Program Associate Jobs in New York
Program Associate jobs in New York are among the most active in the country, concentrated in nonprofit management, public health, education policy, and foundation-funded initiatives, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinator to senior program associate. The heaviest hiring is in New York City, Albany, and Buffalo, where anchor institutions like the Robin Hood Foundation, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and United Way of New York City maintain consistent program associate demand. The most sought-after specialties are grant management, community outreach coordination, and youth development programming. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 1,682+ Program Associate jobs
About the team:
Access to employment and housing is essential to success in reentry and post-release well-being, but both good jobs and stable housing can be elusive for people with conviction histories. The Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team is working to create pipelines into meaningful work and break down barriers to housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through legislative advocacy and technical assistance engagements. As part of the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team, the Program Associate will help drive policy change, build coalitions, and provide technical assistance in select jurisdictions to advance the Initiative's priorities.
About the role:
1. Technical Assistance and Advocacy
- Work with the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership team to develop state-based strategies to advance policy changes and provide technical assistance
- Cultivate relationships with partners and stakeholders in Opening Doors' and Unlocking Potential's states to implement strategies
- Provide advocacy support to the lead of specific states, including meeting with policymakers, providing support in building and leading coalitions, and drafting advocacy documents
- Lead meetings, conference calls, webinars, and site visits, and serve as a main point of contact for external partners
- Work in tandem with the state leads and Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership to collaborate with Vera's Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams on the components of active and forthcoming state campaigns, troubleshooting as issues arise
- Track and monitor relevant state and federal policies
- Complete initial drafting of and finalize program and technical assistance materials, including work plans, agendas, presentations, recommendations, and guidance documents
- Field questions from and devise solutions for stakeholders, including housing providers, employers, government partners, and direct service providers, on employment and housing challenges faced by justice-impacted people
- Develop trainings or conduct policy analyses as components of broader projects
2. Write up/presentation of projects
- Prepare information and/or lead background research and literature reviews for reports. Write up results and integrate into public-facing products including reports, advocacy documents, or other publications under the supervision of senior associates
- As part of a team, provide technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, including preparation of public presentations, facilitation of meetings, and shared expertise
- Co-author and co-develop content such as program reports, fundraising proposals, presentations, and blog posts.
- Present on Vera's work at conferences, on webinars, and other external events.
- Present at internal Vera events (department meetings, "brown bag" discussions, etc.)
3. Team Support and Internal Collaboration
- Create agendas, update internal documentation, support with facilitation of team meetings
- Mentor program analysts and/or interns on tasks as needed
- Monitor relevant news coverage of this work to stay informed about trends in the field
- Support the logistical/event planning process, as needed
- Support related research projects, as needed
What qualifications are we looking for?
Required:
- A bachelor's degree in political science, criminal justice, public policy, or other related field and 3 plus years of relevant experience. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.
Preferred:
- Experience in reentry, workforce development, affordable housing, reentry housing, and/or homeless
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of policy development, government, criminal justice and social justice for underserved populations
- Strong research and writing skills
- Excellent strategic, problem-solving, and analytic skills
- Experience and ability to manage multiple projects, committees, or work groups
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills
- Ability to work with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
- Knowledge of policy change processes is a plus
- Knowledge of housing finance is a plus
- Ability to travel around the country
Location:
Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.
Compensation and Benefits:
The compensation range for this position is $77,000 - $80,000. In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institute's total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay, generous paid time off, a comprehensive health insurance plan, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training opportunities and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time. To learn more about Vera's benefits offerings, click here.
Application Process:
To receive further consideration for this career opportunity, applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, their interest and qualifications. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen/form in advance of an invitation for a virtual or in-person interview with the team. Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / [JOBTITLE]
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
About the team:
Access to employment and housing is essential to success in reentry and post-release well-being, but both good jobs and stable housing can be elusive for people with conviction histories. The Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team is working to create pipelines into meaningful work and break down barriers to housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through legislative advocacy and technical assistance engagements. As part of the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team, the Program Associate will help drive policy change, build coalitions, and provide technical assistance in select jurisdictions to advance the Initiative's priorities.
