Program Assistant - FIRST Robotics Portfolio

PROGRAM ASSISTANT-FIRST ROBOTICS PORTFOLIO

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Program Assistant- FIRST Robotics Portfolio is responsible for researching, evaluating, and overseeing a FIRST Robotics grant portfolio to ensure grant outcomes are aligned with Argosy Foundation values and strategic goals. With guidance from the Executive Director, the assistant oversees a FIRST grant portfolio, and provides timely and accurate information to the Executive Director, trustees, and key stakeholders to keep everyone informed and to help drive decision making. An effective Program Assistant will have direct experience with FIRST, be a team player, an excellent communicator, a critical thinker and an excellent time manager who fully supports the Argosy mission.

This position works for our CEO/Executive Director. Position is remote, with the ability to regularly work in the Milwaukee, WI; Boulder, CO; or Burlington, Vermont office, as requested. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position and the starting pay is $50,000.

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION?

FIRST Grant Oversight and Administration

• Track and maintain accurate grant information through the grant lifecycle utilizing grant database and partnering closely with grant partners and internal staff to ensure both positive experience and compliance
• Oversee and adhere to internal timelines related to grantmaking; run and review timely and accurate reports to ensure grants are meeting objectives
• Maintain regular communication with grantees and Executive Director so grant performance is well understood by stakeholders and issues are identified and addressed proactively, where possible
• Prepare reports and other grant information, as needed

Portfolio due diligence, review and research (for existing and potential future grants)

• Identify and maintain strong portfolio of organizations and opportunities with direction from Executive Director
• Maintain effective relationships with grantees
• Develop and utilize insights to advise trustees on sound opportunities and partnership decisions.

Board and Trustee meetings

• Develop and prepare reports and information that help Executive Director and/or trustees easily access and understand information about grants to inform decision making
• With guidance, able to understand stakeholder needs and provide accurate, timely and relevant information to key stakeholders

Special Projects

• Take on special projects beyond portfolio management to support organizational needs, as requested
• Able to effectively manage workload to accomplish core work and special project work

Professional Development

• Develop new skills and enhance existing skills to support Argosy goals and objectives and support continuous learning
• Other duties may be required or requested.

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS THAT WOULD HELP SOMEONE SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE?

• Experience with FIRST Robotics-has either participated in, volunteered with, and/or worked for FIRST. Understand the FIRST mission, format, and technical skills required to successfully navigate with the FIRST community.
• Critical Thinking/Strategic Agility – with guidance and mentorship, deals with concepts and complexity comfortably; sees ahead clearly; can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately; has broad knowledge and perspective; is future oriented; demonstrates curiosity; can articulately develop credible stories and visions of possibilities; can develop new approaches and ways of thinking.
• Organizing – able to accomplish multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges and presents information in a useful manner; detail oriented.
• Relationship Management – relates well to all kinds of people; builds rapport; uses diplomacy and tact; actively listens to understand, anticipate and flex to meet others’ needs.
• Time Management – uses time effectively and efficiently; able to prioritize and concentrate efforts appropriately; can attend to a broad range of activities; maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life so one doesn’t dominate the other.
• Written and Verbal Communication – able to write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across, both in writing and verbally, that have the desired effect with a wide variety of audiences.
• System skills - proficient in Microsoft Suite product sand familiarity with databases.
• Willingness to travel - approximately 2-3 overnight trips/per year with most travel during the robotics season from February through May.
• Education & experience- these skills are normally acquired with 1+ years of work experience and relevant education.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

We are committed to building a work community that is inclusive and represents a vibrant diversity of background, experience, perspective and thought. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, communication styles, nationalities, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT ARGOSY

The Argosy Foundation is a private family foundation founded in 1997 by John Abele, co-founder of Boston Scientific. The Abele family members serve as the Board of Trustees; John is the chairman and Jeneye Abele is the President & CEO. Partnerships are not limited to traditional program areas, but instead emphasize a due-diligence approach to making strategic, leveraged investments followed by continuous learning for future partnerships.

The mission of the Argosy Foundation is to support people and programs that make our society a better place to live. We seek to employ creative and entrepreneurial approaches that help people to help themselves, and become self-sustaining whenever possible. Our intention is to solve systemic problems, build teams and communities, create replicable solutions, and inspire others to contribute in their own ways.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter to argosyjobs@gmail.com by October 2, 2026.