Program Associate

The Puerto Rico presidential initiative is a time bound grantmaking program that supports the arts and humanities ecosystems in Puerto Rico and the diaspora. Reporting to the Associate Director - Puerto Rico Programs and working under the guidance of Director of Presidential Initiatives, the Program Associate will participate in all aspects of grantmaking and other programming related to the Puerto Rico initiative. Among other responsibilities, the Program Associate will provide programmatic, logistical, and research support to the Puerto Rico initiative team, and advise and inform the planning and execution of strategic initiatives and special projects.  From time to time, the Program Associate may also support the Imagining Freedom presidential initiative or other grant-related work within the Office of the President. 

The ideal candidate will bring direct experience from, and a wide network across, organizations and individuals doing arts- and/or humanities-based work related to Puerto Rico and its diaspora. A bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree in an arts and/or humanities discipline or related area are preferred; candidates with equivalent field experience will also be considered. Applicants should also possess:

• An orientation toward self-starting, proactive anticipation of needs, and creative problem solving.
• Strong administrative, organizational, time, and work-flow management skills

• Exceptional attention to detail combined with the capacity to conceptualize and strategize at the programmatic level.
• Ability to understand and analyze organizational budgets and financial statements 
• Willingness to travel for the program as needed 
• Flexibility, adaptability, curiosity, discretion, and a sense of humor
• A high degree of competency in the MS Office suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and in project management tools such as Monday
• Commitment to a collegial work environment and to collaboration with colleagues in all the Foundation’s program areas

Mellon offers a generous total reward package that provides base salary as well as a comprehensive benefits program. Mellon is committed to providing compensation that is competitive and equitable within the philanthropic sector. The estimated salary range for this role is $100,000-$110,000. The amount of pay offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to qualifications, unique skills, credentials, or experience that is expected to impact the candidate’s contribution to the role. We will also consider market data as well as the Foundation’s internal pay equity framework. 

Please note that Mellon maintains a hybrid work schedule, with three days/week in person at the Foundation’s Manhattan offices. 

Candidates should apply by submitting a thoughtful cover letter describing fit for the position and a resume by July 20, 2026.

The Foundation will consider each response carefully, but only contact those individuals it believes are most qualified for the position.