Program Officer, Water-San Francisco, CA,

Organization: Pisces Foundation

Position Title: Program Officer

Location: San Francisco, CA

Hours and Compensation: Full time.

Application Deadline: February 21, 2014

ob Announcement

Inspired by a vision of people and nature thriving together, the Pisces Foundation is dedicated to improving the environment for present and future generations. After hiring its first full-time staff in fall 2012, the foundation embarked upon a strategic planning process which has defined its vision, mission, and principles, as well as specific goals and outcomes for three areas of focus: environmental education, climate & energy, and water. To implement its new strategy, the foundation seeks a Program Officer to lead its water work. This position reports to the Executive Director and will play an important role in a dynamic, growing philanthropy.

Essential Duties

1. Oversee, implement and regularly evaluate the foundation’s strategy in water:

• Develop an implementation plan to achieve the foundation’s specific outcomes and broader goals in the water area and, thereafter, regularly assess the strategy and recommend updates, as appropriate;
• Oversee grantmaking including grants planning, research and development, program related research and due diligence, providing clear, concise, and insightful written analyses of grant proposals and reports, and organize a grant docket for board review and approval;
• Effectively manage consultants as needed;
• Implement, and where necessary, develop, methods and systems for monitoring grants and measuring the effectiveness of the overall strategy, which will include site visits;
• Work with executive director on non-grantmaking aspects of the strategy, which could include work with for-profit entities, convenings, or direct communications.

2. Represent the foundation to external entities:

• Build strategic relationships with other foundations, organizations and consultants, presenting foundation views or providing technical expertise, and promoting collaboration and coordination between entities.
• Manage relationships with partner and grantee organizations and the implementation of program concepts with responsiveness and approachability.
• Provide clear communications and guidance to grantees, applicants and other interested parties.
• Contribute to the foundation’s presence in relevant funder, NGO, academic and for-profit networks.

3. Internal communications, learning and joint work:

• Work with colleagues to contribute to a culture of learning within the foundation, including developing ongoing learning agendas for staff and trustees and preparing presentations and written and oral analysis.
• Work with colleagues in the climate & energy and environmental education programs on projects of significance to the foundation’s overall strategy and goals, promoting a collaborative approach.

4. Maintain currency and fluency in key issues in the environmental field, especially on water, and in philanthropy best practices:

• Maintain and share knowledge with the foundation related to current events, the environmental movement, the water industry, water regulations and suppliers, and political landscapes.
• Advise the executive director, trustees and other staff on emerging trends, concepts, and technical and practical issues in water.
• Attend or plan training and networking events with grantees and funding partners.

5. Operations: assist the executive director with select internal operational tasks related to start-up, as needed.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Substantial, sophisticated knowledge of water policy, regulatory frameworks, and management in the U.S., including demand, supply, quality, efficiency, and environmental benefits;
• Advanced degree and at least 8 years’ experience in nonprofits, foundations, business, or equivalent relevant experience;
• An understanding of the complex interactions among philanthropy, the private sector, and government;
• A depth and range of contacts across environmental organizations, government entities, foundations, and other relevant actors, which provide perspectives and breadth to our work;
• Ability to represent the foundation in a professional, courteous and tactful manner;
• Excellent interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in complex environments;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Strategic and creative thinker who can forge new ground;
• Self-starter, highly-motivated, resourceful and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Strong organizational skills with an excellent attention to detail and commitment to high quality work;
• Ability to analyze budgets and otherwise determine a grantee’s eligibility and capacity to successfully accomplish grant objectives;
• The ability and desire to help create a world-class philanthropy, which includes interest, comfort, and strength working in a dynamic, “start-up” environment;
• Ability to accommodate some travel; and
• Flexibility and sense of humor.

Compensation:

A competitive salary, based on experience, and a benefits package is available.

How to apply:

Applicants should send a resume, relevant writing sample, and references to:[email protected]. Please indicate in the subject line, “WATER PROGRAM OFFICER POSITION.” See http://www.piscesfoundation.org/ for more information on the foundation.

Deadline for Applications: February 21, 2014.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of skills, experiences and ideas. We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.