Program Assistant

Program Assistant

Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund
, the Illumination Fund

Location
:
New York, NY (Hybrid – in-office three days per week)

Salary
: $70,000–$80,000 annually, plus benefits

Final date to receive applications
: March 6, 2026
. Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.

The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund (Illumination Fund) seeks a highly organized Program Assistant to support its grantmaking and initiatives. This is a direct-hire position with the Fund. To view the full job description and apply, please visit the TSS website.

Position Overview

The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund (Illumination Fund) works to increase access and opportunity for all New Yorkers and to foster healthy, vibrant communities. Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, the Program Assistant plays an integral role in supporting the coordination, implementation, and ongoing operations of the Illumination Fund’s grantmaking and initiatives across all program areas, including Arts Access, Civic Engagement, Jewish Life, Arts in Health, and Play to Thrive (sports-based youth development).

This role serves as the operational hub for program activity, providing front-line coordination, triage, and oversight to ensure programs run smoothly, deadlines are met, and stakeholders receive timely, accurate support. The Program Assistant is often the first point of contact for program-related inquiries and is responsible for exercising judgment in routing requests, prioritizing deadlines, and escalating issues appropriately.

The role combines program coordination, grants management, communications, and administrative support, and is well suited to a highly organized, proactive generalist interested in philanthropy, equity-driven work, and complex, multi-program environments.

• Program Coordination and Front-Line Triage
• Cohort and Initiative Support
• Grants Management, Monitoring, and Systems
• Events, Convenings, and Exhibitions
• Communications and Internal Coordination

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 3–5 years of experience in a nonprofit, foundation, public sector, or social impact organization
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written communication skills
• Comfort managing multiple priorities and learning new systems
• Familiarity with grants administration is a plus

To apply , candidates must submit both a resume and cover letter
. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please visit the TSS website:

The Illumination Fund and TSS are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to providing access and accommodations throughout the hiring process.