The 11th Hour Project, a grant-making entity of The Schmidt Family Foundation, is committed to promoting a responsible relationship with the planet’s food, water and energy resources. Their work focuses on exposing and addressing the human and climate costs of destructive energy, agricultural and mining practices, while supporting efforts to advance more ecological and people-centered models. They believe that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aim to use their resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through grant-making and other related investments. The 11th Hour Project is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported.

To learn more about The 11^th Hour Project, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Emerging Strategies, the Program Associate role is an exciting opportunity for a voracious learner who desires to have substantive impact on pressing issues and movements in the US and abroad. As the newest team within the Foundation, the Emerging Strategies portfolio was created to help capture, incubate, and execute unique initiatives that realize the interconnectivity across The 11th Hour Project program areas: Human Rights, Food & Agriculture, and Energy. 2018 was the first year of funding for the Emerging Strategies portfolio and thus the Program Associate will work with the Director of Emerging Strategies and other Foundation staff to synthesize learnings from existing grants and continue to explore intersections across program areas that, to date, have been underfunded by the sector.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Execute, monitor, track, and assess the grant-making process for the Emerging Strategies portfolio
• Engage with both potential and existing grantees
• Prepare and maintain accurate and organized documentation of all grantmaking activities

Research & Evaluation

• Conduct landscape analyses into relevant emergent trends across the sector
• Engage in ongoing research on new issues, political developments, and current events
• Partner with the Director of Emerging Strategies in further developing The 11th Hour Project’s evaluation approach and frameworks

Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support to the Director of Emerging Strategies
• Coordinate with program teams to advance cross-programmatic initiatives

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a dedicated generalist with the intellectual curiosity and agility to become knowledgeable across a broad range of issues and to identify cross-sector connections at the systems level. The Emerging Strategies function works across program areas, and as such, the Program Associate must bring a consultative mindset and the ability to pivot quickly to support and partner with other teams across the Foundation. A collaborative orientation and strong interpersonal skills will serve candidates well.

Exceptional research and oral/written communication skills are required; standout candidates will be inquisitive, knowing the right questions to ask and to whom, and have the ability to synthesize key information for internal and external audiences. The Program Associate will be analytical with a keen attention to detail and aptitude for administrative processes.

Since this is a newly formed function at the Foundation, prospective candidates should expect that the role may evolve as the current vision for the team adapts to best serve the organization. A high degree of flexibility and willingness to roll up one’s sleeves in a dynamic, small-team environment are essential.

Desired Qualifications

Candidates must bring a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in role(s) demonstrating strong project management, administration, and scheduling skills, alongside exceptional prioritization and time management. Candidates will also benefit from the ability to learn online systems and databases quickly.

Specific content expertise is not required, but candidates must bring research experience, critical thinking, and the ability to quickly get up to speed on complex issues. A demonstrated interest in human rights, social justice, climate change, and/or experience working in a nonprofit or philanthropic organization are preferred.

To Apply

The 11th Hour Project is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and fit for the role via Waldron’s Candidate Web Portal.