Program Officer, Curiosity-driven Science Initiative

The Opportunity

We are seeking an accomplished professional with knowledge of informal science learning expertise in the design of learning experiences or public programming for youth, a passion for science, and an interest in advancing philanthropic programs that seek to connect youth and communities with science in deep and compelling ways to join our Curiosity-Driven Science Initiative as a Program Officer.

The Curiosity-Driven Science Initiative aims to increase active engagement with and in science through catalytic investments in the design and development of experiences that enable youth and their communities to draw on curiosity to ask questions, use and pursue evidence, and solve problems in areas that matter to them.

In this role, you will be a member of a three-person initiative team, responsible for creating and overseeing a portfolio of high-impact grants that advance the initiative’s strategic goals.  This is a unique opportunity to serve as a thought partner, key collaborator, grantmaker, and community builder.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the implementation of the Initiative’s overall strategic framework.
• Identify, develop, source, and manage a portfolio of grants that advance specific Initiative strategies.
• Carry out activities beyond grantmaking to help drive change in the initiative’s focus areas (e.g., convening, facilitating, networking, communicating).
• Manage external relationships with grantees and other key partners in support of initiative goals.
• Develop and implement effective monitoring and evaluation plans and oversee ongoing adaptive management of grants, activities, and strategies.
• Coordinate with internal staff to complete grantmaking and monitoring processes.
• Participate in periodic presentations on initiative strategy and progress to the board, senior management, and other foundation staff.

What you bring with you:

Qualifications

While we understand that there are multiple paths to develop a specific expertise, we expect that this candidate will likely have the following:

• Ph.D. in science or science education or demonstrated experience in science education with a background in science.
• At least six years of professional experience in learning and informal science settings (e.g., afterschool programs, libraries, museums, and technology-enabled settings).
• A record of successfully promoting and working on complex partnerships or multi-stakeholder projects to achieve tangible outcomes.

Competencies

• Demonstrated strategic planning skills, with the ability to identify and rigorously evaluate new opportunities.
• Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage large projects and budgets, set realistic goals and objectives, and balance multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated robust analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• A strong individual contributor who can work well with a high-functioning team.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and people skills, with the ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, stakeholders, and others - respectful, collaborative, and energetic working style.
• Demonstrated comfort with, and experience in, public speaking and meeting organization/facilitation.
• Demonstrated ability and openness to adapt and adjust strategy and approach to changing conditions quickly.
• Strong business acumen.

Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following attributes that describe how we at the foundation strive to do our work with each other and our partners.

• Committed to Excellence
• Passionate
• Collegial
• Open and Honest
• Humble and Self-Aware