Associate/Senior Associate - Public Finance Initiative (PFI) Full Time

Overview

The Public Finance Initiative (PFI), a fiscally sponsored project of TSNE, works with communities and their stakeholders to develop research, education, and technical assistance programs that center the values of equity, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the domain of public finance. TSNE (formerly Third Sector New England) (www.tsne.org) is a management support organization that partners every year with hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. Our mission is to provide information and services to build the knowledge, power, and effectiveness of individuals, organizations, and groups that engage people in community and public life. The ultimate intention of TSNE’s work is to create a more just and democratic society.

Responsibilities

The Associate will be responsible for supporting the Rural and Small Cities Program, a key new program at the Public Finance Initiative (PFI) that aims to shift patterns of disinvestment by building the capacity of states, counties, cities, towns, and other governments serving communities under 100,000 residents to unlock public finance resources and consider how to strategically integrate philanthropic investments. Through the Rural and Small Cities Program, PFI is focused on (1) facilitating greater investment of resources in underserved rural areas; (2) building capacity to develop and implement place-based approaches to leverage public finance to invest in critical infrastructure; (3) expanding the range of tools and resources available to leaders.

 

With support from the Director of the Rural & Small Cities Program, and a team of analysts, associates, and operations staff at PFI, the Associate will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and implementation of the Rural & Small Cities Program with activities that include the following:

 

Essential Functions

 

• Break down complex projects into discrete tasks, coordinate day-to-day operations of assignments, and set timelines to reach key milestones and target outcomes determined by the team and partners, mutually with supervisor
• Engage in strategy discussions about projects
• Gather data and conduct research to support PFI’s education and technical assistance work. Develop memos and other materials to summarize key findings, ideas, trends and themes.
• Monitor and review sources to identify important and emerging trends from academics, policy experts, and practitioners and changes in the landscape of the project focus areas.
• Create agendas/run of shows/slides and other materials, participate in calls/meetings with partners, coordinate both in-person convenings and virtual trainings alongside operations staff in the 6 states selected for the program, review insights, and capture action items.
• Effectively communicate information to a diverse set of stakeholders by contributing to webinars, case studies, blog posts, and other written materials as well as presentations

Qualifications

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

 

Experience: At least three (3) years of professional experience working to coordinate projects and conduct analysis. Direct experience working with rural areas and small cities is strongly preferred, but experience working with government stakeholders in non-profit or private sectors roles can be valuable.

 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Passion for and dedication to improving lives and strengthening communities in rural areas and small cities across America.
• Kindness and a sense of humor.
• The ability to provide deliverables and value assigned to the associate through collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptive planning.
• Experience independently coordinating multiple project goals and timelines as well as coordinating with partners/stakeholders to implement projects and advance various priorities at once plans.
• Strong research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex information. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. Experience developing research memos, presentations, and written materials.
• Experience developing agendas, operations plans, and other materials for in-person and virtual events.
• The ability to effectively exchange ideas, concepts, facts, and data with diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing blogs, publications and presentations to promote new ideas and share best practices.
• Computer skills and demonstrated willingness to learn additional, specific platforms.
• Commitment to