Program Associate, Economic Security&Benefits at National Council on Aging

We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Come join an awesome team and learn about the work we do, the people we serve, and why equitable aging matters now more than ever. At NCOA, we represent the interests of the aging population across the nation, while striving to live out our core values of equity, excellence, and innovation. This is meaningful work where we put “people first” and our employees can learn and grow, where work/life balance is prioritized, and have a flexible hybrid work schedule while being part of a dynamic, collaborative team.

We are interested in growing our team with passionate, committed, and innovative individuals. The Program Associate will join NCOA at a time of dynamic growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Associate, Economic Security & Benefits plays a pivotal role in developing and coordinating programmatic activities within the Center for Economic Well-Being (CEW) team. This role works both independently and collaboratively to plan and implement training and technical assistance for network members, including grantees, service delivery partners, and community-based organizations. Serving as the primary point of contact for community-based partners across the country, the Program Associate monitors and supports grantees and other network partners in achieving social impact goals, highlights exemplary practices, and provides information, support, and resources to strengthen and expand an integrated, sustainable service system.

The Program Associate works closely with NCOA staff, external grantees, consultants, and other network members and partners and across diverse audiences of service providers, community leaders, funders, and the public. Key activities include managing and delivering capacity-building initiatives and providing technical assistance and support to community-based organizations that offer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment support, financial education and training, and other economic well-being resources to older adults.

Positions at this level typically require strong experience managing projects and deliverables internally across departments, and externally among partners. Incumbents are required to make independent judgements within their scope of work and require minimal oversight. Incumbents generally have two or more years of experience in their discipline and a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, as well as substantive experience at this level. Graduate level degrees may be considered in lieu of experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide capacity building, 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 (e.g., 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.
• Identify, track, and encourage the adoption of comprehensive, person-centered approaches that improve access to health coverage and benefits, economic and financial security, social benefits, and safety net resources.
• Assist with the development of requests for proposals (RFPs) to select and award grant funding to qualified community-based organizations (CBOs).
• Represent the CEW team by participating 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 CEW’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. Actively 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, including assisting with reporting and invoicing requirements.
• Assist with the development of grant proposals to expand the work of CEW.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of one year of experience providing technical assistance or in a related role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and grants effectively, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and online communication skills to support work conducted primarily via email, virtual meetings, or over the phone.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences.
• Understanding and knowledge of public benefits, aging issues, and/or impact of economic insecurity of older adults preferred. Expertise related to supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word). Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms, databases, and online tools strongly preferred. Familiarity with webinar technology is a plus.
• Ability to participate in occasional, required work travel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

SELECTION PROCESS

We only accept applications that follow the electronic process. No phone calls please. This position is subject to background screening. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to the Program Associate, Economic Security & Benefits job posting:

https://www.ncoa.org/page/careers

NCOA offers generous benefits, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD insurances
• Paid vacation, sick, and other types of leave
• 403(b) Retirement plan
• Hybrid remote work options
• And more!

NCOA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion