Associate/Senior Associate - Public Finance Initiative (PFI) Full Time

The Public Finance Initiative (PFI), a fiscally sponsored project of TSNE, works with communities and their stakeholders to develop research, education, and technical assistance programs that center the values of equity, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the domain of public finance.

TSNE (formerly Third Sector New England) (www.tsne.org) is a management support organization that partners every year with hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. Our mission is to provide information and services to build the knowledge, power, and effectiveness of individuals, organizations, and groups that engage people in community and public life. The ultimate intention of TSNE’s work is to create a more just and democratic society.

The Associate will be responsible for supporting the Rural and Small Cities Program, a key new program at the Public Finance Initiative (PFI) that aims to shift patterns of disinvestment by building the capacity of states, counties, cities, towns, and other governments serving communities under 100,000 residents to unlock public finance resources and consider how to strategically integrate philanthropic investments. Through the Rural and Small Cities Program, PFI is focused on (1) facilitating greater investment of resources in underserved rural areas; (2) building capacity to develop and implement place-based approaches to leverage public finance to invest in critical infrastructure; (3) expanding the range of tools and resources available to leaders.

With support from the Director of the Rural & Small Cities Program, and a team of analysts, associates, and operations staff at PFI, the Associate will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and implementation of the Rural & Small Cities Program with activities that include the following:

Essential Functions

• Break down complex projects into discrete tasks, coordinate day-to-day operations of assignments, and set timelines to reach key milestones and target outcomes determined by the team and partners, mutually with supervisor
• Engage in strategy discussions about projects
• Gather data and conduct research to support PFI’s education and technical assistance work. Develop memos and other materials to summarize key findings, ideas, trends and themes.
• Monitor and review sources to identify important and emerging trends from academics, policy experts, and practitioners and changes in the landscape of the project focus areas.
• Create agendas/run of shows/slides and other materials, participate in calls/meetings with partners, coordinate both in-person convenings and virtual trainings alongside operations staff in the 6 states selected for the program, review insights, and capture action items.
• Effectively communicate information to a diverse set of stakeholders by contributing to webinars, case studies, blog posts, and other written materials as well as presentations

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

Experience: At least three (3) years of professional experience working to coordinate projects and conduct analysis. Direct experience working with rural areas and small cities is strongly preferred, but experience working with government stakeholders in non-profit or private sectors roles can be valuable.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Passion for and dedication to improving lives and strengthening communities in rural areas and small cities across America.
• Kindness and a sense of humor.
• The ability to provide deliverables and value assigned to the associate through collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptive planning.
• Experience independently coordinating multiple project goals and timelines as well as coordinating with partners/stakeholders to implement projects and advance various priorities at once plans.
• Strong research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex information. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. Experience developing research memos, presentations, and written materials.
• Experience developing agendas, operations plans, and other materials for in-person and virtual events.
• The ability to effectively exchange ideas, concepts, facts, and data with diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing blogs, publications and presentations to promote new ideas and share best practices.
• Computer skills and demonstrated willingness to learn additional, specific platforms.
• Commitment to understand and follow the policies and procedures applicable to all staff.
• Commitment to teamwork, integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency – including demonstrated leadership, ability to influence and bring about consensus, and to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and successfully interact with people at all management and support levels, as well as people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• The highest standards of integrity, ethical practices and professionalism are demonstrated in all aspects of work, including interactions with others, decision-making, and the development and delivery of work products. The ability to integrate core values, equity, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational practices.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Ability to sit  and/or for extended periods of time in front of a computer screen is an essential aspect of the position.  There may be a need to lift and/or move materials or equipment.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Fully Remote 

Compensation: The starting salary for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/hr and is commensurate with experience.

Schedule: up to 37.5 Hours Weekly, 9:00 am-5:00 pm EST

Temporary Role: End Date June 30, 2026

Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package including:

• Generous Paid-Time-Off (PTO): twelve paid holidays, three weeks of vacation, one week of personal holiday, and ability to accrue up to 487.5 hours of health leave time for benefited staff.
• 80% Employer-paid, offering some $0 deductible Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim along with several low-deductible plans;
• Low-cost Harvard Pilgrim/Point32Health Dental and Vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care.
• Employer-paid Life, Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• Employer-paid Pension and Employee-paid 403b plan through TIAA.
• ...and more!

TSNE/PFI strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/PFI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/PFI celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/PFI's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.