Program Assistant, International; McKF

The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. Program interests include regional economic and community development, Minnesota’s arts and artists, education equity, youth development, Midwest climate and energy, Mississippi River water quality, neuroscience research, international crop research, and rural livelihoods. Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Foundation has assets of approximately $2.4 billion and grants about $90 million a year.

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Designated as a Great Place to Work® for its high-trust, high-performance workplace culture, 100% of McKnight employees say they’re proud to work here. Employees love our mission and the chance to take on meaningful, creative work alongside caring, talented colleagues in a beautiful location with great benefits. In addition, McKnight has been recognized as one of the nation’s best workplaces for women and one of the nation’s best small workplaces.

The international program assistant will provide program and administrative support for the Collaborative Crop Research Program (CCRP) including expenditure responsibility grants requiring detailed review and strict adherence to internal controls. Responsibilities include managing grantee information and reports, assisting with organization of local and international meetings and conferences, and overseeing grant nomination and application processes. The international program assistant (PA) is a key administrative contact person for grantees and consultants of the CCRP.

• Provide administrative support to the CCRP.
  • Coordinate grant‑making schedule among foundation staff and consultants.
  • Process grant proposals, payment letters, agreements, and other grant documents.
  • Review concept notes, proposals, grant reviews, and reports for correct and complete documentation.
  • Troubleshoot IGAM/GIFTS processes for grantees, consultants, and staff.
  • Primary administrative contact person for grantees and consultants.
  • Correspond with grantees about grant terms, reporting requirements, and other administrative information in a timely manner.
  • Review concept notes and grant requests for completeness.
  • Inform consultants, program officer, and program director of any discrepancies found in reports.
  • Coordinate, with consultants, the planning and execution of virtual and in‑person program meetings and calls throughout the year.
  • Track program grant payout to meet deadlines.
  • Work with consultants and communications department to update information on McKnight, CCRP.org, and CCRP space websites.
  • Program‑specific administrative support as assigned.
  • Contribute to improving administrative grantmaking and program processes.
  • Maintain up‑to‑date CCRP Program Assistant manual.
  • Provide on‑going support on efforts to improve CCRP operations and administrative processes.
  • Respond to unsolicited grant requests and inquiries.
• Provide administrative support to international programs.
  • Coordinate creation and production of materials for Board of Trustees’ meetings.
  • Schedule, prepare agenda for, participate in, and take notes at team meetings.
  • Support program director with expense reports and credit card bill reconciliations.
  • Assist with travel arrangements and registration for conferences and meetings.
  • Support program‑related meetings and gatherings.
  • Maintain shared user accounts for program collaboration and communications, such as Survey Monkey and Zoom.
• Provide administrative support and participate in broader Foundation activities.
  • Assist with team‑related meetings and Foundation‑wide events, as needed.
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, work groups, staff development activities, PA meetings.
  • Provide support for receptionist and other program areas, as needed.
  • Collaborate with the communications team to ensure that all program information, online and print materials is up‑to‑date, accurate, and effectively presented for various audiences.

• Ability to adapt to ongoing emerging priorities in short‑term and long‑term…