Program Assistant; CWF

The California Wellness Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 1992 with a mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California. One of the largest health-focused foundations in California, with nearly $1 billion in assets, Cal Wellness is a nationally recognized leader for its strategic core operating support for grantees, public policy grantmaking and focus on violence as a public health issue.

It is Cal Wellness’ desire to promote equity and level the playing field so that everyone has access to good-paying jobs, healthy and safe neighborhoods, and quality health care services. The Foundation’s current Advancing Wellness grantmaking strategy includes three interrelated portfolios:
Bridging the Gaps in Access and Quality Care , Promoting Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods and Expanding Education and Employment Pathways . Since its founding, Cal Wellness has awarded nearly 9,000 grants totaling more than $1 billion.

In 2017, Cal Wellness celebrated its 25th anniversary. As the Foundation looks to the future, it is pursuing new and innovative strategies beyond its core grantmaking work to advance its mission, including implementation of technology systems, development of its public affairs capacity and establishing mission- and program-related investment portfolios.

Cal Wellness has a diverse staff and Board and continues to enhance its deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, both internally and externally. The Foundation’s work underscores a belief that wellness requires social justice, a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and sustained efforts to eliminate systemic barriers that prevent access to health care, education, employment and safety.

The Program Assistant (PA) will provide administrative and grants management support to the programs department. The selected candidate will join a team of three other PAs, five Program Directors (PDs), three organizational learning and evaluation (OLE) professionals, and the Vice President of Programs. The department’s work is crucial to the mission of the Foundation, carrying out its grantmaking activities, strategy and community engagement.

This position works alongside other PAs to support multiple grantmakers. PAs also provide grantmaking support to the Public Affairs department as needed.

PAs and PDs are Cal Wellness’ key ambassadors to grant seekers, grantees and other external partners. PAs ensure efficiency of grantmaking operations, effective delivery of grantmaking and high-quality service to nonprofits, community partners, Board members and other key constituents.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment that involves relationship building with diverse constituencies and in a team environment.

• Provide high-quality administrative and grantmaking support to the Programs Department, including two or more grantmakers.
• Proofread and edit grant recommendations and other documents.
• Review and triage letters of interest, progress reports and other related items.
• Manage complex scheduling of calls, meetings and site visits for assigned grantmakers.
• Monitor travel budgets and process expense reports for assigned grantmakers.
• Assist with initiation of contracts with vendors and consultants, track contract execution and amendment processes, and submit invoices for payment.
• Conduct research and analysis on program area issues and the philanthropic field, as needed.
• Provide excellent customer service to external and internal constituents.
• Answer phone calls and emails from grant seekers, grantees and internal colleagues.
• Work closely with grant seekers and grantees to gather information, resolve routine issues, and respond to general queries about letters of interest, proposals, active grants, and grantmaking strategies and priorities.
• Monitor grants using the Foundation’s grants management system, including entering grant codes, preparing correspondence, sending and receiving grant proposals, generating documents, and reviewing progress and final reports.
• Expand knowledge and understanding of Advancing Wellness portfolios…