Reporting to the Director for Changing Planet, the Program Officer’s (PO) primary responsibility is administering the innovative grant making of the Explorer and RFP Grants programs for the lens. In collaboration with the Grants Program, Grants Operations, and Operating Programs teams, the PO is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the daily operations of Research and Conservation grants related to the disciplines of Ecology, Conservation, and Earth Sciences. The PO ensures consistency and timely grant processing of Explorer and RFP Grant applications, and recruits new applicants and projects from the disciplines mentioned above. The PO prepares reports of grant making activities, disseminates the results of these grants to interested parties, and is the liaison between applicants, committee members, grantees, professional and conservation organizations, and internal NGS and NGP divisions. Preferred candidates will hold higher degrees in related field preferably with a focus on conservation, biodiversity, ecology, or sustainability, ideally with database and/or grants experience.
- Reviews applications within the Changing Planet lens for Explorer and RFP grants [more information below]. Identifies qualified requests based on eligibility, project plan accuracy, viability of methodology, relevance and significance of the topic, and alignment with lens priorities. (40%)
- Provides feedback to potential and repeat Explorer and RFP grant applicants before grant proposal submission, including improvements for project planning and design. Provides technical and specific support to these grantees during all phases of the grant process from application through project implementation and reporting. Builds and maintains relationships with grantees and acts as the main point of contact for relationship management with past grantees. Maintains profile for grantees in the database. Provides active engagement to approximately a third of the grantees in PO’s portfolio and a lighter touch of engagement to the other two-thirds. (30%)
- Promotes Explorer and RFP grantees through all NGS/NGP departments by notifying them of new grants and highlighting projects with good media potential. Draws on expertise to provide scientific context to interested media units. Communicates with grantees to identify story/media opportunities and stays apprised of new discoveries, high profile academic publications, and/or media-friendly results. Serves as point of contact or liaison between these grantees and NG media units. (10%)
- Recruits potential explorers and projects through domestic and international professional conferences, meetings, special events, and site visits (10%)
- Provides scientific support to NGS management related to topics within the lens. Serves as expert consultant for NGP topic-based strategy groups. (5%)
- Supports Director of Changing Planet Grants in the design of strategic priorities, planning new initiatives, and adaptively managing overall vision and metrics of grant portfolio. Consults on strategy when requested. (5%)
- 5+ years of related experience.
- Excellent multitasking and interpersonal skills essential.
- Oral and written communication skills are a necessity as is proficiency with MS Office. Familiarity with grants management databases preferred, ideally SalesForce.
- Strong understanding of scientific method, knowledge of current trends in ecosystem conservation and earth science research is required.