Program Officer, disaster preparedness, response and recovery
Margaret A. Cargill Foundation
Posted July 22, 2010

The Margaret A. Cargill (MAC) Philanthropies is looking for talent!  The MAC Philanthropies encompasses three different grantmaking organizations:  Akaloa Resource Foundation, Anne Ray Charitable Trust and the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation.  Collectively, these organizations are dedicated to providing meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, the environment, and all living things.  Currently located in Wayzata, MN, this exciting, fast-growing organization will be relocated to Eden Prairie, MN, in the fall of 2010, to accommodate its growth. 

Job Purpose:  
The Program Officer is responsible for developing, testing, implementing, monitoring and refining grant-making strategies for the Midwest (U.S.) Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery program of the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, in collaboration with the Program Director, and communicating those strategies to board, staff, nonprofit organizations and other organizations as necessary. 

Job Duties:

·         Work in collaboration with Program Director of Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery on strategic development of the program areas

·         Attend meetings and site visits in several states of the Midwest (U.S.)

·         Represent the Foundation to the public, community leaders, social service and community-based organizations, disaster experts, and colleagues in the field of philanthropy 

·         Manage grantee relationships and the implementation of program concepts diplomatically and sensitively

·         Promote partnership and a culture of learning among grantees

·         Oversee active grants, review grant reports, monitor and evaluate progress of grantees, and provide clear communications and guidance to grantees, applicants, and other interested parties

·         In collaboration with the Program Director and the Vice President of Research and Evaluation, develop methods and systems for analyzing grant impact and effectiveness

·         Assist with board meeting preparations; participate in board meetings as necessary

·         Organize overview visits for Program Director and Foundation leadership

·         Attend and host conferences as appropriate to the goals of the program

·         Assist with the hire, training, and supervision of program staff

Education and Experience:

·         Graduate level academic degree in a related field preferred; or undergraduate degree and minimum 5-7 years of related experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education 

·         Experience in the disaster management field, including a substantive role with prevention, immediate response and/or long-term community recovery of a local or regional disaster

·         A strategic thinker with an intellectual curiosity, research and networking skills and an exceptional ability to synthesize and analyze information

·         Demonstrated experience with strategy development, goal setting and evaluation

·         Experience in grantmaking, a background in philanthropy and/or leadership experience in a nonprofit organization

·         Demonstration of high levels of cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills, including verbal and writing skills

·         Self-directed, organized, energetic, creative, accountable, and able to handle multiple tasks

·         Ability to work alone and as part of a team

Special Requirements:

·         Understanding of the role of community-based and social service organizations in the context of disaster preparation and recovery

·         Demonstrated experience in helping leaders and organizations from different sectors, e.g., social service and disaster relief/recovery, understand the strengths and opportunities of each sector

·         Experience, interest and/or understanding of organizing, outreach, and communication to vulnerable populations in the context of disaster preparedness and recovery

·         The desire and ability to travel extensively; experience within geographic areas of program focus

Travel:
The position will reside in Minnesota, however, travel may include up to 40% of the program officer’s time. 

Physical Demands:

·         Required to sit for long periods of time

·         Extensive computer use and use of a keyboard and mouse

·         Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

To Apply:
Qualified and interested parties should submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to careers@macfoundation.org

Posting Expires September 7

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