Senior Program Officer

For many years the Henry P. Kendall Foundation has focused its human and financial resources on developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges through venture philanthropy. Our philosophy has been to develop problem-solving approaches in our funding of large-scale landscape conservation and climate change/energy efficiency programs - providing seed funding to advance new and innovative solutions.

Most recently, the Trustees have decided to take time to reflect on the Foundation's history, survey the landscape and determine a new strategy for moving the Foundation forward in a way that maximizes impact and best capitalizes on the Foundation's resources. With renewed energy, the Foundation looks forward to a new era of impact and results.

Position Overview:

The Henry P. Kendall Foundation is currently seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to help chart and execute a new direction for the organization. Working closely with the Trustees and the CEO, the Senior Program Officer will be responsible for setting strategy for the Foundation as well as designing and implementing programs that support that strategy.

Primary duties include providing intellectual and organizational leadership in designing new initiatives, evaluating proposals, monitoring active programs and grants, learning from program investments and activities, and creating impact.

We are looking for a passionate individual who is committed to the mission of the Foundation and excited by the opportunity to identify and implement an innovative approach for impacting environmental outcomes moving forward.

Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Trustees and the CEO, design, develop and implement new programs designed to maximize the impact of the Foundation in the environmental field.
• Develop annual plans for the Foundation that clearly outline goals, strategy, activities, and resource requirements.
• Contribute to the development of measures of program impact and to the periodic assessment, implementation, continuous development, and analysis of progress toward the goals and outcomes of the Foundation's strategy.
• Develop and maintain current knowledge of environmental policy, research and practice.
• Develop and cultivate strong working relationships with grantees, outside advisors, experts in the field, public sector partners, and colleagues in philanthropy in order to enhance the program's effectiveness.
• Design and manage the grant application and evaluation process and develop a cohesive portfolio of grants that, in conjunction with other activities, accomplishes program objectives.
• Provide high level of customer service for existing and prospective grantees through transparent, accessible, and open dialogue about the Foundation's strategy and prospective projects.
• Prepare presentations on strategy and progress and recommend updates on the program strategy to the Trustees.
• Manage consultants or outside experts who are contracted by the Foundation to provide support for the program; mentor and contribute to the professional development of junior staff or trainees/fellows
• Contribute to the preparation of communications materials and support implementation of the Foundation's communication plan for its work.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of leadership experience preferably in an entrepreneurial setting; experience in the environmental arena a plus
• Experience working with or within nonprofit organizations and a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector
• Proven programmatic and strategic planning capability and a track record of building and managing systems for a dynamic, entrepreneurial, results-oriented program
• Creative thinking skills and a readiness to apply new and innovative solutions to meet the Foundation's goals
• Commitment to evaluation and assessment of programming and a comfort with using data to drive decision making
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and a customer-service orientation that leads to sustainable and mutually beneficial external partnerships
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; Master's degree preferred

To Apply:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, to Andrew Kendall. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Henry P. Kendall Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Commongood Careers: The Henry P. Kendall Foundation has partnered with Commongood Careers to conduct the search for a Senior Program Officer. Commongood Careers is a nonprofit search service that connects talented individuals to organizations that are dedicated to creating positive social change. Founded and staffed by nonprofit professionals, Commongood Careers offers personalized, engaged services to jobseekers and organizations throughout the hiring process, as well as access to a wealth of knowledge about nonprofit careers.