Associate Program Officer, Marine Fisheries

We are recruiting an Associate Program Officer for the Conservation and Science Program. 

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation (Foundation) is a private family foundation created in 1964 by David Packard (1912-1996), co-founder of the Hewlett-Packard Company, and Lucile Salter Packard (1914-1987). The Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the following core program areas: Conservation and Science; Population; and Children, Families, and Communities. The Foundation makes grants at the state, national, and international level, including grants for the Northern California counties of San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey, and is located in Los Altos, California. 

As of December 31, 2005, the Foundation's total investment portfolio, including donor stock, totaled approximately $5.8 billion. General program grant awards for 2005 totaled approximately $214 million. The Foundation has a grantmaking budget of approximately $230 million for 2006. A Board of Trustees, which includes five members of the founders' family, provides direction and sets the priorities for the Foundation. A staff of 85 conducts the day-to-day operations in a way that seeks to honor David and Lucile Packard's core values: integrity, respect for all people, belief in individual leadership, commitment to effectiveness, and the capacity to think big. 

Conservation and Science Program 

The Conservation and Science Program is focused on the challenge of sustainability, finding development paths that meet human needs while protecting and restoring the ecological systems upon which all life depends. We invest in action and in ideas. The Foundation supports initiatives to secure public policy reforms and changes in private sector practices, and scientific activities that develop knowledge and tools critical for addressing current and future priorities. The Conservation and Science Program supports work in six areas: 

1. Science supports scientific research, tools development, communications, and processes to strengthen the input of science in decision making in support of the Conservation and Science Program's agenda. The program currently emphasizes science for coastal and marine conservation. 

2. Marine Fisheries, seeks to reverse the decline of fisheries by ending overfishing and destructive fishing practices, to ensure both productive, well-managed fisheries and healthy ocean ecosystems. 3. Coastal Systems promotes sustainability in coastal systems in three regions: the California Coast, the Gulf of California, and the Western Pacific. 

4. Atmosphere seeks to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change through support for policy reforms in the United States and China and efforts to reduce deforestation in the Amazon. 

5. Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering program supports promising university-based researchers early in their careers. 

6. The Foundation supports cutting-edge research and development at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, a world-class center for oceanographic research. 

Marine Fisheries Program

The Marine Fisheries Program is the largest of the Foundation's conservation initiatives. In 2006, it will make grants of $9.6 million. The Program pursues three integrated goals:

- Transform the global seafood market so that it provides powerful incentives for the conservation of marine fisheries. This component of the program seeks to increase the market share of seafood from sustainable, well managed fisheries. Desired outcomes include sustainable fishing practices and increased industry support for conservation policies.

- Improve the effectiveness of fishery management systems, particularly in the Pacific. This component of the program involves support for public advocacy aimed at reforming and strengthening the governance systems by which fisheries are managed so that these systems become more responsible and effective. Desired outcomes include conservation of fish populations, habitats, and ecosystem functions.

- Promote the use of fully-protected marine reserves as a tool to improve both the effectiveness of fishery management and the conservation of ocean biodiversity. This component of the program involves support for efforts to establish new marine reserves on the Pacific Coast of North America and to better manage the reserves that already exist. Desired outcomes include conservation and restoration of fish populations, protection of diverse species and habitats, and better understanding of natural processes through scientific research.

Grantmaking approaches include:

- Independently certifying marine fisheries and eco-labeling seafood products from certified sources
- Raising consumer awareness concerning seafood and influencing consumer choices
- Reaching out to gatekeeper chefs and restaurateurs to influence the behavior of the food service sector, which accounts for two-thirds of retail seafood sales
- Forming new business-environment partnerships with progressive elements of the fisheries and seafood sectors
- Persuading seafood market leaders to deal only in products from sustainable, well-managed fisheries
- Working with progressive industry leaders to enhance the effectiveness of public advocacy for ocean conservation
- Supporting public advocacy programs aimed at adoption and implementation of the recommendations made by the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of projects and assisting grantees with changes necessary to improve performance
- Refining and implementing new program elements (major buyers, Arctic fisheries, and international projects) authorized by the Foundation's Trustees in June 2006 

Associate Program Officer Position 

The Associate Program Officer will: review and analyze grant proposals in the Marine Fisheries Program; interact with grantees; make grant recommendations; assess progress through project site visits, meetings, and grantee reports; and undertake special research projects. This position will report to the Conservation and Science Program Director and will work as part of a team including the Marine Fisheries Program Officer and Program Associate. 

This position calls for a strong understanding of marine fisheries issues. It is essential that the Associate Program Officer be a person who enjoys multiple program challenges, easily moves from project to project, and possesses a flexible and "can-do" approach to work. The Associate Program Officer should be an engaging and clear communicator who collaborates well. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

* A background that reflects the core values of the Foundation and the program goals of the Conservation and Science Program.
* A working knowledge of regional, national, and international conservation and science issues germane to the Conservation and Science Program's areas of interest.
* Demonstrated understanding of factors influencing U.S. and international fisheries management.
* Intellectual agility and ability to analyze, conduct research, think critically, and understand scientific studies that are directly relevant to programmatic funding areas.
* Ability to effectively engage individuals from the academic, advocacy, and policy communities.
* Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Demonstrated presentation skills
* Ability to initiate and sustain work with minimal direction, to set priorities, and to achieve stated goals.
* Impeccable integrity and trustworthiness, action orientation, personable style of interaction, sense of humor, and diplomatic approach to problem-solving.
* Proven team player able to motivate and inspire colleagues to work well together in a collaborative environment.
* Ability to effectively manage time, handle pressure, manage budgets, meet deadlines, administer projects.
* Ability and willingness to perform and coordinate administrative duties as required.
* Ability to travel within the U.S. and abroad, sometimes over weekends.
* Experience with grantmaking desirable but not necessary.
* Demonstrated skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

Education and Experience:  Advanced degree in a related field is required. Significant experience in the conservation and science field is strongly desired. 

Compensation and Benefits 

The Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is commensurate with experience. The salary range is $57,000 (Minimum); $71,500 (Midpoint); and $86,000 (Maximum). This is a full-time, exempt position. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should email a cover letter referring to job number 06-10-3700 explaining how your skills and background fit this position and a resume. No phone calls please.

Human Resources
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
300 Second Street
Los Altos, CA 94022 

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. 

The Foundation uses an outside firm to check the accuracy of information supplied by applicants.