Program Officer, Environment
JOB PURPOSE The Program Officer, Environment, is responsible for the continuous development, implementation and management of one or more Programs of the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies’(MACP), Environment Domain. This position operates under the supervision of the Program Director, Environment and works in collaboration with the Managing Program Director, other Program Officers, and Program Associates, in building and managing an effective grant-making program.
The goal of the Environment Program is to conserve and sustain terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations. We pursue this goal by focusing on work in and with communities, supporting place-based conservation efforts that can create sustainable solutions to global conservation problems. Under its existing and well-honed strategies, the Environment Domain at MACP supports grantees in a set of defined focal geographies to deliver effective, sustainable community-led conservation solutions to address the problem of degradation of the Earth’s freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. The priority focus of this Program Officer role is managing our portfolio of work in Africa.
In collaboration with the Program Director, the Program Officer will lead communication regarding the implementation of thse strategies to the Program Committees of the Boards, internal staff, nonprofit organizations and other outside organizations as necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Grantmaking and Evaluation:
- Serve as the lead in the implementation of one or more strategically aligned grantmaking portfolios of the Environment Domain (initially focused on the Africa portfolio of work).
- Work with the Program Director to develop, evaluate, and refine guidelines, goals, and strategic plans for assigned portfolio(s).
- Work with grantee applicants on all aspects of the MACP grantmaking process, including due diligence review of potential grantee organizations. Assist applicants in developing realistic proposals that are aligned with strategic funding priorities, within the scope of the budget of the Environment Domain, consistent with MACP grantmaking policies and practices, and within applicants’ capacity to deliver.
- Manage diverse grant portfolios of varying sizes and complexities, oversee active grants, evaluate progress, and provide clear communications and guidance to grantees, applicants, and other interested parties.
- Carry out various grantmaking approaches depending on the needs of a given grantee, project, or program strategy.
Stakeholder Management and Communication:
- Source and solicit prospective grantee proposals, partner with other functions (e.g Finance) to assess and manage the level of financial and organizational risk of prospective grantees and elevate concerns as necessary.
- Maintain long-term relationships with grantee partners and navigate delicate or sensitive circumstances as they arise.
- Engage and collaborate with other funding partners to share knowledge, leverage additional resources and strategic approaches, and avoid duplication of efforts.
- Engage other functions at MACP for consultation, support, and problem-solving when the need arises, to implement MACP’s grantmaking processes and practices.
- Connect program goals and financial targets with on-the-ground organizations and intermediaries with strong capacity to deliver.
- Monitor and evaluate grant outcomes with reduced overall burden on grantees.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner and problem solver to grantee and funder partners.
- Develop and maintain effective cross-functional and stakeholder relationships through careful understanding of stakeholder needs and strengths to facilitate successful grantmaking and build long-term trust.
- Work closely with the Legal, Finance, and Grant Management teams to conduct due diligence and monitor grants.
- Attend meetings and site visits related to the Environment Domain field and on occasion will be accompanied by other members of the Environment Domain team and cross-functional colleagues.
Effective Leadership and Communication:
- Contribute to the development of domain-level strategies and participate in communicating strategies to the program committee.
- Prepare written materials for program committee reports; participate and present information in program committee meetings as necessary.
- Maintain an understanding, and share knowledge of emerging trends, concepts, and issues in philanthropy with team members and peers.
- Utilize evaluation and learning tools to analyze grant impact and collaborate on strategy refinement.
- Evaluate and share learnings about strategy.
- Develop methods and systems for analyzing grant impact and effectiveness in collaboration with the Program Director and the Evaluation and Organizational Learning Team for the purposes of accountability and learning by the philanthropies, individual staff members, grantees and peer organizations.
- Strong commitment to the mission, values, and goals of MACP, and represent the organization to the public and stakeholders, fostering connections, and promoting collaboration.
- Seek resources and develop peer connections within the philanthropic sector to broaden knowledge of relevant concepts, theories, and principles.
- Share knowledge and insights to support team and partner efforts.
