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 Assistant will provide programmatic and administrative support to the Conservation Program. They will report to the program’s Senior Program Officer and work collaboratively with all Foundation staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conservation Program Support
- Perform independent research on conservation issues and support program staff on conservation policy and designations;
- Maintain data tracking sheets, summary charts, and spreadsheets;
- Draft monthly progress reports, research reports, summary memoranda, strategy papers and other written products as needed;
- Oversee and coordinate the Wyss Fellows and Wyss Scholars programs.
Acquisition Due Diligence Support
- Conduct initial review of documents associated with closing land acquisition projects, identify and rectify concerns with the documentation provided, and draft summaries of each document;
- Assist in the evaluation of new acquisition projects.
Grant Management and Administrative Support
- Assist program staff with administrative tasks for conservation grants, including coordinating timelines, reviewing reports, and evaluating proposals;
- Draft and edit routine correspondence and memoranda, send standard letters to grant applicants, and ensure proper grant documentation is submitted;
- Conduct evaluations of current and potential grantees;
- Coordinate with grants management team to, among other tasks: input data into grants tracking software system, produce reports, process and track grant payment requests for program initiatives;
- Attend and help organize meetings of grantees as needed;
- Assist with general administrative tasks including coordinate conservation program meetings, prepare materials for advisors and partners, organize phone or video links, and support Foundation events as needed;
- Maintain and update working files and databases as necessary.
Communications and Digital Engagement
- Support the Communications team in managing the Foundation’s websites and social media platforms;
- Draft and create conservation-focused content for social media (Facebook and X) and the Foundation’s websites;
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university;
- One to two years of relevant employment experience;
- Background in conservation, public lands, advocacy, or policy;
- Experience with ArcGIS software a plus;
- Nonprofit, philanthropy, government, or foundation experience/demonstrated interest preferred.
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Ability to write concisely, cogently, and with excellent grammar;
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
- An analytical mind and an ability to read and digest information quickly;
- 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;
- High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently when necessary;
- Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
- Ability to work 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.
The Wyss Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Application instructions
To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter with the subject line “LAST NAME – Conservation” to Human Resources (No phone calls please).
Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org