Careers

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, based in Menlo Park, California, is seeking a program officer for the Education Program.

About the Foundation

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has been making grants since 1967 to help solve social and environmental problems at home and around the world. The Foundation concentrates its resources on activities in education, environment, global development, performing arts, philanthropy, and population, and makes grants to support disadvantaged communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

About the Education Program

Education has been a core interest of the Foundation since it began awarding grants in 1967.  Today, the Education Program focuses on three key goals: 1) improving education for California students; 2) equalizing opportunities in the United States and throughout the world through open educational resources; and 3) raising educational achievement in disadvantaged communities in the Bay Area.  Currently, we are undergoing a strategic planning process that may result in different program emphases.

About the Program Officer Position

The program officer will report to Barbara Chow, program director of the Education Program, and will be based in Menlo Park, California.  The Education Program currently consists of nine staff, including four program officers and an associate program officer.

As an Education Program team member, the new program officer will be responsible for working in close collaboration with the rest of the education group to develop and implement a new strategic plan (expected fall 2009/winter 2010).  Specific areas of responsibility will be determined as the result of this planning process.

It is essential that the program officer possess a deep understanding of education systems and best practices for improvement.  Of particular interest will be individuals with a strong education evaluation and research background, who understand the mechanisms of replication and scale and who can put this perspective to practical use in a grantmaking context.  Exceptional interpersonal skills and a demonstrated capacity to work effectively with others is essential.  Flexible and clear strategic thinking, combined with a strong desire to support the Foundation's efforts to improve the impact of its grantmaking through a variety of quantitative and qualitative means, will also be important.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning and Strategy

• Collaborates with the program director to develop plans for strategic grantmaking that ensure impact in the areas of importance to the Foundation.
• Invites, reviews, and responds to inquiries and proposals in program area. Offers professional advice and field expertise to applicants and grantees.
• Works with grantees to develop and modify strategies to effectively utilize available resources while fulfilling program goals.
• Develops briefing papers and program-related reports that contribute to the Foundation's understanding of new approaches, best practices, and program issues.
• Organizes advisory committees or ad hoc structures created to assist program augmentation.
  

Grantmaking

• Manages active grants; assesses progress and responds to financial and programmatic reports. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with current and prospective grantees.
• Ensures that sound financial controls are in place for each grant and that funds are spent wisely and according to grant agreements.
• Manages evaluation of grants and participates in assessments of program strategy. Develops guidelines for measuring the success of programs and grants.
• Drafts application summaries and discretionary grant requests for tri-annual grants docket. Reviews, writes, proofs, and edits the docket memorandum.

Foundation Support

• Organizes and coordinates Foundation-sponsored meetings of grantees and key field experts.
• Represents the Foundation externally at appropriate meetings, conferences, and site visits.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field and a minimum of 10 years direct experience in grantmaking and/or policy analysis and development
• A demonstrated record of success working with education organizations (local, state, federal), foundations, and other nonprofit enterprises and policy leaders
• Track record in leading and managing research in areas related to the Program's grantmaking and possessing an ability to implement work with limited staff support
• Deep knowledge of evidence-based education research and evaluation methodology as well as the principles of replicating and scaling successful educational models
• Proven ability to define program objectives and evaluate progress and to independently manage related projects through a complete lifecycle
• Demonstrated exceptional analytical skills necessary for evaluating grants and proposals
• Excellent writing skills and capacity to write complicated documents quickly and well
• Interest and willingness to travel
• Self-starter who is collegial and enjoys sharing ideas and getting feedback
• Familiarity with research and trends in education technology a plus
• Adaptable and flexible

How to Apply

Send a résumé and cover letter explaining how your skills fit the position to Charles Pappalardo, Managing Director of Trilogy Search. No phone inquiries please.

1. Email:  chuckp@trilogysearch.com
2. Mail:  
   Charles Pappalardo, Managing Director
   Trilogy Search
   330 Primrose Road, Suite 402
   Burlingame, California 94010

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer.