Administrator, Native Self-Determination

MacArthur Foundation•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur invests in solving some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions , promoting local justice reform in the U.S., revitalizing local news , expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence , and strengthening the well-being of Native communities . In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition , the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago . The Foundation also maintains offices in Nigeria and India . The Native Self-Determination portfolio centers the capacities of Native Nations and Indigenous communities to define and pursue their own priorities, elevating Indigenous knowledge, governance, and leadership. The portfolio invests in Native-led organizations, tribal governments, and community-based initiatives that build community and institutional capacity to support sustainable pathways to self-determination. As the same time, it advances accountable, trust-based relationships between philanthropy and Indigenous communities. The Administrator is an integral and active part of the Native Self-Determination Team’s Core Group, which includes active participation in meetings, seminars, site visits, etc. The Administrator works closely with the Coordinator to ensure smooth operations for the Team and reports to the Director, Native Self-Determination. This role is time-limited for an initial period of 5 years with the possibility of extension.

Requirements

Minimum of six to ten years of relevant administrative experience
A bachelor’s degree or related experience required
Comfortable working in a team environment
Able to take initiative and work proactively
Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
Excellent writing, editing, organizational, and verbal skills
Able to effectively communicate in written and oral format with both internal and external contacts
Facility in working with budgets and budgeting
Organized and able to think and work independently with little direct supervision
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

Prepare Grant and Administrative budgets, review budget forecast, and make adjustments throughout the year
Budget scenario planning in preparation for program budget submission
Assist the Director, Native Self-Determination with the progress of grants, including proposals, briefs, and reports, and tracking through different grantmaking stages
Liaise with grants management staff
Interact with, provide guidance to, and respond to questions from grantees and others
Schedule and coordinate expert consultations
Manage contracts
Participate in meetings and serve as recorder of critical tasks, discussions, and decisions
Perform writing, proofreading, and editing assignments as needed
Coordinate document and information management tasks that add value for the Team
Manage the production of Board materials
Liaise with other Teams and Departments as needed
Liaise with Coordinator and Meeting Planners as needed to ensure efficient coordination of meetings and convenings
Assist with orientation of new Team members
Travel to site visits, meetings, conferences – domestic and international – as needed and approved by Director
Manage special projects and workflow as requested
Work with Coordinator to ensure smooth and efficient operation for Team
Serve as back-up to Coordinator and participate in cross-training
Perform other duties as assigned