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The JRS Biodiversity Foundation
The JRS Biodiversity Foundation is hiring a Foundation Program Manager to manage vital elements of the foundation’s administration and grantmaking programs.  The JRS Biodiversity Foundation’s mission is increase access to and use of information that will lead to greater biodiversity conservation and more sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. We are the only funder focused on increasing access to biodiversity data and on the IT behind conservation decisions. With assets of $42M, we invest about $1.8M per year in six to ten, multi-year grants.

A Unique Opportunity in Biodiversity Informatics & Conservation
The Foundation Program Manager is a dual role that combines technical areas of grantmaking, grants management, and evaluation with operational areas of administration, finance, and governance.  This is a unique chance for a professional to learn about and to contribute to every aspect of a small strategic philanthropy. The Program Manager will report to, and work in close partnership with, the Executive Director in the foundation’s Seattle office.
 
Experience and high levels of interest in these areas of qualifications will make for a great fit:

• Grantmaking, program evaluation, or operations in strategic philanthropy.
• Project management in international development, research, or the private sector.
• A degree in a relevant field of environmental science that preferably includes knowledge of data science and biodiversity informatics.
• Experience with working and/or managing projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Financial management or strategic communications.

You Will Make Everything We Do Even Better
As the second full-time staff-person, you’ll be able to make an impact on everything we do to keep improving as a highly effective grant-maker.  You will welcome the challenge to work on the toughest questions or the most mundane details in these areas:

• Grants management: Support, coach, and mentor grantees to report on progress, adapt plans and budgets, and pursue their goals to get the most “bang for the buck.”
• Grant and program evaluation: Monitor and evaluate grant performance with an enthusiasm for learning, data, and continual improvement.
• Grant-making: Manage requests for proposals and review proposals to help creative applicants win JRS grants and to succeed. Research new areas, monitor trends, and seek opportunities.
• Strategic Communications:  Manage and create content for our website to advance the work of our grantees and partners, humble brag, and promote open access to biodiversity data.
• Financial Administration: Assist in budget management, accounting, bill payment, and audits with a zeal for accuracy and rigor and dogged patience for getting the numbers right.
• Operations:  Ensure JRS policies are cutting-edge and that we comply with State and Federal regulations, follow foundation policy and Board direction, and achieve annual goals.
• Board of Trustees Support: Assist with communications and planning to support Board Committees, plan and administer Trustee travel, and prepare materials for meetings.

Is this you?
The ideal candidate is passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable development in Africa and is happiest when helping others to succeed.  You are fascinated by organizational development, how change is catalyzed, the motivation of teams and leaders, and the potential of philanthropy to support African change-makers.  You love science, data, and analysis and, though you think like a scientist, you know the laboratory or the field is not quite the place for your talents.  You are detail-oriented, believe that excellent plans are the key to adaptation, and can manage multiple projects with grace and humor.  You are curious, question assumptions, and believe there is always a better way.  There is a bit of a rebel in you.  You ultimately imagine yourself in an organizational leadership position. You think a job at a foundation would be cool – even at a small one.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.A. or Ph.D. in fields related to JRS’ operations and strategy.
• 3-5 years post-university work or education experience.
• Significantly meet 3 of the 5 experience qualifications above.
• Successful applicants will be asked to show proof that they can legally work in the United States.

Location, Benefits and Compensation
The foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is commensurate with education and related work experience. The position is full-time, exempt, and located in Seattle, WA.  Occasional early or late calls, overtime, and travel in the U.S. and abroad is expected.

How to Apply
Please go to https://jrs-biodiversity-foundation.breezy.hr/ to apply online.  Applications will be accepted until September 30 unless otherwise noted on the foundation’s website at http://jrsbiodiversity.org.