The Organization
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a nonpartisan, private charitable foundation that advances ideas and supports institutions to promote a better world. For more than 50 years, the foundation has supported efforts to advance education for all, preserve the environment, improve lives and livelihoods in developing countries, promote the health and economic well-being of women, support vibrant performing arts, and make the philanthropy sector more effective. The foundation’s assets are more than $9 billion, with annual awards of grants and gifts totaling over $400 million. A 14-member board of directors provides overall direction for the foundation. For more information about the Hewlett Foundation, please visit www.hewlett.org.
Position Overview
About the Environment Program
The Environment Program focuses on global climate change and western conservation in North America. We are committed to clearly identifying our goals and measuring progress toward them. Our team is made up of 10 program staff, plus additional staff from communications, grants management, and legal departments. Additional information about the Program is available at www.hewlett.org/programs/environment .
About the Fellowship
A Hewlett Foundation Fellowship allows an individual to enrich his or her understanding of philanthropy and of specific subject matter by engaging in all phases of program development and grantmaking. Fellows work closely with program staff to help implement projects and conduct ongoing grantmaking activities.
Within the Environment Program, the Fellow will help develop and manage a project intended to assess and address the climate implications of land use in the Western United States and Canada, potentially including aspects of agriculture and soil health; water security; energy development; climate finance; politics and public affairs; forests, parks, and public lands; and indigenous land tenure and use of indigenous knowledge to address climate change.
This project will entail research; consultation with the Program Director, staff, external partners and grantees; critical thinking, writing, and analysis; and peer funder engagement and learning. The Fellow will be responsible for facilitating internal and external communications about the project; help identify potential grantees, conduct due diligence, and manage grants.
The Fellow also will support the Environment Program’s Western Conservation grantmaking activities and other program needs that may arise, such as program retreats and grantee convenings, including content creation. The Fellow will report directly to the Western Conservation Program Officer.
Please note: while there may be opportunities to return to the Hewlett Foundation later in their career, Fellows are ineligible to apply for posted foundation positions or transition into other roles at the foundation during their 36-month term as well as for a period of one year following the conclusion of the term.
Qualifications
* An undergraduate or advanced degree in wildlife biology, political science, economics, international relations, public policy, communications, public affairs, business, or related fields.
* Demonstrated interest and two to five years of work experience in conservation, agriculture, or climate issues.
* Intention to pursue further studies/formal training or professional experience that will enhance her/his skills in fields related to the foundation’s program interests.
* Excellent research and critical thinking skills and ability to conceptualize, think creatively, and thoughtfully approach assigned projects; strong quantitative skills and orientation.
* Demonstrated capability to analyze and present complex information in a compelling manner, both orally and in writing.
* Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated track record of balancing multiple projects and consistently meeting deadlines.
* Independent initiative, a sense of humor, and a collegial spirit in sharing ideas and receiving feedback.
* Personal integrity, excellent judgment, and flexibility.
* Proficiency with technology tools and applications, including MS Office.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the Fellow is required to spend extended hours at the computer. This position also requires moderate levels of travel in the United States and potentially, to international destinations.
How To Apply
Please email a resume and cover letter explaining how your skills fit this position to the Human Resources Department at employment@hewlett.org (Subject Line: [Your Name] – Fellow, Environment).
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search.