Program Associate

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967 has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches.

You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense Fund is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.

Position Overview:   

Environmental Defense Fund is currently looking to hire a Program Associate to provide support for Ocean Enterprise (OE) in the San Francisco office. This position will ultimately support 5 members of the OE team.  

The Program Associate will be working in a challenging environment that will include detail-oriented independent work, quick thinking, and professional interactions. The successful candidate must have the demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands.

Responsibilities:

The Program Associate will be responsible for the following and other duties as assigned:

• Maintain calendars, schedule travel arrangements, submit expense reports, and coordinate logistics for OE Managing Director, Client Services, and senior level staff with highly variable schedules.
• Work with program management, program staff, finance staff, and development staff to develop annual budget submission. Monitor, track, and develop expenses reports.
• Administer contracts for consultants, including assistance in writing and signing contracts, working with the Accounting Department to ensure payments of contracts and with consultants to ensure the obligations of contracts are fulfilled.
• Act as liaison between all program staff and OE Managing Director and other support staff to insure adequate preparation for meetings including agendas, background information, deliverables, etc.
• Conduct research and apply excellent organizational, communication, and planning skills in preparing correspondence and reports, briefings, correspondence, memos, charts, tables, graphs, business plans, and responding to requests for information.
• Work with staff to prepare and finalize individual work plans, as well as track program progress on work plan elements.
• Assist in preparation of work products including: conducting background research, preparing summary documents, preparing sections of reports, interfacing with contractors such as web and graphic designers, organizing final layout, and proofreading documents.
• Screen and prioritize requests from within various programs and departments, as well as other organizations and associations.
• Manage the administrative tasks associated with staff, consultants and interns, including logistics, office and telecommunication.
• Organize and maintain electronic and paper files including program staff workplans, organization archive system called "Project Space," contracts, and other documents.
• Work independently and as part of a team on special non-recurring and ongoing projects, which may include planning and coordinating multiple presentations and disseminating information.

Qualifications:

• 1-4 years relevant work experience. Must have knowledge of office administrative procedures including use and operation of standard office equipment.
• High level of interpersonal skills to interface well with all programs/departments in the organization and handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills required in order to gather and summarize data for reports, find solutions to various problems, and prioritize work.
• Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy. Must be comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi-task.
• Previous experience maintaining complex calendars and coordinating meetings/events.
• Passion for environmental issues.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:

Melissa Clack
Search Coordinator
Environmental Defense

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer.  Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.