Background:

The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. Program interests include regional economic and community development, Minnesota’s arts and artists, early literacy, youth development, Midwest climate and energy, Mississippi River water quality, neuroscience research, international crop research, and rural livelihoods.

Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Foundation had assets of approximately $2.2 billion and granted about $87 million in 2016. For more information, visit www.mcknight.org.

Designated as a Great Place to Work® for its high-trust, high-performance workplace culture, 100% of McKnight employees say they’re proud to work here. Employees love our mission and the chance to take on meaningful, creative work alongside caring, talented colleagues in a beautiful location with great benefits. In addition, McKnight has been recognized as one of the nation’s best workplaces for women and one of the nation’s best small workplaces.

Position Purpose:

The newly created Education & Learning program assistant reports to the Education & Learning program director and will provide program and administrative support for the Education & Learning program. Responsibilities include coordinating the team’s quarterly grantmaking process; managing program meetings and contracts; handling scheduling and team calendars; and monitoring the team grants and administrative budgets.  

This is an exciting opportunity for a person with a passion for education to gain experience to the philanthropic sector.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support to the education and learning program.
  • Work with the program director to coordinate team’s grant review commitments, and expenditures.
  • Process initial inquiries, grant proposals, grant payment letters, and grant agreements.
  • Coordinate creation and production of team’s materials for board meetings.
  • Handle team calendars and scheduling for internal/external meetings.
  • Create correspondence and edit documents as needed.
  • Answer grantee questions about grant terms and reporting requirements.
  • Plan meetings and convening’s with grantees and community members in conjunction with meetings and events staff.
  • Process and track consulting contracts.
  • Track E&L grants and administrative budget.
  • Support knowledge management for the program by curating program documents and archives;
  • Assist team members with expense reports and visa bill reconciliations.
  • Provide support for team learning activities.
  • Assist with team members’ travel arrangements and registration for meetings and conferences.

• Provide administrative support to the broader Foundation
  • Provide backup for reception area as scheduled.
  • Collaborate with the communications team to ensure that all program information, both online and in print materials, is up-to-date, accurate, and effectively presented for various audiences. 
  • Assist other teams as requested and available.

• Participate in Foundation-wide meetings and events
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, and staff development activities.
  • Participate in cross-functional work groups as appropriate.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to prepare clearly written summaries and analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively interpersonally and in group presentations.
• Ability to handle heavy workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Access and Outlook and with Adobe Acrobat Pro and Photoshop.
• Ability to manage highly detailed work with speed and accuracy.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelors’ degree and a minimum of two years related full time professional work experience in a foundation, nonprofit, or government field, or a combination of equivalent experience and training.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work is normally performed in an office work environment but may occasionally include lifting and bending
• Regular operation of normal office machines (computer, copier, and fax) is required.
• There are occasional evenings and weekends required.
• Limited travel may be required.

Click Here for the Description and to Apply

Applications accepted through June 30, 2017