The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) seeks up to 3 new Program Fellows to support its mission to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, cultural, racial, and social equity for all Arkansans. The Program Fellow position at the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation is a two-year position designed to attract professionals eager to learn and grow. The option to extend the fellowship exists, and as other openings occur, fellows may apply for them as well. Program Fellows support the strategic actions of, and report, to our Equity Officers.
About the Foundation
WRF affirms the legacy of Governor Rockefeller, who envisioned a thriving and prosperous Arkansas that benefits all Arkansans. As a catalyst for structural change in Arkansas, WRF leads the way with a deep commitment to equity. Through great courage in the face of opposition, we build bold collaborative relationships with partners who strongly align with the change we desire to see in our state and our nation.
About the Position
We are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual capable of stepping in during a period of organizational, programmatic, and cultural transformation in support of the Foundation’s three dynamic
Equity Officers. The Program Fellows are responsible for the administrative details related to the organization’s internal and external convenings, public communications, partner outreach activities,
grantmaking, and other duties as needed in support of the AR 2025 strategic direction.
About the Ideal Candidate
We take pride in the Foundation’s mission, vision, and strategic direction. And we work hard to catalyze transformational systems change in the state of Arkansas. Such lofty goals require that we employ
values-aligned, energetic individuals who are ready to think outside the box and who view new challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. The ideal candidate will possess the following equity-driven values:
● Multiplicities of our Reality| the ability to handle complex information, inputs, and truths and produce meaningful conversations and/or outcomes
● Asset Framing Mindset| an abundance of curiosity that sparks self-interest in solutions-based research and related projects
● Ubuntu| a deep appreciation for the historical legacy of the Foundation, and a dedication to promoting social change in a workspace that values diverse and distinctive leadership
● Defiant Hopefulness | an excitement about what is possible in Arkansas and transferable soft skills (storytelling, hospitality, innovation, lived experience, etc.) that invite synergy, team collaboration and a positive work environment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
In addition to aligning strongly with the organization’s mission, the ideal candidate will be able to provide evidence of exceptionally strong communication and organizational skills, sharp attention to detail, and persistence in follow-through on complex projects. More broadly, strong candidates will:
● Be a purpose-driven and grounded individual with a strong work ethic who exhibits a personal
commitment to purposeful engagement and natural ability to collaborate with others internally and externally to move the organizational strategy forward
● An innovative and forward-thinking individual able and eager to identify new opportunities, strategies, and approaches to philanthropy within and outside of traditional systems and structures
● Entrepreneurial with the ability to generate, present, and test ideas internally and externally in support of reimagining community-based organizing groups in Arkansas
● Have a growth mindset as a lifelong learner, open to feedback and possesses the confidence and flexibility to work in an environment where experimentation is encouraged
● Have critical thinking skills and be able to apply them to the processes of leadership, engagement, and assessment, intervention and evaluation of organizations, and communities.
● Possess advocacy skills for practice delivery and policies that promote equity when working with organizations and communities.
● Other requisite skills as needed: excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent computer skills and a willingness to learn new tools and systems, demonstrated flexibility, maturity, and ability to work as a team with program staff, consultants, and persons outside the Foundation, comfortable working in a supportive role, a good sense of humor and abiding optimism in the potential for Arkansas to improve people’s lives, and a strong understanding of and commitment to equity in Arkansas
Example Duties and Responsibilities
The Program Fellow’s role will include (but is not limited to) the following:
Programmatic Support
● Aid the role and activities of the Equity Officers in managing their relationships in the wider community. Build excellent relationships with all grantee partners and foundation consultants and colleagues.
● Conduct research on current issues in philanthropy, movement building, equity, and place-based community change
● Develop, disseminate, and edit strategic communications, such as special reports on the Foundation’s grantees and initiatives, blogs, and eblasts
● Provide project management and communications support
● Help prepare, review, and edit board meeting materials
● Create presentation materials and communicate with stakeholders
● Oversee preparations for convenings, including development of content themes, the arrangement of meeting space, catering, handouts, transportation, and technology
● Contribute to ensure efficient operations
Grants Management
● Support core programmatic activities such as partner relationships, proposal development, and grant processing
● Oversee the life cycle of approved grants by managing an accurate, timely grant reporting
● Support organizational data management by monitoring, collecting, and analyzing data presented as part of the grants process
Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived or worked experience
● Some work history is desired. Experience preferred in education, economic development, communications, community change, public policy, or the nonprofit sector.
Hiring Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000
How to Apply
Apply with a cover letter that includes relevant examples of your lived experience and journey with equity, resume, and references. Applications should be directed to talent@wrfoundation.org. Please place WRF Program Fellow and your name in the subject line. Please note, WRF works with an external firm to screen applicants and conduct early stage interviews. Staff at the foundation will not know the status of your application until well into our process. We strive
to keep you informed, but cannot respond to questions on the applications received or status.