ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), located in Princeton, N.J., is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. To get there, we must work to dismantle structural racism and other barriers to health. Since 1972, we have focused on developing and promoting innovations in health and healthcare to improve the lives of millions. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to achieve health equity faster and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.  

We take seriously our responsibilities, and we pledge to work in ways that reflect our Guiding Principles. These are rooted in equity and influence everything we do at RWJF. Equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and collaboration enable our staff’s wide range of experiences, passions, and perspectives to strengthen our ability to address our nation’s most pressing health issues and support a culture of belonging. Part of this work includes actively shaping an inclusive organization where all staff members thrive as we build and use our capabilities, voice, and power to advance health equity. RWJF offers a collaborative, collegial, and creative work environment. With a career at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, you will make a difference.  

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY 

Reporting to the manager, Program Finance, the Program Finance Analyst (PFA) manages the financial aspects of a portfolio of grants and contracts (i.e., awards) and strategic programs within one or more of the Foundation’s program areas. The PFA is responsible for advising program staff and grantees or contractors on the most optimal award structure to achieve desired goals, conducting assessments on the financial health of funded organizations, and reviewing and negotiating award budgets and ensuring their alignment with the scope of the award. They are also tasked with preparing data analysis, managing activity against portfolio budget targets, and monitoring the financial performance of active awards and programs. This role calls for expertise in complex grantmaking and contracting policies and procedures, coupled with the capacity to apply this knowledge to varied and often ambiguous situations. Tasks require strong communication and critical thinking skills, and the ability to exercise good judgment in decision making. 

As with staff at all levels of RWJF, the program finance analyst is expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to equity and the Foundation’s mission and Guiding Principles.  

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management of Proposed and Active Awards  

1. Advises program directors and officers in assigned program areas on the appropriate financial structure for awards and programs.  
2. Confirms all finance-related information for calls and requests for proposals (CFPs/RFPs). Prepares and participates in applicant webinars, answering all budget questions. Fields questions from applicants and provides responses.  
3. Reviews award budgets and related proposals for assigned program areas to assess sufficiency and reasonableness of the funds requested and adherence with Foundation policy and makes recommendations to program staff and grantees. For contracts, ensures that contract terms and payment schedules align with the scope of work and addresses the interests of both parties. 
4. Negotiates contract rates and other financial terms.  
5. Performs a comprehensive financial health assessment of the award recipient organization, including an examination of financial statements, tax forms, audits, and other data to evaluate the recipient’s financial capacity to manage the award effectively. Provides written documentation to management. Corresponds with the grantee or contractor to better understand their operations and resource needs prior to making a recommendation.  
6. Applies critical thinking skills in identifying awards in development that may require a higher degree of care and raises awareness with management. 

Portfolio/Department Program Budget Management, Planning, and Analysis  

1. Forecasts and maintains financial information for awards and authorizations and budget planning for assigned program areas.  
2. Analyzes, verifies, and maintains program area budgets and updates budget projections to ensure accuracy. Makes recommendations on size, timing, and other attributes of awards to support meeting budget targets.  
3. Advises assigned program area directors or officers about the potential impact of pending decisions on the budget.  

Technical Assistance  

1. Is primary point of contact to grantees and contractors on financial policies, systems, and instructions for structuring awards and negotiating budgets.  
2. Provides ongoing financial guidance to grantees, contractors, and program staff on Foundation financial policies, procedures, and systems.  
3. Seeks and participates in opportunities for self-learning to maintain and enhance financial expertise.  

Project Support  

1. Actively seeks ways to improve grant and contract management processes, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency.  
2. Participates in and occasionally leads intradepartment or cross-functional workgroups that are formed to update policies, procedures, or processes, implement new systems, or solve operational problems.  
3. Attends staff development meetings, retreats, and training on nonfinancial matters to foster relationships and advance knowledge of the Foundation's strategies, values, and goals.  
4. Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

1. Commitment to racial and health equity and to the Foundation’s vision, values, and Guiding Principles. 
2. Minimum of three (3) years of directly related experience to the duties and responsibilities specified. 
3. Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills, including knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis.  
4. Strong skills and proficiency in using computer software programs, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Excel fluency at an intermediate or higher level is expected. Ability to translate data into meaningful written summaries, tables, and graphs that can then be used to communicate to management.   
5. Ability to interact with and provide sound financial advice to staff at all levels and ranks. Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally.  
6. Ability to work independently, as well as in a team-based, highly collaborative environment. Must be a creative thinker, a self-starter, and take initiative.  
7. Strong planning, organization, and time management skills. Ability to adhere to deadlines.  
8. Strong customer service orientation and interpersonal skills.  
9. Detail-oriented but also able to focus on the big picture and identify risks and trends effectively. 
10. Participates in process improvement efforts; makes recommendations and implements solutions to streamline and improve processes. Ability to examine and reengineer, as well as develop and implement new strategies and procedures.  
11. Participates in process improvement efforts; makes recommendations and implements solutions to streamline and improve processes. Ability to examine and re-engineer as well as develop and implement new strategies and procedures.
12. Understands the importance of a strong “control environment” regarding policies, procedures, and documentation.
13. Commitment to financial stewardship. Able to be an independent financial agent in negotiation and assessment of budgets and expenditure tracking.
14. Combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field.