Program Associate, Wellspring Climate Initiative; WPF

Posted on December 16, 2019

A Program Associate at Wellspring’s Climate Initiative (WCI) reports to one of the Program Directors (recruitment to begin early 2020), supporting a diverse grantmaking portfolio across several sectors and geographies. A Program Associate provides both programmatic and administrative support for the WCI team and may manage a limited number of direct grantee relationships, including soliciting and reviewing proposals, monitoring grants, and conducting site visits under the guidance of the Program Director.

A Program Associate has a minimum of three years of experience in the climate change or related field; demonstrated experience creatively and strategically directing resources to leverage change; and strong analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.

WCI seeks to avoid the worst impacts of climate change by dramatically reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. Our investments will be aimed at decarbonizing the world economy as quickly as possible and will focus on the strategies and venues where philanthropy can have the highest impact. We will be active in multiple geographies based on opportunities for cost-effective mitigation.

We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology and lead to large-scale change. WCI is dedicated to building the political will and powerful coalitions needed to achieve these bold policy solutions.

WCI is based in Irvine, California. It is an initiative of Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, which is headquartered in New York City.

Program development, delivery, and performance

• Conduct research and analysis on specific programs and climate sector trends to support WCI in determining strategic priorities and setting operational plans.
• Provide and communicate global and regional analysis verbally and in writing, including developing presentations, graphs, and charts to contribute to the strategy and planning process.
• Assist the Executive Director, Program Director, and leadership team in preparing aspects of the program strategy and evidence base to support grant approval processes.
• Support the oversight and lead administration of the grant management process to enable WCI to deliver and monitor its philanthropic activity efficiently and effectively, and ensure impact.
• Assist the program officers as needed with tracking grantee work and outcomes, including reviewing grants reports, and participating in meetings with grantees.
• Support the preparation of strategy recommendations, background papers, summary reports and portfolio investment reports, to ensure these are produced to a high standard and in a timely fashion.
• Assist program directors with drafting of summaries and analysis of grant proposals.
• Participate in all aspects of grant making, including initial screening of potential grantees, analyzing background information; soliciting and developing funding proposals; preparing grant recommendations; serving as focal point on select grantee relationships; and conducting site visits.

Administrative

• Assist team with planning and coordinating meetings, travel, workshops and convenings; make logistical arrangements as needed; manage consultant contracts.
• Maintain grants database, budget spreadsheets and grant calendars, and coordinate grant processes for the team.
• Support strategic planning, reflection and learning processes, including through research, analysis, preparation of materials, and note taking.

Sector knowledge and profile-building

• Proactively build and maintain external knowledge and networks to ensure decision-making is shaped by up-to-date insights and research.
• Monitor developments in the field to identify emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities.
• Support geographic or sector-relevant research and analysis to inform the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs and initiatives.

Financial stewardship, supervision, and management

• Coordi…