Program Assistant, Conservation Program

Position:          Program Assistant – Conservation Program

Reports to:      Conservation Program Officer

Location:        Washington, DC or Durango, CO

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.  The Wyss Foundation’s philanthropy supports national, state, and local projects that promote conservation, economic security for working families, women’s equality, democracy, and innovation. Each philanthropic investment seeks to encourage new ideas and new solutions that expand the reach of human possibility and compassion.

The goal of the Wyss Foundation’s Conservation Program is to implement the global target of protecting thirty percent of the planet by 2030 through place-based land and ocean protection projects. It supports conservation efforts around the globe.

The Program Assistant will provide programmatic and administrative support to the Conservation Program. A portion of the Program Assistant’s time (approximately 30%) will also support the Foundation’s Communications team with digital engagement and content creation. The Program Assistant will report to senior program staff but will work collaboratively with all Foundation employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conservation Program Support
  • Perform independent research on conservation issues and support program staff on conservation policy and designations;
  • Maintain data tracking sheets, summary charts, and spreadsheets;
  • Draft monthly progress reports, research reports, summary memoranda, strategy papers and other written products as needed;
  • Oversee and coordinate the Wyss Fellows and Wyss Scholars programs.
• Acquisition Due Diligence Support
  • Conduct initial review of documents associated with closing land acquisition projects, identify and rectify concerns with the documentation provided, and draft summaries of each document;
  • Assist in the evaluation of new acquisition projects.
• Grant Management and Administrative Support
  • Help oversee and manage grants and assist program staff with administrative tasks for U.S. conservation grants, including coordinating timelines, reviewing reports, and evaluating proposals.
  • Draft and edit routine correspondence and memoranda, send standard letters to grant applicants, and ensure proper grant documentation is submitted;
  • Conduct evaluations of current and potential grantees;
  • Attend and help organize meetings of grantees as needed;
  • Coordinate with grants management team to, among other tasks: input data into grants tracking software system, produce reports, process and track contracts and grant payment requests for program initiatives;
  • Assist with administrative tasks including: coordinate conservation program meetings, prepare materials for advisors and partners, organize phone or video links, and support Foundation events as needed;
  • Maintain and update working files and databases as necessary.
• Communications and Digital Engagement
  • Support the Communications team in managing the Foundation’s public affairs, strategic communications, websites, and social media platforms;
  • Develop and maintain an editorial calendar for social media and web content;
  • Draft social media posts (Facebook and Twitter);
  • Create and edit content for websites including project overviews, news items, and “Grants in the Spotlight”;

Perform all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university;
• 1 – 2 years relevant employment or internship experience;
• Background in conservation, advocacy, or policy;
• Nonprofit, philanthropy, or foundation experience/demonstrated interest preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to write concisely, cogently, and with excellent grammar;
• Strong attention to detail;
• An analytical mind and an ability to read and digest information quickly;
• Superior listening and communication skills;
• Strong computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software quickly;
• Knowledge of social media platforms and/or content management systems such as Squarespace or WordPress;
• Willingness to accept changes in priorities and meet deadlines;
• Discretion, sound judgement and an ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently when necessary;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Pleasant attitude and a service-oriented approach.

This position will also be responsible for other duties as assigned to support Foundation goals. It is anticipated that over time the general and specific responsibilities are likely to change as the Foundation’s activities and priorities change.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. The Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401K; and generous paid time off.

The Wyss Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.