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Description
BACKGROUND:
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a
private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to helping
groups and individuals foster lasting improvement in the human
condition. The Foundation seeks the development of healthy
individuals and effective communities; peace within and among
nations; responsible choices about human reproduction; and a global
ecosystem capable of supporting healthy human societies. The
Foundation pursues this mission by supporting research, policy
development, dissemination, education and training, and practice. It
is one of America's largest philanthropic institutions with assets of
approximately $4.2 billion and annual grants of more than $190
million.
The Foundation makes grants through two major, integrated programs -
Program on Human and Community Development and Program on Global
Security and Sustainability - and three special programs. The Program
on Human and Community Development addresses issues of community
capacity, regional policy and practice, stable and affordable
housing, juvenile justice, mental health, education, and policy
research and analysis. The Program on Global Security and
Sustainability focuses on international peace and security,
ecosystems conservation and policy, population, and on cross-cutting
themes that include human rights, international justice, and new
governance arrangements to address the consequences of globalization.
The Foundation has selected specific matters within these areas of
focus for investigation and grantmaking
The Foundation's special programs include: Program-Related
Investments, which works to strengthen the field of community
development finance and puts creative financing tools to work in
support of the goals of the major programs; the General Program,
which undertakes special initiatives and supports projects that
promote excellence and diversity in the media, and the MacArthur
Fellows Program, which awards fellowships to exceptionally
creative individuals, regardless of field of endeavor.
Program-Related Investments ("PRIs") provide low-cost capital not
available from traditional sources to financial institutions,
organizations or enterprises that serve a range of charitable
purposes. One of the nation's largest providers of PRIs, the
Foundation has an outstanding portfolio of approximately $120 million
and plans to make additional investments of $15-20 million annually.
Over the next few years, most of these funds will support two
priority initiatives: preservation of affordable rental housing
and community development venture capital. Other priority areas
include strengthening Community Development Financial Institutions in
the US and developing international PRI opportunities with the
Program on Global Security and Sustainability. The Program-Related
Investments area also awards grants totaling $2-3 million annually,
chiefly to support research and policy work related to development
finance.
Investment approval, oversight and policy direction for Program-
Related Investments is provided by the PRI Executive Committee, which
meets at least six times annually. The Committee is chaired by the
Foundation's President and includes the Chief Financial Officer,
General Counsel and Vice Presidents for domestic and international
grantmaking.
POSITION:
The Foundation is seeking a Program Officer who will:
generate new Program-Related Investments to advance current
initiatives and grantmaking programs; monitor and manage a growing
portfolio of outstanding investments; collaborate in the formulation
of new strategic initiatives; provide information and support to the
PRI Executive Committee. Travel is required.
The position reports to the Vice President of Program-Related
Investments.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
*
Identifying candidates for new investments and grants. This work
involves: actively seeking appropriate investment opportunities as
well as reviewing unsolicited requests; analyzing proposals for
financial feasibility and risk; assessing potential charitable impact
and congruence with specific programmatic objectives. Requires
extensive collaboration with staff of other grantmaking programs and
the Foundation's Investments Department. Also requires substantial
interaction with potential borrowers, relevant field leaders and
outside experts.
Structuring, negotiating and executing new investments and grants.
This work involves: communicating frequently and in a timely manner
with prospective and approved borrowers; facilitating the progress of
proposals from initial contact with the Foundation through review,
disposition and, in the case of approved requests, final
documentation and closing. Requires working with the Foundation's
Legal staff to prepare documentation incorporating appropriate
performance and reporting requirements. Also requires coordinating
disbursements with staff in the Foundation's Finance and Investments
Departments.
Monitoring and managing the Program-Related Investments portfolio.
This work involves: analyzing reports and financial statements
submitted by existing borrowers and periodically initiating phone or
in-person meetings to monitor organizational health, programmatic
impact and compliance with charitable purpose and performance
benchmarks; negotiating changes in the terms of investments with
existing borrowers. Requires collaboration with Research Associate
and Finance Department staff to maintain management information
systems. May involve oversight of consultants engaged for evaluations
or special "work-out" assignments.
Preparing oral and written reports to the PRI Executive Committee and
the Foundation's Board of Directors. This work includes: drafting
recommendations for individual Program-Related Investments and grants;
summarizing research, proposals, plans and progress pertaining to
multi-year initiatives involving groups of investments; periodically
reviewing the status of the Program-Related Investments portfolio and
related grants.
Representing the Foundation and its Program-Related Investments
program at conferences on philanthropy, development finance and
socially responsible investing, and in collaborative work with other
foundations and investors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree or equivalent training and experience, preferably in
management, business administration, economics, economic development
or
other field emphasizing analytical and quantitative skills.
5-7 years of relevant professional experience, preferably including
business
or non-profit management. Experience in banking, real estate or
management
consulting, and some familiarity with economic and community
development
also are highly desirable. Lending or community development finance
experience a plus.
Ability to analyze financial information, evaluate business plans and
make
sound judgments about the relative risk of investments.
Ability to identify critical issues, develop solutions to problems,
and
negotiate acceptable compromises where required to meet an objective.
Excellent writer with ability to clearly conceptualize and communicate
complex issues and ideas.
Well-organized; superb interpersonal skills and a proven team player.
COMPENSATION:
The Foundation offers a competitive salary and generous
benefits
APPLICATION:
To apply or to recommend candidates, please contact by
April 30, 2002. Phone inquiries are not accepted. You may mail or fax
your application to:
Search Director
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
140 South Dearborn Street - Suite 1000
Chicago, Illinois 60603-5285
Fax: (312) 920-6230
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