Associate Program Officer, Environment Portfolio

ROBERTSON FOUNDATION | ASSOCIATE PROGRAM OFFICER, ENVIRONMENT PORTFOLIO

• Do you have a track record of intellectual rigor and academic achievement?
• Do you have deep knowledge of fields related to the environment?
• Do you daydream about ways to encourage a transition to a low-carbon economy? 
• Do you believe philanthropy has the capacity to move the needle on climate change?
• Are you able to check your bias at the door and open yourself up to inquiry, challenge, and change?

If you answered YES to all of the above, we invite you to apply to the Robertson Foundation for a full-time position on our Environment Team.

The Robertson Foundation is a private, family-led foundation established in 1996 by Julian Robertson and his wife Josie. By taking a targeted yet creative approach to philanthropy, Mr. Robertson, the Chairman of Tiger Management LLC., and his family seek to have a positive social impact and create a legacy that reflects the family’s values.

The Robertson Foundation looks to maximize the impact of its efforts and drive superior results by making large, transformative grants that leverage the Foundation’s resources beyond the immediate funds committed, thereby reorienting the thinking, policies, and approaches of governmental entities and other philanthropic initiatives.

Position Overview

We seek a bright, dynamic, and intellectually curious colleague to work with us in our NYC office. S/he will manage multiple grants, research new areas for possible funding, and help identify high-leverage philanthropic opportunities to combat climate change, conserve the world’s oceans, and increase wild tiger populations.

The successful candidate will have impressive attention to detail, excellent analytical and writing skills, and an ability to manage multiple priorities and projects. The Foundation’s core values include integrity, humility, transparency, and accuracy, and we seek a team member who embodies these values.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple grants, working with external advisors and colleagues and reporting to the Environment Portfolio Lead; 
• Research and analyze strategies to combat climate change, as well as the landscape of non-profits active in the space, to ensure the implementation of the highest-leverage funding opportunities; 
• Monitor and evaluate grant progress, budgets, and metrics through site visits and written reports; 
• Prepare presentations and written materials for internal and external audiences;
• Draft and prepare written materials with quick turnaround such as Power Point presentations, Excel spreadsheets, briefing papers, one-pagers, or talking points; 
• Ensure team leaders are prepared for presentations, meetings, and other key activities; and 
• Assist on other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

We seek responses from a range of dedicated, curious individuals with outstanding analytic, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Qualifications include:

• An undergraduate and advanced degree in relevant field; 
• At least 5-7 years relevant career experience; 
• Deep knowledge of climate change and energy policy, as well as familiarity with other environmental problems; 
• Excellent writing and research skills;
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills with an openness to contesting ideas and recommendations and the flexibility to change course as needed; 
• Ability to synthesize large quantities of information and distill into relevant analysis;
• A strong understanding of quantitative research methods (e.g. ability to interpret statistical analyses, financial metrics, etc.); 
• Experience working with the electricity sector a plus, including knowledge of utility reform; 
• Interest in and/or knowledge of the philanthropic sector;
• Adaptability to a variety of work styles, from fast-paced to quiet and serious; 
• A creative, proactive, and entrepreneurial mindset;
• A sense of humor;
• Acute attention to detail; and 
• Commitment to a collegial, team-oriented workplace.

Compensation

• The position is full-time; compensation includes salary and full benefits package.
• Please note that, depending on level of experience, candidates may be hired at a level other than associate program officer.

To Apply

• If interested, please click "Apply" below to email or send a cover letter and resume to Ruth Brenner, or mail to 101 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10178.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Please submit all electronic materials in PDF format.

Robertson Foundation values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of individuals of diverse backgrounds, sex, race, religion, age, disability, gender preference and sexual orientation.