PROGRAM ASSISTANT – FRTC

ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCATES

Public Health Advocates (PHA) works to advance health and racial justice across California by changing systems, policies, and norms that shape the well-being of communities. For over 25 years, we’ve helped more than 200 cities and counties enact over 600 transformative local and state policies — from getting soda out of schools to pioneering alternative response models that reduce police involvement in nonviolent crises.

THE OPPORTUNITY

PHA seeks a dynamic Program Assistant to support our FRTC work. The Program Assistant will play a vital role in advancing the goals of the First Response Transformation Campaign (FRTC), a statewide initiative focused on transforming public safety and emergency response systems through equity-driven, community-centered strategies. Working closely with the Program Manager, the Program Assistant will provide key programmatic and administrative support as well as stakeholder engagement to ensure the delivery of high-impact technical assistance and the successful implementation of campaign activities across multiple regions in California.

This position is responsible for managing FRTC’s project management software (Asana), coordinating events (virtual and in-person), facilitating the execution of sub-contracts, managing calendars, and providing administrative support to FRTC staff and Equity Advisory Group. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has strong experience using project management databases, is experienced at planning events and meetings, is adept at scheduling multiple calendars, works well independently, is comfortable with technology, and is a collaborative thinker.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support

• Support the implementation of the FRTC work plan across multiple city partners and regional teams
• Attend regular meetings with community catalysts, research partners, Equity Advisory Group members, PHA leadership, and funders

Administrative Support

• Assist in scheduling, coordinating, and preparing materials for technical assistance meetings, coaching calls, site visits, and trainings
• Maintain accurate project tracking tools and documentation systems to monitor deliverables, timelines, and partner engagement
• Draft meeting agendas, notes, summaries, and follow-up communications to internal and external stakeholders
• Manage logistics for in-person and virtual meetings, including venue coordination, tech setup, registration, and hospitality needs
• Maintain organized systems for file sharing, calendaring, and task tracking
• Assist with compiling materials for the Program Manager to complete reports and documentation for funders, stakeholders, and leadership

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Help maintain regular communication with community catalysts, government partners, and advisory groups
• Support the distribution of meeting notes/materials, fact sheets, slide decks, and other campaign-related materials
• Track and maintain stakeholder contact lists and engagement history

Equity-Centered Practice & Learning

• Participate in internal learning sessions and team reflections related to racial equity, trauma-informed practice, and community co-production
• Apply a culturally responsive lens to all tasks and deliverables

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• High school/GED 5 years transferrable work experience; or 2 years college/ vocational school plus 3 years directly related work experience; or 4-year college degree plus 1 year directly related work experience Demonstrated commitment to social justice, racial equity, or public health
• Strong organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft office suite, Zoom, project management tools (e.g., Asana), and virtual communication platforms
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and adaptive environment
• Bilingual (Spanish or another language spoken in priority communities), a plus

LOCATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

PHA is a remote organization. Employees must reside in California. Occasional in-person travel required, particularly in Sacramento, Stockton, and key partner cities.

Compensation:

$60,000-68,000 depending on experience.

Benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents.
• 403b retirement contribution (5%, no match required).
• Generous PTO: 10 vacation days, 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 weeks paid winter and summer break, 2 days paid leave for civic engagement.
• $3,000 annual telework allowance phone reimbursement.
• Life insurance policy.

TO APPLY

Submit your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample that highlight your fit for this role electronically to: Anne Mace Deines, Chief Financial Officer at jobs@phadvocates.org.

Application Deadline:

Applications received by August 8, 2025 will be given priority consideration. Position open until filled.

Public Health Advocates is committed to building a team that reflects California’s diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ , and people with lived experience of health inequities.