Programs Associate

About Us: Blandin Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with a mission to connect, fund, and advocate for ideas and people to inspire resourcefulness and move rural places forward. The Foundation partners with people, organizations, and communities to build hope and opportunity by investing in the places and people who make rural Minnesota strong. Position Purpose: The Programs Associate plays a key role in advancing the Foundation’s Advocacy, Resources (Grantmaking), and Community Building (ARC) work by providing coordination and administrative support across program areas. This position contributes to the Foundation’s commitment to rural people and places through effective organization, relationship support, and attention to the details that ensure successful implementation of programs, events, and collaborative projects. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Community Building, the Programs Associate also partners closely with the Director of Rural Grantmaking and Senior Rural Advocacy Manager to ensure high-quality execution of ARC-related work. Essential Accountabilities: Program Support and Coordination

• Support ARC team by coordinating meeting preparation, scheduling and follow-through, and community development activities.
• Serve as a point of contact for ARC-related logistics and coordination needs.
• Support implementation and tracking of community development projects, ensuring effective communication, timely follow-up, and documentation.
• Preparing meeting materials, presentations, and reports that contribute to program learning and communication.
• Manage timelines, coordinate tasks, and ensure follow-through on program deliverables.
• Contribute to a culture of learning, collaboration, and equity across ARC functions and within the Foundation.

Meeting and Event Coordination

• Coordinate logistics for internal and external meetings, workshops, and community gatherings, including site selection, technology setup, catering, and materials preparation.
• Arrange travel and lodging when needed.
• Prepare and assemble meeting materials, such as packets, name tags, and promotional items (“swag bags”).
• Track and maintain event-related supplies and assist with vendor coordination.

Programmatic Administrative Support

• Perform Accounts Payable (A/P) Clerk duties, including invoice coding, processing, and tracking for program-related expenses.
• Draft and process contracts for program activities in accordance with the Foundation’s financial policies and procedures.
• Provide scheduling and administrative support for the Senior Manager of Community Building, Director of Rural Grantmaking, and Senior Rural Advocacy Manager.
• Maintain organized records and files in accordance with the Foundation’s Records Retention Policy.

Supervisory / Work Direction Responsibilities None

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Two years of post-high school education or training in administrative, or related field, or combination of education and experience preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience providing program or administrative support.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, community development, or philanthropic setting preferred.
• Experience with contract administration and/or accounts payable processes preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.

Other Skills & Abilities

• Commitment to Equity
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to adhere to high standards of accuracy and to exhibit a strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate and embrace Blandin Foundation’s values
• Practice continuous learning to grow personal/professional knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Exhibits proactive problem-solving through critical thinking and resourcefulness, with a focus on process improvement.
• Maintains integrity and confidentiality by handling sensitive information ethically and discreetly
• Act with integrity, adaptability, accountability, confidentiality, and transparency
• Flexible and adaptable to change in the workplace
• Ability to work with others from a wide range of cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with a focus toward a culture of service

Physical Requirements

• Sitting daily 4–8 hours
• Occasional standing or light lifting (up to 15 lbs)
• Frequent repetitive motion hand, fingers, wrists (keyboard) and screen use
• Occasional local travel or participation in community events may be requested

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, Hybrid non-exempt position (1.0 FTE)
• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Generous paid time off — vacation, sick, bereavement, and more

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