Commitment to MACP’s Mission and Values, including Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice:
- Advance MACP’s mission and cultural values of excellence, humility, learning, respect, integrity, and making a difference. Support MACP’s vision and commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), which are rooted in our cultural values and embedded in direction from our donor.
- Contribute to community learning and impact goals, including efforts to strengthen a culture of belonging that embraces different viewpoints, seeks full participation, cultivates welcoming and respectful environments, promotes fair treatment, and confronts discrimination in all its forms.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree required; a graduate degree in a related field is preferred.
- Five or more years of experience in managing large and/or complex grant portfolios; Foundation experience preferred.
- Strong understanding and knowledge of nonprofit organizations, including how to effectively manage and scale.
- Prior experience and understanding of programs related to ecosystem conservation programs is preferred.
- Extensive experience in program development and grant implementation within the environment field, with proven capability to advance and leverage program interests.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Deep understanding of the conservation sector and how philanthropy can create deeper impact within it.
- Ability to develop peer connections within the philanthropic sector to broaden knowledge of relevant concepts, theories and principles.
- Excellent project management and planning skills, including the ability to organize effectively prioritize tasks, projects and goals, manage time and meet multiple competing deadlines in alignment with organizational and functional priorities.
- Strong collaborative and inclusive communication skills, including ability to quickly develop written materials and maintain a positive attitude under pressure.
- Demonstrated expertise in fostering connections and collaboration across stakeholder groups.
- Ability to inspire and foster trust and confidence in staff, management, and colleagues.
- Possess knowledge and some experience utilizing evaluation and learning tools and practices.
- Experience as a user of grant-management software and tracking systems, such as GIFTS and Fluxx.
- High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to adapt to tone according to the audience being communicated with.
- Proficiency in responding to and resolving complex inquiries and issues.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and planning skills.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- High level of personal and professional integrity and ethics.
INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS:
- International experience and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a wide range of cultural settings is critical.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to intercultural communications, including sensitivity to and awareness of how social context, systems, and structures can impact fair treatment, access, opportunity, and outcomes.
- Community service experience working with psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among many individuals and in varied geographies/contexts.
- Deep understanding of systemic barriers that limit full community participation, and the ability to incorporate strategies to support communities in achieving transformative outcomes.
- Experience in addressing biases and fostering fair and equitable outcomes.
- Relevant foreign language skills for effective and culturally appropriate communication are advantageous.
TRAVEL
25%,including extended international travel. During field visits, the employee may occasionally be required to travel and live in wilderness or remote rural conditions for a few days at a time, or to travel by boat or small aircraft in order to access points or people of interest.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is an office setting with a designated office or workstation at the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies office in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
- We practice a hybrid work schedule with the expectation that employees will work in-office 3 days per week with the option to work remote up to two days per week. This includes working in the office Tuesday and Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday; all employees work remotely on Friday.
- There may be occasions where it is required to be in-office more than 3 days in a week or on a day normally scheduled as a remote workday, depending on the role.
- We practice shared work hours between 9am-3pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-12pm Friday.
- Occasionally, the person in this role may be required to adjust to time pressures and frequent changes. This role may require an irregular schedule or overtime.
- This position is primarily a sedentary role with an adjustable sit/stand desk.
- The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, attend meetings or events, etc.
- Occasional or intermittent physical activities may include bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, or climbing within an office environment.
- This position requires regular use of a computer to complete work responsibilities. It also includes regularly working with other office equipment and communication technology, such as a videoconferencing, telephone, copy/print machine.
- This role also frequently performs multiple tasks simultaneously and works closely with others as part of a team.
The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.
MACP Equal Opportunity Statement
We know that engaging, building trust, and making a difference relies on the collective wisdom and strength of a truly diverse organization. Diverse perspectives are essential for advancing our mission and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds who bring various lived experiences and professional expertise, and who share a commitment to our donors' vision of providing meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment.
We are proud to welcome a diverse mix of candidates and to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, familial status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, public assistance, or any other legally protected characteristic.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss and offer reasonable accommodations.
