Program Associate - Conservation

Position description

The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land. The Wyss Foundation’s philanthropy supports projects that promote conservation, economic security for working families, women’s equality, democracy, and innovation. Each philanthropic investment seeks to encourage new ideas and new solutions that expand the reach of human possibility and compassion.

The goal of the Wyss Foundation’s Conservation Program is to implement the global target of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030 through place-based land and ocean protection campaigns. The Foundation supports conservation projects around the globe.

The Conservation Program Associate reports to the Senior Conservation Program Officer and works collaboratively with other Foundation staff, non-governmental research and advocacy organizations, governmental agencies, and other charitable foundations to help implement grantmaking strategies to achieve the Foundation’s land and ocean protection goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Support
  • Collaborate with the conservation team to help implement effective campaign strategies through policy advocacy, communications, issue education, grassroots development, and coalition building;
  • Convene meetings with grantees, partners, and other stakeholders;
  • Perform independent research on policy issues, government programs, conservation data, and other topics as needed;
  • Track policy developments at the federal, state, and international level;
  • Write research reports, summary memoranda, and other materials as needed;
  • Compile and maintain summary charts and spreadsheets for the program’s budget, grants, and global protections.
• Grant Support
  • Review grant proposal financials, budgets, and work plans to ensure documentation is complete and accurate;
  • Perform due diligence and evaluation of grant proposals and grant reports for alignment with program strategy and goals;
  • Write and send routine correspondence and memoranda to grant applicants;
  • Attend and help organize meetings with grantees as needed.
• Administrative Support
  • Coordinate with grants management team to, among other tasks: input data into grants tracking software system, process and track contracts and grant payment requests for program initiatives, and follow up with grantees on reports;
  • Assist with office administrative tasks including: logistical aspects of advisors’ meetings, preparation of materials for advisors and partners, scheduling meetings via phone or video links, and supporting Foundation events as needed;
  • Maintain and update working files, calendars, and databases as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university;
• Three to six yearsof relevant employment experience;
• Background inconservation or public lands. Familiarity with grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and coalitions in the field desired;
• Knowledge of public lands issues, natural resource management, or international protected areas designation/management helpful;
• Nonprofit, philanthropy, government, or foundation experience.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to communicate in written and spoken English. Intermediate Spanish proficiency a plus;
• Ability to write concisely, cogently, and with excellent grammar;
• High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently;
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
• An analytical mind and an ability to read and digest information quickly, and understand merging issues that are directly relevant to programmatic objectives;
• Ability to appropriately work with a range of stakeholders
• Superior listening and communication skills;
• Strong computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software quickly;
• Willingness to accept changes in priorities and meet deadlines;
• Discretion, sound judgement and an ability to handle confidential issues;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on and prioritize a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team;
• Pleasant attitude and a service-oriented approach.

This position will also be responsible for other duties as required to support Foundation goals.It is anticipated that over time the general and specific responsibilities are likely to change as the Foundation’s activities and priorities change.

Application instructions