Community Engagement and Program Associate

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts (“The Health Foundation”) seeks a highly motivated individual to fill the Community Engagement & Program Associate position targeting January 2026. Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, the Community Engagement & Program Associate is responsible for providing support to the team in the areas of community engagement, grant program administration, and communications.

The Health Foundation’s approach is grounded in principles of collaborative problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and empowerment to advance health equity across all grantmaking and programming.  The successful candidate will have an ability to work inclusively and establish and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders including community members representing historically marginalized populations, leaders of grassroots, community-based groups, and capacity-building partners and peers within the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.   The position requires humility, flexibility, and the capacity to manage and effectively prioritize among multiple initiatives and grant programs. Given the small staff team at The Health Foundation, working collaboratively across roles and functions will be important.

Compensation & Advancement Opportunities
• Salary within the range of $65,000 – $80,000 will be determined based upon the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Complete benefits package, including health and dental insurance (80% employer paid), life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance (100% employer paid), 401K with employer match after one year, three weeks paid vacation and generous personal and holiday time off.
• While we are a small and relatively flat organization, this role provides the opportunity to learn and grow. We fund professional development including trainings and conferences for all staff.

Location/Travel
The Health Foundation is currently operating in a hybrid environment with staff generally expected to be in the Worcester-based office three days per week at a minimum and available to attend in-person meetings and events in the region during the work week. Some local travel within Central Massachusetts will be required.

Responsibilities

• Identifies opportunities for community engagement by cultivating relationships with relevant existing and emerging task forces and coalitions in the region by attending meetings and events as a representative of The Health Foundation and relaying relevant updates and information to and from the field and The Health Foundation.
• Assists the Senior Program Officer in planning and implementing community outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness about open grant opportunities, convenings or other resources, and drafting related communications.
• Supports grant program administration with specific duties that may vary by program, including conducting research on organizations seeking funding, participating in meetings with grant seekers and grantees and drafting related documentation, and assisting with grant application review and preparation of materials for Board consideration.
• Identifies the technical assistance and training needs of current and prospective grantees and assists in developing training tools and/or managing relationships with external partners and experts to address such needs.
• Collaborates with grantees and staff to ensure the information in The Health Foundation’s grants management system is complete, accurate, and timely.
• Assists with drafting correspondence, newsletter content, website updates, and social media posts in collaboration with The Health Foundation’s communications consultants and other staff.
• In collaboration with staff, support grantees in telling their stories of progress and impact to inform future grants, policy, and strategy.
• Develops and maintains a knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, especially in Central Massachusetts. Establishes and maintains effective and inclusive working relationships with The Health Foundation’s stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of relevant experience in a field including but not limited to: public health, social work/social justice, community development, nonprofit program management, or philanthropy
• Deep commitment to supporting nonprofits to improve health, especially for historically marginalized populations
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage and prioritize among multiple tasks
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including active listening, meeting facilitation, and writing
• Nimble work style, with ability to work collaboratively with other staff and also independently as a self-starter
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite programs and Zoom; ability to learn new technologies
• Ability to critically evaluate budgets, financial reports, and funding proposals
• Willingness to maintain flexibility in work schedule in order to meet ongoing organizational needs, including attending evening Board meetings and community events

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference for candidates with a demonstrated connection and commitment to Central Massachusetts; strong preference for candidates currently living in Central Massachusetts
• Prior experience working with a broad range of diverse partner organizations and individuals
• Experience with external communications

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are strongly encouraged to apply soon. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter describing your interest and experience, your resume, and your salary expectation.  If you use AI in the preparation of your cover letter and or resume, please disclose how you have leveraged the tool.

Applications may be submitted via email to info@hfcm.org with “Community Engagement & Program Associate” in the subject line. The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of applicants.

Date Posted

11/05/2025

Closing Date

12/31/2025

About the Organization

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs.  Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity.  As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care Inc., The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $60 million to more than 240 unique organizations over its history.  The Health Foundation recently completed a new strategic plan for 2026-2030.

Contact

info@hfcm.org