Project Associate, Programs, Innovation & Impact

ABOUT US

Independent Sector (IS) is the nation's membership organization for nonprofits and philanthropy. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive in a vibrant civil society and just democracy. We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions. Independent Sector aims for a sector where charitable organizations are financially robust; powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities they serve; trusted, well-governed, and effective; and informed and active advocates.
Driven by the deep recognition of our impact, our organization is growing to meet the need for our services. At IS, we are seeking passionate individuals with a deep understanding of the social sector and a commitment to strengthening nonprofit institutions that, in turn, strengthen our nation. We deeply value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we welcome those who bring their whole selves to our work. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our team and our sector. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact, drive transformative change, and lead with purpose and passion, we invite you to join us in advancing this critical mission.

Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive individual to join our team as a Project Associate within the Programs, Innovation & Impact team. This role focuses on project management and operational support for the Programs, Innovation & Impact team, ensuring timely execution of programs initiatives. The associate will create and track project timelines, facilitate team coordination, develop meeting agendas, and help ensure team members have the necessary resources to deliver their tasks. Additionally, this role will support Independent Sector's National Summit and provide project management support, such as coordinating meeting and meeting deadlines. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Programs. IS operates in a hybrid model (3 days in the office/2 days remote). All staff are currently required to work from the IS office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and maintain project timelines for Program initiatives to ensure timely completion.
• Coordinate day-to-day implementation of team projects, ensuring timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met.
• Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate project meetings, including preparing agendas, documenting meeting notes, and tracking action items.
• Collaborate with internal departments, external partners, consultants, and vendors to ensure effective project execution.
• Develop and maintain project plans, workback schedules, and tracking tools to monitor progress and identify risks.
• Monitor project progress and support team members in meeting deadlines by providing necessary coordination.
• Track project performance metrics and prepare regular status updates for leadership. Identify project risks, issues, and dependencies and elevate concerns to leadership as appropriate.
• Assist in the planning and execution of efforts related to Independent Sector's National Summit.
• Maintain organized project documentation and ensure records are accurate and up to date.
• Build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders while providing responsive, high-quality customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Experience and Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Project Management, Communications, Human Resources or related plus two (2) to three (3) years of progressively responsible experience supporting projects, programs, operations, or administrative initiatives. PMP certification is a plus. Familiarity with Asana is a plus.

Qualifications
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating meetings, events, and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaboration platforms such as Teams, Zoom, or Slack.
• Experience using project management software such as Asana, Monday.com, Smartsheet, Trello, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to exercise organizational values (Leadership, Collaboration, Equity and Well-Being).

Work Environment
The work environment is a typical office setting, with a usually quiet noise level. Up to 25% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions, such as typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.