Program Officer, Hands-on Science
Exempt Full Time, San Francisco, CA

The Foundation seeks a Program Officer who will serve as a leader in expanding its programs and grant portfolios in hands-on science, focused on supporting scientists at all levels who are exploring and asking important questions about our world.

The Program Officer would conduct research and design programs in potential new, currently underfunded areas with dedicated people advancing hands-on research, such as 1) field-based geosciences, and 2) science communications (potentially including data visualization, illustration and photography). They would also help advise and oversee the existing work in Field Biology. This individual will interface with leaders and organizations in our grant portfolio and fellow funders; and lead communications efforts to promote the work of scientists and organizations that support them. This creative and motivated individual will join our small and dedicated team in a start-up environment in running programs and grants that support remarkable people and important places.

The Program Officer will report to the Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Program Strategy Development

• Lead program strategy refinement and development for new programs in hands-on science, in collaboration with other staff and leaders in the field. These programs may include: Science Communications (potential), Field-Based Geosciences (potential) and other, yet-to-be defined areas of interest.
• Gather insights from scientists, individual awardees, partners, scientist support organizations, research contractor(s), external advisors and other independent research to inform program design. Help organize and lead meetings of advisory committees. Use judgment and discretion to recommend grantee organizations and to interact with any potential grantees.
• Conduct selected research projects that support program development (in hands-on science or potentially other interest areas, which may include exploratory grants supporting teachers & classrooms). This work may include research on potential grantees, interviews with stakeholders and landscape analyses of potential funding areas.

Grantmaking and Program Implementation

• Advise and help oversee the existing Field Biology program and awards, managed by the Program Associate.
• Build partnerships, trust and supportive relationships with current and potential scientists and organizations funded by the Foundation to help them achieve individual mastery and reach their goals.
• Develop and manage new grants/awards including: gaining staff and Board input; identifying potential grantees and projects; communicating with potential and current grantees to better understand needs and opportunities; structuring awards for desired impact in a grantmaking process that centers trust in awardees/grantees and reduces their administrative burden; conducting due diligence; and monitoring progress in a collaborative and supportive manner. Develop a grantmaking pipeline to meet annual budgets for giving.
• Help promote and network the winners of the Awards in Field Biology and future individual awards programs in science.
• Work with internal and external partners to expand the reach of our science programs, which may include requests for proposals and other participatory grantmaking strategies.
• Help evaluate program implementation approaches to learn and adapt over time.
• Contribute to the development of a simple approach to programmatic monitoring and evaluation.
• Review grantee reports and prepare summaries to present to management and to inform future grantmaking.

External Relations and Communications

• Cultivate an inclusive network of partners, allies and learning opportunities to inform the Foundation’s growth. Maintain currency and fluency in key issues in field-based sciences and science communications.
• Develop programmatic communication and networking strategies, which may include media or in-person convenings and events.
• Assist with researching, selecting, and preparing written information needed for Foundation communications, including press releases, social media and website.
• Assist management with follow-up on requests for information and resources.
• Comfortably represent the Foundation to external audiences: other
• Foundations, non-profits, awardees and community leaders.

Desired Competencies and Qualifications

Please view this list as guidance. If you do not meet all of the items on this list, and have skills and experiences that would be an asset to the role, please apply.

• Skills and networks in science, including support for individual scientists, academic and educational programs, hands-on research experience, and/or the intersection of science and technology or other fields
• Commitment to the Foundation’s mission to support innovative people working in field-based science, art and craft, teaching and protection of the natural world–and demonstrated broad interests across these interest areas
• Nonprofit experience, with foundation experience preferred
• Creative and insightful strategy design, with a track record of collaborative program development
• Experience with creative and trust-based program and grants management through a
  variety of approaches, light-touch monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communications
• Experience in reviewing scientific nominations/applications with criteria such as
• originality and quality/impact, with both an open mindset for new and exciting directions and the ability to contextualize in a field of work
• Willingness to support and promote an inclusive culture at the Foundation
• Demonstrated humility and trust of peers in the field, and a service orientation
• Education and/or professional experience in a related field in science, program or
  human-centered design or nonprofit management
• A team-oriented person with great interpersonal skills.
• Thrives on variety and wearing multiple hats, and is comfortable in a start-up environment
• Willingness to listen and ask questions, and comfort giving and receiving advice
• Collaborative and transparent, and able to inspire confidence and trust among multiple stakeholders, including staff, Board and other organizations
• Holds unquestionable integrity and commitment to personal and professional excellence
• Displays excellent oral and written communication
• Takes initiative to get things done, while exercising strong judgment on when to elevate an issue
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills; highly organized with an attention to detail, timeliness and a commitment to rigor
• The Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer. We have a commitment to diversity and encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Compensation and Location
Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. The expected salary range for this position is
$135,000-$200,000, depending on skills and experience. The position will be located in San Francisco, CA, with an option for telecommuting.

To apply, click here.