Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
POSITION DESCRIPTION: PROGRAM OFFICER CURIOSITY-DRIVEN SCIENCE INITIATIVE
Palo Alto, CA June 28, 2024
About Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Gordon and Betty Moore established the foundation to create positive outcomes for future generations. Guided by this vision and the Statement of Founders' Intent, the foundation fosters path-breaking environmental conservation, scientific discovery, and preservation of the special character of the San Francisco Bay Area. We strive to make significant and durable impacts on the world. Together, we work to honor the vision of our founders and serve as stewards of the resources they have entrusted to us. We establish specific strategies based on advice from experts, identify partners who share our goals and measure results along the way. We build relationships and fund work in areas where we hope to make significant impacts; and we know that working together expands our ability to drive meaningful change. We believe there can be no lasting change for the good if that change is not just and widely shared. Comprehending and incorporating values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in pursuing goals and refining strategies is vital to achieving our desired outcomes. These values weave through what we do and shape how we operate.
The opportunity
We are seeking an accomplished professional with knowledge of informal science learning expertise in the design of learning experiences or public programming for youth, a passion for science, and an interest in advancing philanthropic programs that seek to connect youth and communities with science in deep and compelling ways to join our Curiosity-Driven Science Initiative as a Program Officer. The Curiosity-Driven Science Initiative aims to increase active engagement with and in science through catalytic investments in the design and development of experiences that enable youth and their communities to draw on curiosity to ask questions, use and pursue evidence, and solve problems in areas that matter to them. In this role, you will be a member of a three-person initiative team, responsible for creating and overseeing a portfolio of high-impact grants that advance the initiative’s strategic goals.
This is a unique opportunity to serve as a thought partner, key collaborator, grantmaker, and community builder.
primary responsibilities
Contribute to the implementation of the Initiative’s overall strategic framework.
Identify, develop, source, and manage a portfolio of grants that advance specific Initiative strategies.
Carry out activities beyond grantmaking to help drive change in the initiative’s focus areas (e.g., convening, facilitating, networking, communicating).
Manage external relationships with grantees and other key partners in support of initiative goals.
Develop and implement effective monitoring and evaluation plans and oversee ongoing adaptive management of grants, activities, and strategies.
Coordinate with internal staff to complete grantmaking and monitoring processes.
Participate in periodic presentations on initiative strategy and progress to the board, senior management, and other foundation staff.
Actively develop and manage programmatic aspects that advance the foundation’s goal of improving equity and inclusion.
Maintain solid knowledge of the field and key emerging trends.
Present proposed program strategies and progress reports to foundation staff and the Board of Trustees.
Be an effective contributor on a variety of program- and foundation-wide issues beyond the initiative.
Possible participation in additional grantmaking (e.g., science policy and open science).
QUALIFICATIONS
While we understand that there are multiple paths to develop a specific expertise, we expect that this candidate will likely have the following:
Ph.D. in science or science education or demonstrated experience in science education with a background in science.
At least six years of professional experience in learning and informal science settings (e.g., afterschool programs, libraries, museums, and technology-enabled settings).
A record of successfully promoting and working on complex partnerships or multi-stakeholder projects to achieve tangible outcomes.
Desired Competencies
Demonstrated strategic planning skills, with the ability to identify and rigorously evaluate new opportunities.
Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage large projects and budgets, set realistic goals and objectives, and balance multiple priorities.
Demonstrated robust analytical, writing, and communication skills.
A strong individual contributor who can work well with a high-functioning team.
Demonstrated strong teamwork and people skills, with the ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, stakeholders, and others - respectful, collaborative, and energetic working style.
Demonstrated comfort with, and experience in, public speaking and meeting organization/facilitation.
Demonstrated ability and openness to adapt and adjust strategy and approach to changing conditions quickly.
Strong business acumen.
A proclivity to get things done.
Personal motivation to support the foundation’s mission and goals.
Ability and interest in traveling to local and out-of-town grantee meetings, site visits, and national/international conferences approximately six times a year.
Willingness to support and promote the foundation and colleagues through a commitment to enhancing the foundation’s considerations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
work arrangements/location
This position is based at the foundation’s main office in Palo Alto, CA. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area. Under the foundation’s residency policy and hybrid work arrangements, employees must reside within a reasonable driving distance of the foundation’s Palo Alto office and work onsite a minimum of four days a month, the weeks of May and November board meetings, and on periodic occasions throughout the year when foundation business needs require. A fully remote work option will not be considered for this role. Candidates must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Moore Foundation provides a generous total compensation package that includes a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits to support your life, health, and well-being. The expected salary range for this position is between $190,000 and $240,000 per year. Our job titles and salary ranges may span more than one career level, and the salary offered to a candidate will be determined based on factors such as the position's scope and responsibilities, job-related knowledge and skill set, depth of experience, certifications and/or degrees, and our practice of upholding salary equity within the foundation. Our health benefits include employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options for employees and dependents; a mental wellness program; paid parental leave; employer-paid disability and life insurance benefits; and pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. Other benefits include six weeks of paid time off per year and ten paid holidays; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a foundation contribution of up to 10% and a Roth 401(k) option; a matching gifts program for qualifying charitable contributions; hybrid work arrangements and a home office stipend; and a commuter benefits program. To support you in achieving your career goals, the foundation offers a professional development program to all benefits-eligible employees that includes an annual financial benefit of $5,000 and paid time off to participate in educational programs.
Covid-19
The Moore Foundation requires that all employees be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations as defined by the CDC, subject to reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons. Any employment offer will be contingent upon satisfactory proof that you comply with this requirement.
TO APPLY
Martha Montag Brown & Associates, LLC has been retained to conduct this search. Interested and qualified candidates should apply by emailing a resume and substantive cover letter to search@marthamontagbrown.com
All correspondence will remain confidential.
