Program Associate, Puerto Rico Program (Office of the President)

The Puerto Rico presidential initiative is a time bound grantmaking program that supports the arts and humanities ecosystems in Puerto Rico and the diaspora. Reporting to the Associate Director - Puerto Rico Programs and working under the guidance of Director of Presidential Initiatives, the Program Associate will participate in all aspects of grantmaking and other programming related to the Puerto Rico initiative. Among other responsibilities, the Program Associate will provide programmatic, logistical, and research support to the Puerto Rico initiative team, and advise and inform the planning and execution of strategic initiatives and special projects. From time to time, the Program Associate may also support the Imagining Freedom presidential initiative or other grant-related work within the Office of the President.

The Program Associate will cultivate knowledge and perspective on current and potential grants and opportunities, help to develop proposal documents once they are invited, draft internal grant memoranda and other documents, and function as grantees' primary point of contact for post-award management. The Program Associate will also work closely with other Presidential Initiatives staff to ensure the strategic alignment of all work within the initiative, track grant spending, and assess progress against strategic goals as the initiative proceeds.

This position includes independent work on ongoing grantmaking activities, episodic or long-term research projects, collaborative work with colleagues around the Foundation, and administrative work in support of grantmaking and program, as well as periodic travel.

Position Description

Responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Actively participate in the formulation of proposals for funding, including advising grantees in preparation and revision of the narrative and financial components of proposals
• Anticipate challenges and problem-solve in collaboration with other Foundation staff and in conversation with the Associate Director, Program Director, and others on the Presidential Initiatives team including around questions of grant structure, legal and financial risk, post-award challenges and changes, etc.
• Serve as a resource for grantees and the primary point person for post-award management

• Monitor performance of the program portfolio, including careful review of all grant reports
• Evaluate requests from grantees for modifications to project scope, timeline, and budget and facilitate the modification approval process

• Assist with the preparation of materials for discussion with the President and for grants to be recommended to the Foundation's Officers and Board of Trustees

• Gather information and conduct research regarding the development of strategic projects and the review of existing programs

• Contribute to the development of emerging work with a focus on building sustainable field infrastructure and maximizing the initiative's long-term impact
• Proactively identify new grantees that are aligned with the initiative's strategy, as directed
• Represent the Foundation in external settings, including conferences, public meetings, and other engagements as assigned

• Stay abreast of current events and developments related to the initiative, and draw connections to current and potential grant initiatives

• Partner with Communications on public-facing materials about the Puerto Rico initiative and its grantees
• Occasionally travel for site visits with potential or current grantees
• Assist with planning and coordination of relevant meetings and convenings as directed

• Contribute to briefing materials, trip itineraries, correspondence, and other documents for program leadership

• Collaborate with staff in other program areas and departments as required

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will bring direct experience from, and a wide network across, organizations and individuals doing arts- and/or humanities-based work related to Puerto Rico and its diaspora. A bachelor's degree and an advanced degree in an arts and/or humanities discipline or related area are preferred; candidates with equivalent field experience will also be considered. Applicants should also possess:

• Commitment to the Foundation's mission, core values, and focus on social justice
• A strong record of program administration/management experience
• Extensive knowledge of the arts and humanities ecosystems in Puerto Rico and its diaspora, including a strong network of relationships with individuals and institutions Outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills in English and Spanish

• An orientation toward self-starting, proactive anticipation of needs, and creative problem solving.
• Strong administrative, organizational, time, and work-flow management skills

• Proven skill in synthesizing and clearly presenting information under tight deadlines, transforming ambiguity into clarity
• Demonstrated success working both collaboratively and independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously

• Exceptional attention to detail combined with the capacity to conceptualize and strategize at the programmatic level.
• Ability to understand and analyze organizational budgets and financial statements
• Willingness to travel for the program as needed
• Flexibility, adaptability, curiosity, discretion, and a sense of humor
• A high degree of competency in the MS Office suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and in project management tools such as Monday
• Commitment to a collegial work environment and to collaboration with colleagues in all the Foundation's program areas

Mellon offers a generous total reward package that provides base salary as well as a comprehensive benefits program. Mellon is committed to providing compensation that is competitive and equitable within the philanthropic sector. The estimated salary range for this role is $100,000-$110,000. The amount of pay offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to qualifications, unique skills, credentials, or experience that is expected to impact the candidate's contribution to the role. We will also consider market data as well as the Foundation's internal pay equity framework.

Please note that Mellon maintains a hybrid work schedule, with three days/week in person at the Foundation's Manhattan offices.

Candidates should apply by submitting a thoughtful cover letter describing fit for the position and a resume by July 20, 2026.

The Foundation will consider each response carefully, but only contact those individuals it believes are most qualified for the position.