Associate Program Officer, Conservation
About The Position
The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in non-profits from across arts and culture, conservation, medical science, and economic opportunity. The Foundations’ Conservation Program is dedicated to restoring and conserving the natural world, with a focus on New England, to ensure that both people and wildlife can thrive. As a member of the Fidelity Foundations’ conservation program staff, the Associate Program Officer will contribute analytical insight to the grantmaking process by conducting research, performing financial analysis, and developing materials that inform funding decisions. They will assess potential investments through due diligence and proposal review, bringing structured thinking and strong attention to detail to their work. The Associate Program Officer will support the development of grant recommendations by synthesizing information, tracking grant performance, and ensuring high-quality, well-organized data and materials. They will collaborate with other members of the team and contribute to programmatic learning and strategy through analysis, research, and thoughtful engagement with internal and external stakeholders. This position reports to the Program Director, Conservation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field (e.g., biology, environmental sciences, public policy, nonprofit management, business or a related discipline).
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in conservation, philanthropy, nonprofit, consulting, research, public policy, or a related field
- Experience conducting research, analysis, or programmatic work to support decision-making, along with managing projects, data, or workflows in a collaborative environment
- Takes ownership of work and delivers high-quality analyses, materials, and outputs with strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Manages multiple priorities effectively, maintaining organization and proactively communicating progress, risks, and timelines
- Works effectively in dynamic environments, adjusting priorities and approach as new information, feedback, or shifting needs arise
- Demonstrates sound judgment and growing confidence in navigating ambiguity and taking on increasing responsibility
- Communicates clearly and thoughtfully in both written and verbal formats, synthesizing complex information into accessible insights
- Builds strong relationships with colleagues and partners, contributing meaningfully to discussions and supporting effective collaboration
- Demonstrates curiosity and a strong learning orientation, actively seeking feedback and applying it to improve performance
- Builds sector knowledge over time and applies insights from research, field engagement, and evaluation to strengthen day-to-day work
- Applies analytical and critical thinking skills to assess information, conduct research, and support well-reasoned recommendations
- Anticipates information needs and identifies opportunities to improve processes, analyses, or workflows that support decision-making
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Experience with grantmaking, financial analysis, or social impact work is preferred but not required
- Experience using an enterprise-wide database, particularly Salesforce
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive support towards the advancement of promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through research, financial analysis, proposal review, and other activities
- Develop clear, strategically aligned initial grant recommendations
- Conduct initial evaluation of grants against stated objectives and formulate draft reports for consideration or other follow-up
- Participate in managing schedules and contribute to managing portfolio pipeline
- Input and update relevant and timely information into the grants management system and maintain adherence to grant workflows and processes
- Review and analyze data to ensure integrity and quality of grants-related data in grants management system
- Synthesize data to enable management of current awards, including conditional and contingent grants
- Provide program staff with timely updates on grantee progress; support POs on grantee reporting requirements and reviews
- Contribute to maintaining strong grantee relationships by engaging with existing and prospective grantees and community members
- Synthesize complex program information and prepare documents and updates for program leadership to share with the Foundations’ leadership in support of Trustee engagement and Foundations’ documentation practices
- Actively and thoughtfully contribute to internal and external discussions
- Follow literature and media to stay abreast of conservation sector trends, key advances and challenges in areas of interest, and best practices in grant-making
- Attend relevant external meetings, site visits, and conferences as needed to broaden knowledge and fulfill the above responsibilities
Benefits
- competitive salary commensurate with experience
- annual performance-based bonus
- comprehensive benefits package
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
