access to or attainment of health coverage and benefits, economic and financial security, social benefits, and safety net system resources.
• Assist with the development of request for proposals to select and award grant funding to qualified community-based organizations.
• Participate in national and regional meetings and other events to increase knowledge about health care access, economic security, and access to safety net systems and social benefits for older adults, and the work of NCOA. Communicate learnings about the Center’s work through conference presentations, webinars, reports, publications, and other venues.
• Foster a spirit of collaboration, coordination, and communication in carrying out responsibilities, and work closely with NCOA staff to accomplish goals. Participate in team meetings, contribute to the agenda, and support creative solutions to issues that are discussed. Participate in work plan discussions, performance monitoring reviews, and continuous quality improvement activities to contribute to the success of the team.
• Monitor program activities to ensure quality and accuracy of work outcomes of contractual and grant commitments. Manage relationships with, and provide oversight of, partners and grantees. Oversee and track contracts with partners, assist with reporting and invoicing requirements.
• Research and identify opportunities to promote the Center and network members’ work at national and state conferences and via regular webinars. Assist with submission of abstracts, coordination of webinar schedules, and presentation preparation, as necessary.
• Assist with the identification of opportunities and development of grant proposals to expand the work of the Center and diversify its revenue streams.
• Conduct other duties as required in an environment that is flexible, fast-paced, and changing.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelors’ degree required.
• A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required.
• Exceptional project and grant management skills.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and online communication skills are required. (Much of the work is done via email or over the phone).
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse audiences.
• Understanding and knowledge of public benefits, aging issues, and/or impact of economic insecurity of older adults preferred.
• Basic understanding of grant-funded initiatives and associated reporting requirements a plus.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM software, databases and online tools strongly preferred. Familiarity with webinar technology is also a plus.
• Occasional travel is required.

This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the incumbent will perform other reasonable business-related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other managers when necessary. NCOA reserves the right to change duties and responsibilities as the need arises.