Program Officer, Environment

~ The Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) was founded by Margaret A. Cargill, a granddaughter of the co-founder of Cargill Inc. (The organization is not otherwise associated with the company.) The combined Philanthropies are among the 20 largest foundations in the United States. ~

Our mission is to provide meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment. 

Position Overview  

MACP is looking for a Program Officer to join the Programs team. MACP is a dynamic, growing philanthropy located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and encompasses three grant-making organizations - Akaloa Resource Foundation, Anne Ray Charitable Trust and the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation.

This positon incudes 20-40% travel, including extended international travel.

During field visits, the employee may occasionally be required to travel and live in wilderness or remote rural conditions for a few days at a time, or to travel by boat or small aircraft in order to access points or people of interest. 

Responsibilities  

The Primary Responsibilities of the Role: 

The Program Officer, Environment is responsible for developing and managing one or more grant-making subprograms of the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies' work in ecosystem conservation under the supervision of the Environment Program Director, and assisting the Environment Program Director, other Foundation staff, and trustees in building and managing an effective grant-making program.

The goal of the Environment Program is to conserve and sustain terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.  We pursue this goal by working in and with communities to support site-specific conservation efforts that can create solutions to global conservation problems.  

Specific Responsibilities: 

Serve as the lead manager of one or more Environment subprograms as assigned. Work with the Program Director to develop, evaluate, and refine guidelines, goals, and strategic plans for assigned subprograms. 

• Work with grantees on all aspects of the grant-making process, including due diligence review of potential grantee organizations, developing realistic grant proposals that are within their capacity to deliver and within the Philanthropies' current funding plans, and developing strategies for new initiatives aimed at Foundation focus areas.
• Oversee active grants, track grantee progress, provide guidance and assistance to grantees, review and analyze grantee reports. Contribute to the Philanthropies' efforts to develop and use processes and technology to support efficient grant-making.
• In collaboration with the Director and the VP for Research and Evaluation, develop and apply methods and systems for analyzing grant impact and effectiveness for the purposes of accountability and learning by the Philanthropies, individual staff members, grantees and peer organizations.
• Prepare written materials for Board and management review and prepare and manage requests for proposals.
• Monitor external issues and trends in assigned focus areas.
• Represent the Program at meetings, forums, and public presentations, as appropriate.
• Facilitate connections and partnerships across organizations and institutions working on shared issues, in coordination with the Director.
• Hire and supervise contractors as assigned.
• Research relevant topics as determined by the Program Director.  

Desired Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred in a related field.
• At least 5-7 years of relevant experience and a minimum of 2 years experience in grant-making, preferably in the conservation arena, and a demonstrated track-record of effective relationships with grantees and fellow funders. Demonstrated, strong skills in program development, grant management, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated commitment to the field of ecosystem conservation, and community-based natural resource management in particular, and a positive reputation as an effective collaborator with key stakeholder groups in this field.
• At least 3 years professional experience and strong relevant content knowledge beyond the U.S. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a range of cultural settings. Fluency in one or more languages commonly used in international conservation-in addition to English-is desirable.
• Solid understanding of the technical and practical issues in one or more of the interest areas of the Environment Program (especially marine, terrestrial, or freshwater ecosystem conservation, and community-based natural resource management).
• Strong project management skills including the ability to effectively manage time, meet multiple competing deadlines, quickly develop written materials, maintain a positive attitude under pressure, and manage budgets. Experience as a user of grant-management software and tracking systems (e.g., GIFTS, Fluxx) is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and written and spoken communications skills. Professional demeanor with proven ability to build collaborative relationships. Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative organization with consultative relationships vertically and horizontally and a strong service orientation both internally and externally. 

Physical Demands: 

• Required to sit for long periods of time
• Moderate use of computer, keyboard and mouse
• Bend to file or retrieve documents
• Occasional light physical effort required
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately 30 pounds 

• We lead with our values, internally and externally.
• We partner with capable organizations that have demonstrated their ability to work successfully in our interest areas and in a manner consistent with our values. We look to our grantees as partners and co-learners.
• We provide meaningful support to strategic grantees.
• We support work in and with communities toward sustainable solutions.
• We pay special attention to underserved or low-attention areas, populations, or issues.
• We value and affirm the integration of all functions of the Philanthropies in our grantmaking.
• We make measurable impact on focused goals.
• We evaluate our work, reshape our approaches as we learn, share and apply our learning to future grantmaking. 

Note: All this we do, not to bring recognition to ourselves, but to support our grantees in the work they do to provide meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment, in a manner consistent with our founder's wishes and intent. Done well, this will distinguish us. 

Our Culture: 

• Our organizational culture embraces our differences in experiences and perspectives that are representative of who we are. We strive to live our lives to the fullest and value a balanced approach to work, family, and community responsibilities.
• Fun and humor are integrated in our work and through organization activities such as the annual Day of Service, health and well-being focus events, learning forums, potlucks and an annual family picnic.
• The headquarters building is currently being expanded and has been designed to showcase our mission of MAPC. It provides employees with a warm and inspiring environment that encourages collaboration and communication.
• MACP is committed to sustainability, and our building's design, materials and systems reflect that value. Our design reduced the building's total energy consumption by 35 percent, and provides a "green" environment for our employees. 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume and a cover letter. Be sure to indicate: "Program Officer, Environment."