Program Associate

The Energy Foundation (EF) is a foundation whose mission is to assist in the global transition to a sustainable energy future by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Foundation offers a dynamic, positive work environment with approximately 45 staff in the San Francisco office and 25 staff in the Beijing office.

Position Overview: 

We currently have 2 Program Associate (PA) position openings. The PA will be an integral member of either the Buildings sector or the Solar, Transmission & Western Region sector. The Buildings team directs grantmaking towards supporting policies to increase the efficiency of U.S. homes and businesses and to reduce carbon emissions and utility bills.  The Solar, Transmission & Western Region team directs grantmaking towards supporting solar and transmission policies and research in the Western U.S.  Both positions are based at the Foundation’s headquarters in San Francisco.

The PA’s primary responsibility is to support the work of Program Officers and Program Directors by performing a variety of administrative tasks. The PA will assist with the granting process by drafting proposals, reports, and grant recommendations, preparing materials for board meetings, and following up with grantees on a variety of needs and issues.  Using strong research and analytical skills, he or she is expected to stay well versed on climate and energy related topics. 

Responsibilities:

Manage Grants:

• Process incoming proposals, reports, receipts, and invoices
• Review grant proposals and reports, draft grant recommendations, and assist with due diligence as needed
• Assist Program Director/Program Officer with budget management

Interact with Grantees:

• Coordinate and compile necessary proposal documents and subsequent report documents with grantees
• Generate correspondence to grantees and grant-seekers
• Schedule conference calls and meetings
• Draft responses to some inquiries

Support External Communication:

• Draft or edit reports and proposals to funders;
• Draft or edit materials for board dockets and presentations at board meetings;
• Produce PowerPoint presentations for funders, board and other external meetings

Manage Projects:

• Coordinate with co-workers to meet project deadlines
• Manage logistics for meetings and events
• Research climate- and energy-related subjects within the assigned sector
• Provide general administrative support including scheduling, travel logistics, and reviewing mail

Build the Energy Foundation Team:

• Generate and implement ideas for program and office improvement
• Maintain a good sense of humor and positive attitude

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, plus 2 years work experience in the fields of energy, climate, environmental studies, or public policy or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to read and analyze professional journals and technical procedures; ability to write reports and business correspondence; ability to effectively respond to questions from grantees and groups of managers
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, ideally in a Mac environment; especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Experience using database software preferred
• Well organized and experienced in office functions including filing, calendaring, use of general office equipment. 
• Demonstrated research and writing skills
• Ability to prioritize and juggle diverse tasks
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to travel 2-3 times a year for 2-3 business days at a time
• Proven ability to work well under pressure, take initiative, and be a creative problem-solver
• Demonstrated interest in the mission of the Foundation

Compensation: $45,000 - $50,000 - Energy Foundation is dedicated to providing a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental, vision, disability and retirement benefits, generous vacation and the opportunity to work for global energy change. 

To Apply:

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority for the Energy Foundation.  Please email a cover letter explaining your interest in the mission and resume by March 25, 2011.  Please type “Program Associate” in the subject line.  No phone calls, please.