About the Barr Foundation 

The Barr Foundation’s mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. As stewards, Barr nurtures vital community assets. As catalysts, the Foundation advances breakthrough ideas to shape our collective future. We work in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts and creative expression, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all students to success in high school and beyond. Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally and selectively engages nationally. 

Founded in 1997, Barr has grown to become one of the largest private foundations in New England and has contributed over $1 billion to charitable causes. With assets over $2.5 billion, Barr’s 2023 grantmaking budget is $140 million. We focus our grantmaking on arts and creativity, climate, and education – complemented by grants to strengthen New England’s social sector and targeted special initiatives. 

A set of core values defined by our founding trustees express our beliefs about what constitutes effective philanthropy and guide how the Barr Foundation carries out its mission. Barr is committed to strive for impact, act with humility, invest in leaders, take the long view, center racial equity, embrace risk, and demonstrate curiosity. These values also 

guide our hiring process and the workplace culture that we shape together. We aim to make Barr an inclusive workplace where all team members can bring their full and authentic selves and be supported to learn and grow. 

For more information about Barr, visit barrfoundation.org

ABOUT THE POSITION

About the Program Associate Position 

The Barr Foundation is seeking a program associate to provide programmatic and administrative support to members of the Sector Effectiveness and Learning and Evaluation teams. Though each team has specific focuses and responsibilities, they work closely together and two staff members, including this role, span both teams. Both teams report to the Vice President for Strategy and Programs. 

The SE team manages the grantmaking, external relationships, research, and convening to advance its strategic goals that contribute to a vibrant, healthy sector. The team strives to collaborate with other Barr program teams in identifying key issues and sharing learning and resources. In addition to this Program Associate role, the SE team includes one full-time staff member and one staff person shared with L&E.  

In collaboration with Barr program teams, the L&E team manages the research and data analysis, facilitation, and internal and external relationships required to implement strategic learning activities that inform internal decision-making, gauge progress, and advance field knowledge. This team also manages a small number of grants supporting field building and important L&E partner organizations. In addition to this Program Associate role, the L&E team includes two full-time staff members and one staff member shared with SE. 

This position reports to the Vice President for Strategy and Programs.   

The ideal candidate must be highly organized and self-motivated, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage workloads across multiple workstreams and staff members. Proven written, computer and data analysis, communication and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with a broad range of people and organizations are essential. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. 

COMPENSATION

$65,000 to $73,000

HOW TO APPLY

Click here for more information or to apply.