Program Associate

About the Job

HRJ Consulting is a philanthropic consulting firm that works on behalf of a group of foundations united by a vision of people being healthy, educated, and economically secure. We look for ways to push the boundaries of traditional philanthropy to make it more innovative, responsive, and impactful. Grants support eligible organizations whose work aligns to shared priorities, demonstrates potential for impact, and operates in Iowa and Missouri and the Canadian province of Alberta. Interests also extend to policy initiatives, transformative medical research, nonprofit sector capacity building efforts, and select national initiatives and efforts in other provinces or states considered by invitation.

 Our head office is in Calgary, Alberta, Visit our website at www.hrjconsulting.com for more information.

 Why Work at HRJ Consulting?

·    Small, fast-paced organization committed to making a difference

·    Flexible workplace with a hybrid work environment

·    Competitive compensation and benefit package (starting salary range of $65,000-$75,000)

·    $1,000 wellness reimbursement

·    Matching gift program

The Position

The Program Associate will provide critical support to a Senior Program Officer based in St. Louis, Missouri and the Director of Program based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Program Associate will contribute to all aspects of the grantmaking cycle and programmatic and departmental activities in both geographies. The Program Associate will travel frequently (about a week each month) in Iowa and Missouri to support program work and to Calgary (at least twice per year) to meet with other staff. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable with writing, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and administrative processes. They thrive in a dynamic environment and bring strong judgment, communication skills, and a commitment to learning.

The Program Associate may be based in either St. Louis, Missouri or Cedar Rapids, Iowa. HRJ is accepting applications from candidates who reside or will reside near either location.

Responsibilities

Grantmaking Support

·    Support applicants and grantees in navigating all grant-related processes (e.g., application, reporting, etc.)

·    Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with internal due-diligence requirements

·    Draft correspondence, summaries, and internal documentation

Regional Strategy & Community Engagement

·    Support Director of Program and Senior Program Officer to implement tailored investment strategies in each state

·    Assist with planning and coordinating regional meetings, convenings, grantee gatherings, and site visits

·    Represent HRJ professionally in interactions with communities and stakeholders

Research, Data, and Analysis

·    Conduct research on community needs, nonprofit landscapes, and regional conditions in Iowa and Missouri

Budget & Cross-Functional Collaboration

·    Support the monitoring of budgets for Iowa and Missouri portfolios

·    Assist the Director of Program with components of the granting budget

·    Contribute to process improvement and internal workflow enhancements

Start Date

April 1, 2026 (with some flexibility)

To express interest, submit your resume and cover letter, with salary expectations noted, by February 2, 2026 to [email protected]. We thank all interested applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Please note candidates must be legally able to work in the United States at this time. HRJ Consulting regrets it is unable to sponsor employment visas. 

·    Bachelor’s degree

·    Three to five years of professional experience

·    Proficiency with databases and Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) 

·    Previous experience working in the nonprofit sector is an asset

Skills and Attributes

·    Ability to coordinate logistics and manage competing priorities

·    Strong writing, editing, and analytical skills

·    Ability to interpret and work with budgets and financial data

·    Adaptability

·    Ability to work independently

·    Strong attention to detail and accuracy

·    High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment