Program Associate, Pisces Foundation – California

Organization: Pisces Foundation

Position Title: Program Associate

Location: San Francisco, California

Application Deadline: March 9, 2015

Description: 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 Associate to work with its Water and Environmental Education programs. This position reports to the Executive Director and will play an important role in a dynamic, growing philanthropy. The Foundation would consider locating the position in the Foundation’s San Francisco headquarters or in its Washington, D.C. office.

Responsibilities:

1. Grantmaking: Assist program officers in grant planning, research and development. Contribute to the review and summary of grant proposals and reports. Assist in assessing grantee and team progress toward strategic outcomes and goals.
2. Research, Analysis and Synthesis: Research existing and potential new areas of focus. Through online and desktop research, prepare reports, briefings and presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences. Attend key meetings and events to capture salient information for sharing with others.
3. Track the Field: Monitor and summarize domain fields for news, political changes and opportunities and other information related to the Foundation’s strategies.
4. Events: Lead event planning for grantee or funder meetings and conferences.
5. Work with Consultants: Help identify, engage and manage consultants required for specific research, scoping studies or other projects.
6. Grant Management: Manage grant planning, the grantmaking process and internal grant- related reporting. This includes mastering an online database (SmartSimple), liaising with appropriate people both internally and externally and managing online and paper grant files.
7. Communications: Maintain high-quality interactions and clear and consistent communications with grantees and partners. Provide guidance to grantees on grant application procedures and reporting requirements. Serve as program liaison for general inquiries, grantees, consultants and other parties.
8. Operations: Provide administrative support such as scheduling to program officers and, when needed, the executive director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-7 years’ experience in nonprofits, policy advocacy or other change-making endeavors, whether for-profit or non-profit;
• Passion for the Pisces Foundation mission;
• Foundation experience and/or knowledge about environmental education and/or water resources preferred;
• Self-starter, highly motivated, resourceful and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability and desire to help create a thought-leading, world-class philanthropy;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills with an excellent attention to detail and commitment to high quality work;
• Ability to represent the Foundation in a professional, courteous and tactful manner;
• Interest, comfort and strength working in a dynamic, “start-up” environment;
• Fluency with Microsoft Office software and ease or willingness to learn how to work with online databases;
• Ability to travel occasionally and attend some evening events; and
• Flexibility and sense of humor.

How to Apply: Applicants should send a resume, relevant writing sample and references combined as a single document in PDF format to: [email protected]. Please indicate in the subject line, “PROGRAM ASSOCIATE POSITION.” Applicants should also clearly note whether they are interested in the position in San Francisco or Washington, D.C. Please indicate where you saw the posting. See http://www.piscesfoundation.org/for more information on the Foundation.