Organizational Overview

Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) was established through the generosity of Margaret A. Cargill, a granddaughter of the co-founder of Cargill, Inc. MACP encompasses two grantmaking entities, Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and Anne Ray Foundation, whose collective assets place it among the 10 largest philanthropies in the United States.

The organization’s grantmaking supports work in seven domains: Animal Welfare, Arts & Cultures, Disaster Relief & Recovery, Environment, Quality of Life, Teachers, and Legacy & Opportunity.

Mission

To provide meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment.

Culture

The cultural aspirations of MACPS are to be humble, compassionate, respectful, honest, professional, ethical, and mindful of the importance of carrying out the philanthropic work as envisioned by Margaret A. Cargill. This is a culture where teamwork is critical, learning is ongoing, and decisions are made thoughtfully.

Job Purpose

The Program Associate is responsible for providing administrative, program, grant, and evaluation support for the Program Director and Program Officers for the Foundation’s work in our Legacy & Opportunity Domain which focuses on many areas but for this position will primarily concentrate on placed-based giving in Southern California.

The Program Associate gathers timely and accurate information from grantees and other sources, prepares proposals and reports, and inputs and retrieves information to/from the grant management information system (MACP uses the FLUXX platform). Unique to the Legacy & Opportunity Domain, the Program Associate supports the development of board committee materials and meetings throughout the year.

This position also manages calendars to ensure grant making and monitoring deadlines are met and assists in the development and tracking of the team’s budgets and grant distribution forecasting. This position reports to Program Director, Legacy & Opportunity Domain and works closely with the entire program team within this domain. This position is also part of MACP’s Program team.

Responsibilities

Program Support

• Assist in gathering, editing, and organizing high-quality grant and program materials and presentations for quarterly board and committee meetings and upon request.
• Prepare materials for and document the outcomes of regular team and Domain-level meetings.
• Assist with high quality mapping that reflects scope of grant work and reach.
• Compile reference material as needed; assist in assembling and maintaining program library materials.
• Research specific topics and gather information from grantee or other partner organizations as assigned by program staff.
• Serve, when delegated, as informational contact for grantees and other external parties, including consultants.
• Manage routine correspondence and master program calendar for the internal team.
• Assist with organization of program events (advisory meetings, site visits, team meetings, etc.) as requested.
• Support other program associates as needed to help manage variation in workload across program areas and to provide backup coverage.
• Support special projects, such as research or presentations, as assigned by the domain’s program leadership.

Grant Administration and Evaluation Support

• Compile and maintain relevant and required grantee information in electronic and paper files, with emphasis on electronic recordkeeping.
• Perform timely and accurate input and updates of grantee information, proposals, approvals, payments, and reporting requirements. Work with grantees and grants management staff to ensure required grant reporting information is consistently up to date.
• Coordinate grant payments with grantees and finance team.
• Design and prepare reports as needed with the assistance of grants administration and evaluation staff.
• Support grants management including assistance with user testing, participation in training, and at times, helping with data migration.

Education, Experience and Other Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor degree preferred.
• 2-3 years’ experience in program and/or grant administration preferred.
• Active interest in placed-based giving and the role of philanthropy in supporting nonprofit organizations.
• Strong sense of integrity, discretion, and trustworthiness.
• Highly organized and motivated; ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with little direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters effectively and confidentially.
• Willingness and flexibility to handle issues outside of stated job description when need arises.
• Positive attitude and a commitment to being part of and building an encouraging work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills; a genuine desire to help others; diplomatic style; attentive listener; ability to interact with people of diverse backgrounds with poise and professionalism.
• Effective English language communication skills (written and oral) required.
• Strong computer skills with solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office software. Working knowledge of grantmaking software, ideally Fluxx, desired. Creative problem solver; resourceful and proactive in seeking creative technical and/or procedural improvements.

Travel

Very Limited

Physical Demands

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

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position; rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should apply via our online application system by visiting www.macphilanthropies.org/careers

Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply.