This program manager will manage a new program within The Schmidt Family Foundation, called N², which will make grants to a select portfolio of organizations whose missions align with the programs of the Foundation in Energy, Agriculture and Human Rights, but whose specific target is young people. The purpose of the fund is to recognize our human obligation to both nurture youth and to protect nature. The goals are complementary, and so we call the program N².
The N² fund will make grants for charitable activities that aim at youth wellness and health education, food and culinary education, access to and opportunities for arts education, and programs focused on animal welfare and the protection of heritage species.
Year 1 responsibilities:
- Build connections between existing TSFF programs and the goals of this program
- Work with an Advisory Board and TSFF Directors to finalize the strategic plan for this new program
- Assist with vetting and recruitment of six-member Advisory Board, in consultation with TSFF Program Directors
- Create landscape assessments for the agreed-upon strategic pillars for the program
- Establish branding and materials
- Learn and adopt TSFF best practices
Ongoing responsibilities:
- Identify potential opportunities for transformational change and develop grant recommendations, in consultation with TSFF Directors
- Solicit, review and analyze grant proposals with the goal of establishing a small portfolio of grantees receiving high level, multi-year support
- Oversee program budget and allocation working with the Executive Director of TSFF
- Present grant strategy and recommendations to the TSFF Executive Director and Board and keep Advisory Board apprised of the current portfolio
- Develop and execute an evaluation feedback framework to measure outcomes and make improvements on program design as needed
- Maintain/share knowledge of current events in strategic areas as it relates to programmatic outcomes
- Build, maintain and expand upon an existing network of thought-partners and advisors
- Lead positive and productive partner and grantee relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals
- Represent the Foundation at conferences and gatherings and position us as the leaders in relevant associations and networks
- Keep the Executive Director, other Senior Management and Board apprised on all aspects of the assigned program
- Prepare and complete grant documentation for approval by the Executive Director
- Maintain grant files, including contact management, evaluations and metrics reporting
- Work closely with grants administration and finance teams to ensure grants are processed in a timely, accurate and compliant manner
- 3-7 years of relevant experience
- Proven oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to actively participate in group meetings
- Critical thinking, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with a number of diverse internal and external contacts, including grantees, vendors and fellow team members
- Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively and meet deadlines
- Ability to work both as a team member and individually, with a high level of self-motivation
- Fluent in Microsoft Office programs
- Demonstrated expertise in successfully managing a budget
- Experience using an online database strongly preferred
- Non-profit experience and/or volunteering experience strongly preferred
The Schmidt Family Foundation offers a competitive and robust benefits package.
This position is based in Menlo Park, California. To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and fit for the role to [email protected]
The Schmidt Family Foundation is committed to using its philanthropic resources to deepen and expand its relationships with organizations led by people color – both operationally and programmatically. The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.