About the role:
1. Technical Assistance and Advocacy
- Work with the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership team to develop state-based strategies to advance policy changes and provide technical assistance
- Cultivate relationships with partners and stakeholders in Opening Doors' and Unlocking Potential's states to implement strategies
- Provide advocacy support to the lead of specific states, including meeting with policymakers, providing support in building and leading coalitions, and drafting advocacy documents
- Lead meetings, conference calls, webinars, and site visits, and serve as a main point of contact for external partners
- Work in tandem with the state leads and Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership to collaborate with Vera's Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams on the components of active and forthcoming state campaigns, troubleshooting as issues arise
- Track and monitor relevant state and federal policies
- Complete initial drafting of and finalize program and technical assistance materials, including work plans, agendas, presentations, recommendations, and guidance documents
- Field questions from and devise solutions for stakeholders, including housing providers, employers, government partners, and direct service providers, on employment and housing challenges faced by justice-impacted people
- Develop trainings or conduct policy analyses as components of broader projects
2. Write up/presentation of projects
- Prepare information and/or lead background research and literature reviews for reports. Write up results and integrate into public-facing products including reports, advocacy documents, or other publications under the supervision of senior associates
- As part of a team, provide technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, including preparation of public presentations, facilitation of meetings, and shared expertise
- Co-author and co-develop content such as program reports, fundraising proposals, presentations, and blog posts.
- Present on Vera's work at conferences, on webinars, and other external events.
- Present at internal Vera events (department meetings, "brown bag" discussions, etc.)
3. Team Support and Internal Collaboration
- Create agendas, update internal documentation, support with facilitation of team meetings
- Mentor program analysts and/or interns on tasks as needed
- Monitor relevant news coverage of this work to stay informed about trends in the field
- Support the logistical/event planning process, as needed
- Support related research projects, as needed
What qualifications are we looking for?
Required:
- A bachelor's degree in political science, criminal justice, public policy, or other related field and 3 plus years of relevant experience. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.
Preferred:
- Experience in reentry, workforce development, affordable housing, reentry housing, and/or homeless
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of policy development, government, criminal justice and social justice for underserved populations
- Strong research and writing skills
- Excellent strategic, problem-solving, and analytic skills
- Experience and ability to manage multiple projects, committees, or work groups
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills
- Ability to work with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
- Knowledge of policy change processes is a plus
- Knowledge of housing finance is a plus
- Ability to travel around the country
Location:
Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.
Compensation and Benefits:
The compensation range for this position is $77,000 - $80,000. In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institute's total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay, generous paid time off, a comprehensive health insurance plan, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training opportunities and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time. To learn more about Vera's benefits offerings, click here.
Application Process:
To receive further consideration for this career opportunity, applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, their interest and qualifications. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen/form in advance of an invitation for a virtual or in-person interview with the team. Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / [JOBTITLE]
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
See All 1,682+ Program Associate Jobs in New York
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Find Program Associate JobsProgram Associate Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Associate Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- LaBella Associates65
- Goldman Sachs44
- Morgan Stanley44
- DoorDash34
- New York Life29
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software300
- Investment & Asset Management235
- Consulting & Professional Services154
- Insurance96
- Healthcare & Medical Services91
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program associate jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, social work, public health, or a related field
- Experience managing program deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements
- Proficiency with data tracking tools, spreadsheets, and program management software
- Strong written communication skills for grant reports, memos, and stakeholder updates
- Ability to coordinate across multiple internal teams and external community partners
- Familiarity with New York City or New York State government funding and compliance processes
Program Associate Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program associate in New York?
Most program associate roles in New York require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public administration, social work, public health, or education. New York does not issue a state license specific to this role, but many nonprofit and government employers expect familiarity with New York State contracting requirements and city agency grant processes. Building experience through AmeriCorps placements, New York City agency internships, or nonprofit fellowship programs is the most direct path to a first role.
Which companies hire program associates in New York?
Employers hiring program associates in New York right now include LaBella Associates, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. New York's dense nonprofit sector and the concentration of major foundations and city agencies in the five boroughs make it one of the deepest program associate job markets in the United States.
Which New York cities have the most program associate jobs?
The cities with the most program associate openings in New York are New York, New York City, and Rochester. New York City dominates because it is home to the largest concentration of foundations, public health agencies, and federally funded community organizations in the state, while Albany draws openings tied to state government and policy nonprofits and Buffalo has grown through community development and health equity initiatives anchored by the region's hospital systems and United Way chapters.
Are there remote program associate jobs in New York?
Yes, and more than many fields, because program associate work is largely desk-based and involves coordination, reporting, and communication rather than hands-on service delivery. About 27% of program associate openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with fully remote roles most common in grant management, policy research, and program evaluation functions.
How can I get hired as a program associate in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a paid fellowship or AmeriCorps service position with a New York City or New York State nonprofit, which provides the program coordination experience most hiring managers require. Large employers such as New York City agencies, the United Way of New York City, and community health centers regularly run associate or coordinator programs for candidates without prior experience. Lateral moves from case manager, research assistant, or administrative coordinator roles at nonprofits are also common, and a strong writing sample or grant report portfolio gives early-career applicants a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to program associate jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to program associate jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current New York openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to each one.
See All 1,682+ Program Associate Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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