Job Description

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), located in Princeton, N.J., is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. To get there, we must work to dismantle structural racism and other barriers to health. Since 1972, we have focused on developing and promoting innovations in health and healthcare to improve the lives of millions. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to achieve health equity faster and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.  

At RWJF, we work toward three Generational Goals to transform health in our lifetime: Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing, Equitable and Accountable Public Health and Healthcare Systems, and Healthy and Equitable Community Conditions.
 
We take seriously our responsibilities, and we pledge to work in ways that reflect our Guiding Principles. These are rooted in equity and influence everything we do at RWJF. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration enable our staff’s wide range of experiences, passions, and perspectives to strengthen our ability to address our nation’s most pressing health issues and support a culture of belonging. Part of this work includes actively shaping an inclusive organization where all staff members thrive as we build and use our capabilities, voice, and power to advance health equity. RWJF offers a collaborative, collegial, and creative work environment. With a career at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, you will make a difference.  

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to thesenior director, Grants Management, thegrants operations assistant provides administrative support for the Grants Management department andassistsprogram and finance staff in all grants-related activities.This support includes the grant proposal intake process from receipt to awardandreviewing and proofreading grant agreements and other materials. The grants operations assistant will also respond to public and staff inquiriesonthe Foundation’s programs, serving as a front-line information resource. The assistant will perform other duties as assigned

As with staff at all levels of RWJF, thegrants operations assistantis expected todemonstratea passionate commitment to equity and the Foundation’s mission andGuiding Principles

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proposal intake and entry of grant proposals: (40%)

• Processproposalsfrom Application and Review System (A&R) into theFoundation’s Proposal Information Management System (PIMS) according to the documented standard operating procedures. This includes:

• verification of required documents

• entry of coding information

• preliminary review of proposals for completeness and accuracy

• Create/maintainstandardoperatingprocedures for grants assistant functions and department orientation materials(10%)

• Triage and respond to grantseekerand other external inquiries (“program inquiries”) via phone, email,and physical mail. Route inquiries to theappropriate department(s)as needed(5%)

• Processgrantaward letters and program contracts(5%)

• Provide reports from grants database for leadership as requested(5%)

• Set up Foundation projects ingrantsdatabase andassistwith database maintenance and changes(10%)

• Provide administrative support, scheduling, and travelassistancetounitas needed. Prepare agendas andlogisticsfor various department meetings(10%)

• Provide back-up to other Grants Management staff as needed(5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned(10%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of two (2) years of related administrative, philanthropy/nonprofit, orgrants‑relatedexperience.

• Database experiencerequired

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to proofread documents withdetailorientation.

• Strong knowledge of and ability to use computer technology toaccomplishwork efficiently, using email, the internet, database management software, and Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Working knowledge of basic grantmaking administrative processes, including proposal intake, documentation requirements, and support activities from receipt through award

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative,service‑orientedenvironment, following established processes and standards.

• Willingness and desire to takeinitiative

• Proficiencyin clear, professional communication, including sharing information accurately and responding appropriately to routine inquiries.

• Skill in organizing and completing assigned work, managing time and priorities within defined expectations.

• Ability to follow instructions and apply guidance, escalating issues appropriately when needed.

• Knowledge of equity-focused systemschangeprinciples and the ability to apply them appropriately within the scope of the role, including informing strategy,decisionmaking, and practice consistent with the Foundation’s mission and Guiding Principles

• Deep social justice values and commitment to the practice of racial justice,health equity,and the Foundation’s vision, values, andGuiding Principles

• Candidates whose experience exceeds theminimumrequirements will be givenparticular considerationfor a higher placement within the salary range:

• Three(3) years of progressiveadministrative and operational experience in anonprofitenvironment.

• Five(5) years of progressiveadministrative and operational experience in anonprofitenvironment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Thegrantsoperations assistantwill perform job duties in a typical business office environment. Specific physical abilities required by this job include operating basic office equipment.The incumbent willbe requiredto attend meetings, both in person and off-site via phone or videoconference. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. RWJF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

POSITION’S ASSIGNED OFFICE LOCATION
This position is assigned to our Princeton, N.J. office.

HYBRID: FLEXIBLE PURPOSE (HFP) EXPLAINED
As of January 1, 2023, the Foundation has implemented a model we call Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP). RWJF’s new operating model is the infrastructure (e.g., policies, practices, protocols, procedures, systems) that forms the basis for how the day-to-day operations aremanaged,culture is built and nurtured, and mission is delivered. This model is designed to meet the needs of the organization while giving employees as much flexibility as possible. On-site participation isdeterminedby job responsibilities, organizational and team-level requirements, and mandatory gatherings throughout the year. While there are no fixed days per week, all employees are expected to plan their time on-site and cover commuting expenses as needed to meet those expectations. Learn more about our operatingmodel and in-office requirements

SALARY

The non-negotiable starting salary for this position is $65,000 Candidates who the Foundationdetermineshavedirectly relatedexperience exceeding theminimumrequirementsoutlined abovemay beprovideda higher starting salary of up to $66,300 All salary offers are non-negotiable.

BENEFITS

RWJF offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits to employees, generous paid time off, and more. Why work at RWJF? Learn more about the benefits of working at RWJF.

TRANSITION STIPEND

A transition stipend is providedtoall new hires to aid in costs related to transitioning to a new job

HOW TO APPLY

• Applicants shouldsubmita resume andrequiredletter of interest by the stated deadline.

• Internal RWJF applicants shouldsubmita resume and letter of interest through the Internal Jobs Hub appinWorkday.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Monday,June8,2026,by10 a.m. ET