Forum of Women in the Environmental Field

Program Officer, Environmental

THE MARGARET A. CARGILL FOUNDATION
The
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies is looking for talent! The MAC
Philanthropies, currently located in Wayzata, MN, encompasses three
different grant making organizations which are dedicated to providing
meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, the environment,
and all living things. This exciting, fast-growing organization will be
relocating to Eden Prairie in the fall of 2010, to accommodate its
growth.

Job Purpose:
The Program Officer is responsible for
developing and managing one or more grant-making subprograms of the
Foundation’s work in ecosystem conservation under the supervision of the
Environmental
Program Director, and assisting the Environmental Program
Director, other Foundation staff, and trustees in building and managing
an effective grant-making program. The desired impact of the
Environmental Program is to enable local communities to sustain healthy
ecosystems that perpetuate biodiversity and the ecosystem services that support human
well-being. The Foundation’s scope of
interest is global, across all habitat types.

Job Duties: Work
with the Program Director to develop, evaluate, and refine the program’s
guidelines, goals, and strategic plans. Serve as the lead manager of one or
more subprograms as assigned. Work with grantees on all aspects of the
grant-making process, including due diligence review of potential grantee
organizations, developing realistic grant proposals that are within
their capacity to deliver and within the Foundation’s current funding
plans, and developing strategies for new initiatives aimed at Foundation
focus areas. Oversee active grants, track grantee progress, provide
guidance and assistance to grantees, review and analyze grantee reports.
Develop and use processes and technology to support efficient
grant-making. In collaboration with the Director and the VP for Research
and Evaluation, develop methods and systems for analyzing grant impact
and effectiveness for the purposes of accountability and learning by the
Foundation, individual staff members, grantees and peer organizations.
Prepare written materials for Board and management review and prepare
and manage requests for proposals. Monitor external issues and trends in
assigned focus areas.
Represent the Program at meetings, forums, and
public presentations, as appropriate. Facilitate connections and
partnerships across organizations and institutions working on shared
issues, in coordination with the Director. Hire, train, and supervise
staff as assigned. Research relevant topics as determined by the Program
Director.

Education and Experience: Undergraduate degree required,
graduate degree preferred in a related field. At least 5 years
experience in grant-making, preferably in the conservation arena, and a
demonstrated track-record of effective relationships with grantees and
fellow funders. Demonstrated, strong skills in program development,
management, and evaluation. Demonstrated commitment to the field of
ecosystem conservation and a positive reputation as an effective
collaborator with key stakeholder groups in this field. At least 5 years
experience and strong content knowledge in conservation work beyond the
U.S. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a range of cultural
settings. Fluency in one or more languages commonly used in
international conservation—in addition to English—is desirable. Solid
understanding of the technical and practical issues in one or more of
the interest areas described above (marine, terrestrial, freshwater, climate change,
environmental education). Strong project management skills including the
ability to effectively manage time, meet multiple competing deadlines,
quickly develop written materials, maintain a positive attitude under pressure, and manage
budgets. Experience as a user of grant-management software and tracking
systems (e.g., GIFTS). Strong interpersonal and written and spoken communications skills.
Professional demeanor with proven ability to build collaborative
relationships. Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Supervisory experience.

Special Requirements:
Work takes place
largely in typical office settings, but requires frequent and sometimes
extended air travel. During field visits, the employee may occasionally
be required to travel and live in wilderness or remote rural
conditions, or to travel by boat or small aircraft in order to access
points or people of interest.
Travel:
20-40%, including extended
(2- to 4-week trips) international travel.
To Apply:
Qualified and
interested parties should submit their resume, cover letter, and salary
requirements to careers@macfoundation.org