Project Associate, Early Childhood

Company Description

Job Title: Project Associate, Early Childhood

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000

For more than five decades, the Bainum Family Foundation has invested in the well-being of children and families, evolving our strategy over the years to reflect new thinking and learning and changing community needs. We know that systemic racism in the United States leads to inequitable child outcomes, in part by interfering with the ability of communities and caregivers (such as parents, grandparents, guardians and early childhood educators) to create the conditions and environment needed for children to thrive. Because of this, we are striving to build an equitable society that supports all children and families, particularly those who have been systematically excluded from power, resources and opportunity because of poverty and racism. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is who we are and what we do. It is not separate but at the heart of our work. We are committed to driving change that centers communities and results in equitable societies, starting with a commitment to equity and inclusion for our staff. Specifically, we have committed to center racial equity and become an antiracist organization. Our team is expected to demonstrate and uphold our core values as well as our commitment to DEI in every facet of their work. The Foundation strongly encourages and seeks applications from all qualified individuals whose racial, socioeconomic, ability status, and other individual dimensions allow them to bring unique and diverse perspectives. 

As part of this commitment, we expect all staff to gather, care for, use and openly share knowledge in ways that advance equity, support shared learning, and amplify community expertise. 

The Foundation structures our work through a portfolio of interconnected initiatives. All staff play a role in connecting and synthesizing knowledge across teams to further the Foundation’s mission and vision. Therefore, this person may be assigned to any of the Foundation’s initiatives based on initiative cycles and evolving organizational needs. 

Job Description

The Project Associate of Early Childhood plays a pivotal role in supporting the efficient and effective execution of a diverse range of projects aligned with the foundation’s early childhood strategy. The Project Associate contributes to project planning and coordination, collaborates with cross-functional groups, and assists in the documentation and monitoring of project outcomes. The Project Associate provides comprehensive administrative and operational assistance to ensure seamless project delivery for multiple, concurrent projects while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. Their attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and collaborative mindset contribute to the impact and success of projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management Support

• Assists in planning and executing projects under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to help design project plans, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion of tasks
• Maintains standardized processes and resources to facilitate streamlined project lifecycles, including utilizing project management software  
• Helps identify and address potential risks or dependencies, proposing solutions and contingency plans
• Contributes to the collection and synthesis of project data to assess impact and effectiveness, supporting continuous improvement efforts
• Maintains accountability for all project-related documentation
• Proactively communicates and follows up on project commitments
• Monitors project inboxes and communicates as needed with internal and external stakeholders
• Delegates tasks to project team members when necessary
• Prepares and distributes project materials
• Contributes to internal workgroups or committees to foster collaboration and cohesiveness across initiatives

Event Coordination

• Participates in the planning and execution of internal and external events, including organizing and coordinating logistics and providing day-of support
• Assists in the preparation and distribution of event materials such as agendas, presentations, signage, name badges, and other appropriate supplies
• Builds and maintains a comprehensive database of industry contracts, vendors and venues
• Ensures seamless execution of engaging and impactful events

Administrative Support

• Provides and coordinates administrative meeting support (e.g. scheduling, ordering supplies, set up, etc.)
• Takes meeting notes