Project Associate, Organizational Strategic Initiatives
Vital Strategies is a global public health organization that works with governments and partners to tackle the world’s leading drivers of death and disease so that people and communities can thrive. Using data intelligence, strategic communication, and policy solutions, Vital strengthens public health systems and accelerates evidence-based action in more than 80 countries across six continents. Vital’s team of over 400 experts — including epidemiologists, policy specialists, data analysts, and communicators — supports countries to address major health challenges such as noncommunicable diseases, road injuries, environmental health threats, overdose, and gender-based violence. Together with partners, Vital advances sustainable, high-impact solutions that enable all people to live longer, healthier, and more vital lives.
Vital Strategies believes its programs are strongest when they are shaped and supported by individuals with diverse life experiences, whose understanding of social and cultural issues helps make our work and our workforce more inclusive. Vital welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, alienage or citizenship status, gender (including gender identity or expression), partnership status, arrest or conviction record, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.
Job Purpose:
The Project Associate, Organizational Strategic Initiatives supports the Global Enterprise Integration (GEI) Division by providing coordination, administrative, and project support across enterprise-wide initiatives. The role contributes to the effective execution of a variety of projects related to the global operating model, grants and contracts management, compliance coordination, operations, and cross-functional organizational initiatives.
Working under the supervision of the Project Manager, Organizational Strategic Initiatives, the Associate plays a key role in organizing information, tracking progress, supporting change management efforts, and strengthening internal workflows. The position is well-suited for an early-career professional seeking exposure to enterprise operations in a global public health organization and who is eager to learn how complex organizations function across divisions and geographies.
This is a full-time, New York City-based role, where candidates are expected to adhere to a hybrid (2-days per week in office) schedule. Vital Strategies offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. The annual salary range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000 USD, depending on experience and qualifications. The candidate must have authorization to work legally in the US at the time of hiring.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Project and Initiative Support -
· Support execution of organization-wide initiatives by tracking tasks, timelines, and deliverables across multiple workstreams.
· Assist with coordination of cross-functional projects related to grants and contracts management, compliance processes, global operations, and organizational initiatives.
· Prepare background materials, summaries, and documentation to support project planning and implementation.
Administrative and Coordination Support -
· Schedule and coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, capture notes, and track follow-up actions related to various GEI divisional initiatives.
· Maintain organized digital files, trackers, and documentation to support institutional knowledge and change management.
· Support coordination and training across internal stakeholders including GEI staff, Finance and Administration, Legal, Communications and Program teams.
Information Management and Change Support -
· Organize complex information into clear, accessible formats to support decision-making and communication.
· Assist in developing materials that support communication of new processes, workflows, or organizational changes.
· Support basic data gathering and analysis to inform operational improvements.
Technology and AI-Enabled Workflows -
· Use and learn organizational systems and tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, collaboration platforms, project management tools).
· Support the use of AI and technology-enabled tools to improve efficiency, documentation, and workflow management.
· Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in learning new systems and approaches.
Other Responsibilities -
· Perform other duties as assigned in support of GEI priorities.
Qualifications:
Education and Degree -
· Bachelor’s degree preferred
Skills and Abilities -
· Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
· Foundational project coordination skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously; comfort using variety of management tools, (e.g., Outlook suite, shared calendars, Zoom, Teams, monday.com, Airtable, etc.).
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Ability to work effectively across teams, cultures, and time zones.
· Comfort with learning and using new technologies, including AI-supported tools.
Experience:
Required -
· Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
· Experience supporting projects, initiatives, or operations in a nonprofit, public health, or international development setting is preferred.
Preferred -
· Exposure to global health community or international organizations;
· MPA or similar background in public administration, non-profit management preferred
· Experience supporting cross-functional initiatives or administrative processes.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
· Ability to travel occasionally (less than 20%)
#LI-Hybrid