Program Associate, Watersheds, William Penn Foundation

Posted by on August 13, 2012

Program Associate, Watersheds, William Penn Foundation

Posted on: July 28, 2012

ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

As part of it’s focus on environmental sustainability, William Penn Foundation places significant priority on the health of the Delaware and Susquehanna watersheds through support for: 1) research, policy, and advocacy at the watershed scale; 2) on-the-ground protection and restoration work in target subwatersheds; and 3) increasing the constituency for watershed protection.

POSITION SUMMARY

William Penn Foundation seeks a program associate to assist with the development of the Foundation’s watershed protection efforts and implementation of tactics to advance its strategic plan. The program associate will assist program staff with research to deepen the Foundation’s understanding of the context within which grantmaking will occur, outreach to key stakeholders and grant-seekers to identify and assess promising work for potential funding, review and analysis of new grant proposals, grant
monitoring, and development and tracking of the grant center budget.

This position requires a creative and goal-oriented individual who is committed to environmental protection, and has an understanding of the interplay between science, public policy, innovation, and constituency building necessary to achieve strategic and measurable protection of critical natural resources in large, complex watersheds. The position also requires strong analytical, writing, and communications skills, and the ability to work as part of a team managing multiple priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with the development of the Foundation’s watershed protection grant portfolio and implementation of tactics to advance the strategic plan.

Conduct research to deepen the Foundation’s understanding of the context within which grantmaking will occur, analyze findings, draft a written summary, and report key findings and implications.

Outreach to key stakeholders and grant-seekers to identify and assess promising work for potential funding.

Manage the grant process, including reviewing and analyzing letters of inquiries and grant proposals, developing proposals for funding considerations, communicating with grantees, and monitoring the implementation of grants.

Maintain knowledge of emerging issues in the local, state and federal policy arenas. Identify key sources of credible information; regularly scan data to obtain updates on pertinent matters related to the work of the grant center. Create and maintain a status report to inform program team members of developments and related implications to inform decision making.

Collaborate with the Foundation’s other grant center teams to identify synergies, ensure coordination and leverage work to optimize results.

Propose indicators and measures to objectively assess impact. Implement tracking systems to collect data, measure progress, and influence direction.

Regularly track the grant center budget, produce reports and provide status updates.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience and Abilities:

Two (2) or more years of relevant professional experience.

Advanced degree in a related field, or relevant undergraduate degree with substantive professional experience.

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).

Demonstrated Capabilities/Competencies

Expertise and interest in environmental issues related to watershed protection.

Knowledge of water quality issues and watersheds broadly with the ability to learn about the regional watersheds.

Familiarity with advocacy, general public policy issues and environmental agendas in the Delaware and/or Susquehanna watersheds is strongly preferred.

Demonstrated understanding of the interplay between public policy, science, innovation, and constituency building necessary to achieve strategic and measurable protection of critical natural resources in large, complex watersheds.

Strong research, analysis, writing, speaking, and presentation skills.

Familiarity and experience with qualitative and quantitative indicators and measures to track results.

Creative-thinker. Analytical thinker with experience in developing alternative solutions to issues.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a part of a team. Flexible.

Excellent organization, prioritization, judgment, and time management skills.

Strong detail orientation and follow-up skills. Ability to handle multiple priorities, deadlines, and challenging situations while maintaining composure.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/PZ82TKG7d4FP/