Program Officer / Program Manager (Climate)

Organization Overview

Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) builds alliances that advance bold solutions to secure a just and resilient world for people and nature. As both a funder and a grantee, building alliances is at the heart of what we do. We partner with philanthropy, community groups, government, science, and business to promote smart policies and ensure equitable public funding for the environment, climate change resilience, and healthy communities. Across the American West and internationally, we manage complex, multi-year grantmaking programs and fiscally sponsor projects that accelerate change on environmental and equity issues. We believe strategic philanthropy and thoughtful partnerships can achieve enduring, equitable outcomes at scale for land protection, ocean conservation, resilient communities, healthy watersheds, and parks access.

Since RLF’s founding 20+ years ago, we have partnered with philanthropies to protect more than five million acres and generated more than $30 billion in new public funding for land and ocean conservation, equitable outdoor access, and climate resilience. Our work has taught us that conservation does not advance in a bubble. Its success is integrally tied to social equity, community health, economic opportunity, and a strong democracy. To safeguard our achievements to date, and help prepare a favorable environment to face the daunting threat of climate change, we helped launch two partner organizations: Fund for a Better Future (FBF) and Shared Ascent Fund (SAF) to work in the intersecting areas of democracy, environment, health, and equity.

We are a core team of approximately 50 people in 7 states, with the majority based in the Sacramento, California region. We also have staff across the country working on more than 25 fiscally sponsored projects that span the globe.

To learn more about Resources Legacy Fund, visit https://resourceslegacyfund.org

Position Summary

The Program Officer and Program Manager are responsible for development and management of projects and campaigns for philanthropic programs that address climate change by advancing equitable policies and funding and supporting inclusive and effective constituencies. RLF currently manages several climate-related programs that aim to build climate resilience; protect biodiversity; promote improvements in transportation, housing, and land use; and bolster climate leadership in California and across the United States.

These positions may be based in the Sacramento office, or the positions may be 100% remote with travel to Sacramento at least quarterly. Please note that due to COVID-19, RLF offices are closed, and we remain a fully remote organization until further notice. These positions are exempt, and duties include:

Program Officer (reports to Vice President, Policy)

• Develop and implement programs through fundraising, grantmaking, political strategy and strategic communications. Provides strategic oversight and policy development for programs and projects with a focus on climate change and climate adaptation and resilience.
• Help develop and implement strategies, tactics, and approaches to advance program objectives.
• Build relationships with external partners including grantees, contractors, thought leaders, researchers, and government agency staff. Build and participate in coalitions among partners including funders, grantees and other stakeholders to advance program outcomes.
• Analyze policy, recommend and implement means of engagement providing strategy and strategic communications.
• Assist leadership and staff in engaging funders and building new programs.
• Help design and oversee monitoring and evaluation of the results of select projects and program elements.
• Manage portfolio of grants and contracts and coordinate with other staff in managing program budgets. Identify and support grantees and consultants and engage in grantmaking that supports program goals. Assist in refining grant making strategies, designing grants and contracts, and working with potential grantees and contractors in designing and developing proposals. Work with staff on management, oversight, and reporting for grants and contracts.
• Perform research and analysis. Prepare compelling, accurate, and high-quality written products.
• Assist in creating materials for presentations (including reports, maps, tables, graphs, database reports, and PowerPoint presentations) to the Board, partners, and funders.
• Convene meetings of staff and consultants to address program issues. Remain current on emerging issues and trends.
• Undertake special projects as assigned.

Program Manager (reports to Program Officer, Climate)

• Assist in crafting and implementing strategies, tactics, and approaches to advance conservation objectives, which may include grantmaking, policy analysis, research, communications, coalition-building, and advocacy.
• Manage a portfolio of grants and contracts and coordinate with other staff in managing program budgets. Identify and support grantees and consultants and engage in grantmaking that supports program goals. Assist in refining grantmaking strategies, designing grants and contracts, conducting due diligence, and working with potential grantees and contractors to develop proposals. Analyze request for funding materials for appropriate processing. Manage day-to-day contact with grantees and consultants. Help design and oversee monitoring and evaluation of the results of select projects and program elements.
• Remain current on emerging issues and trends in climate, adaptation and resilience, and climate equity fields.
• Perform research and analysis, and prepare documents as requested. Ensure the accuracy and quality of written products.
• Assist in creating dockets and appropriate materials for presentations to the Board, partners, and funders.
• Maintain and cultivate partnerships and convene meetings of staff and consultants to explore and coordinate strategies and address program issues.
• Ensure program administration, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation is conducted in a manner that meets program criteria.
• Undertake special projects as assigned.

Every team member who joins RLF is expected to embody RLF values:

• Collaboration – We believe the key to achieving meaningful environmental results and a productive workplace is rooted in humanity—our ability to build effective relationships, listen deeply, respect different perspectives, and elevate new leaders.
• Equity – We value the insight, energy, and innovation of inclusive decision making. Our work seeks to elevate voices and build power within underrepresented communities to help advance a just and equitable future in which leadership reflects the diversity of the world we live in.
• Integrity – We are dedicated to our cause, genuine in our approach, and strive to cultivate a foundation of trust within our organization and with our partners. We believe humility and commitment to ongoing learning keeps us effective in our work.
• Creativity – We embrace a thoughtful, entrepreneurial spirit, seeking innovative ways to solve problems new and old. We are willing to take risks that the times and issues require to achieve lasting results.
• Excellence – We aspire to high standards of quality in everything we do—from internal operations to strategic program implementation. We are attentive to detail and persevere to deliver results on goals we share with funders, partners, and colleagues.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for Program Officer will have deep expertise (10+ years) in climate policy and programs, a strong background in climate adaptation and resilience issues, and the ability to craft and implement successful strategies to address complex environmental challenges. The Program Officer will have related experience with campaigns, political strategy, and strategic communications. The ideal candidate for Program Manager will have a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience (3+ years) in the same areas of expertise. Significant work experience and an advanced degree in a related field is desired for both the Program Officer and Manager positions.

The ideal candidate is an articulate communicator with exceptional composition skills and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into lucid, cohesive, and succinct written work products. They have excellent interpersonal skills, collaborate well with others, and can represent and speak on behalf of RLF with audiences including policymakers, donors, grantees, and consultants. The candidate is a creative and flexible self-starter who can anticipate and respond rapidly to changing priorities, objectives, and situations. This position requires the ability to perform responsibilities with a high degree of judgment, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

RLF is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment free from discrimination, where all team members feel valued, respected, and included. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, whatever their race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability status, religious or political affiliation, marital status, or any other dimension of diversity. We know that our work is enriched by the varied voices and perspectives of every staff and board member, so we are committed to making an earnest effort to recruit, welcome, train, develop, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. We believe that a diverse and inclusive culture expands our creative capacity to do our work and achieve greater outcomes for people and the natural world. We invite you to learn more about RLF’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our website.

Compensation and Benefits

Program Manager starting salary range of $85,000 - $105,000.

Program Officer starting salary range of $125,000 - $155,000.

Salary commensurate with related work experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement plan, and generous paid time off.

To Apply

Please provide a resume and cover letter explaining how your skills fit this position.

Review of applications will begin on December 6th (applications received after this date may still be considered).

RLF requires that employees be vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to visiting or working in an RLF office or conducting any travel or in-person meetings on behalf of our organization. If you are hired for this position, RLF will require proof that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.

Please provide a resume and cover letter explaining how your skills fit this position.

Apply Here