Program Associate, Healthy Food Financing Initiative

Background

Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change in low-income communities. We integrate data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Using analytical and financial tools, we bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better access—creating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives.

Summary

Reinvestment Fund is currently seeking a Program Associate to join our current team to support the expansion and implementation of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI).In addition to our core lending activities, Reinvestment Fund manages several initiatives with the support of local or national foundations, and state, local and federal public agencies, and governments. A set of these initiatives are focused on strengthening food systems to improve access to healthy food and economic opportunity in the food sector for underserved communities. Chief among them is America’s HFFI. Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, America’s HFFI is a public-private partnership administered by Reinvestment Fund on behalf of USDA Rural Development to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas. HFFI provides resources, including grants, loans, and technical assistance to support healthy food retail and food retail supply chain projects that will improve access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved rural and urban areas.

Reporting directly to the Project Director for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, the Program Associate will support successful implementation of the expanded HFFI program, as well as others in food access, as needed across the organization. The Program Associate will be expected to work independently and collaboratively with program staff, participants, consultants, vendors, and other constituents.

This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated individual with both a team approach and systems-oriented thinking skills to help grow, further develop, and implement innovative programs.

This is a grant-funded position categorized as regular full time.

Responsibilities

Project Management and Communications
• Assist Project Director in long- and short-term program planning, design, and implementation of programs and funding cycles, ensuring achievement of milestones and overall program goals within budget and approved timeline.
• Support development and dissemination of program communications including drafting and editing web content, newsletters, presentations, success stories, and marketing materials.
• Analyze and evaluate program outcomes, data, and results and support communication of successes, impact, and learnings to a broad audience.
• Perform research, coordination, and analytical tasks to assist credit analysis and credit decision process including financial statement and analysis.
• Analyze and review market studies, business plans, grant proposals, and any related and valuable project data, and make recommendations accordingly.
• Plan, manage, and coordinate logistics for programmatic meetings and events, including convenings and webinars.

Grants Management
• Provide assistance to applicants and grantees regarding grant applications, grant documentation, funding disbursements, budget and workplan compliance and reporting, and grant closeout process.
• Ensure all necessary documentation is in hand and coordinate with external vendors and program participants and internal teams to process grant payments.
• Monitor grants during and after grant period, including obtaining and reviewing financial and narrative progress reports, ensure grantee adherence to workplans, track major purchases, and review other project compliance materials as required during and after grant period.
• Manage and monitor vendor contracts with a wide variety of vendors to support program implementation, including payment, compliance, and reporting.
• Using a variety of technology tools, build and analyze databases of grant and portfolio information including program outcomes, significant impacts, and portfolio trends. Communicate lessons learned to a broad audience.
• Maintain project files in excellent condition and consistent with organizational policy and departmental procedures, with sufficient documentation for third-party review, prepare files for timely audits.

Requirements

•    Bachelor’s degree preferred, not required.
•    Advanced degree a plus and/or at least 3 years of relevant experience working in financial analysis, grants management, and/or program management.
•    Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
•    Demonstrated strong project management skills, including organization, time management, defining and setting priorities, and problem-solving.
•    Demonstrated interest in or experience with food systems, food access, community development, business or real estate financing, or business support/technical assistance.
•    Familiarity with financial analysis, lending, loan structuring a plus, or willingness to receive training on the job.
•    Exceptional attention to detail.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    Ability to work with diverse individuals, communities, and groups on complex issues.
•    Proficient in MS Office – Word, Excel, Powerpoint.
•    Familiarity with project management and grants management software such as Asana and SmartSimple a plus.
•    Ability to travel up to 10%.

Work Location
Reinvestment Fund has offices in Philadelphia and Atlanta.  The Program Associate should be located in or willing to relocate to one of those locations. A remote position will be considered for the right person. Reinvestment Fund provides a flexible work arrangement of two days onsite and three days remote allowing for face-to-face interactions. Depending on the nature of the job, a more flexible work schedule may be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

Reinvestment Fund offers a competitive salary based on experience and skills, as well as an excellent benefits package including employer-paid health, disability and life insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and transportation), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and EAP program. For this position, we are offering a base salary ranging from $60,000-70,000.

Reinvestment Fund uses E-Verify to validate all new hires’ ability to legally work in the United States. Reinvestment Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Reinvestment Fund does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, non-job related disabilities, or status as a veteran.

Reinvestment Fund, Inc. has an affiliate, RF Impact Advisers, Inc. (“RFIA”) that is a state-registered investment adviser.  In order to advance compliance with and prevent violations of federal and state securities laws and to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, RFIA has adopted a Code of Ethics to govern certain conduct of its staff, including certain staff of Reinvestment Fund because Reinvestment Fund is an advisory affiliate of RFIA.   As part of this Code of Ethics, there are specific personal reporting and other requirements and disclosures of personal financial and/or securities transactions information. For certain individuals this reporting will extend to your household members. You may be subject to a background check.

How to Apply

Please apply directly via our careers page.