JOB OPENINGS

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT 

JOB TITLE: Program Associate, Clean Energy and Subsurface Energy Programs

Location: 1300 Guadalupe Street, Suite 250, Austin, Texas 78701

Reports To: Director, Clean Energy and Subsurface Energy Programs

FLSA Status: Exempt

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation (CGMF) is a multi-generational family foundation that embodies the vision and spirit of its benefactors. As a mission-driven grantmaking foundation, CGMF seeks innovative, sustainable solutions for human and environmental problems. CGMF works as a catalyst and engine of change in both policy and practice in Texas, supporting high-impact projects at the nexus of environmental protection, social equity, and economic vibrancy. As a family foundation, CGMF is governed by a board made up of two generations of Mitchell family members.

POSITION PROFILE

CGMF seeks a full-time Program Associate (PA) for the Clean Energy Program and the Subsurface Energy Program to provide program, research, and administrative support to the foundation’s energy programs at its office in Austin, Texas. The PA will report to the Director of Energy Programs (PD) and work across the foundation with grant administration, program, and executive staff to ensure that communication, operational, and program activities proceed smoothly.

Through its two energy programs, CGMF aims to be a catalytic grantmaker, innovative convener, and reliable partner to a diverse portfolio of grantees, consultants, and other strategic partners in Texas and beyond. The foundation’s network spans academia, non-governmental organizations, state and national government bodies, and industry consortia. The PA will represent the Mitchell Foundation in collaboration with these entities, working closely with the PD to execute board-approved strategies. The PA position is an optimal fit for an early career professional who seeks to gain interdisciplinary experience and learn about the sustainability field.

The ideal candidate possesses proficient organization and administrative skills, is flexible and adaptive, and is a pragmatic systems thinker committed to sustainability in Texas, preferably with knowledge of energy-related topics such as renewable energy, distributed energy resources, fossil fuels supply chain decarbonization, and carbon management.

This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or limit the tasks that may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Associate will:

• Provide proficient administrative, research, and grants-management support to PD, serving as a day-to-day thought partner and assistant.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of program priorities and grantees’ work to support PD in refining strategies.
• Represent CGMF in meetings with grantees, consultants, and partners.
• Serve as grantees’ primary point of contact for the grantmaking process, requesting additional information when necessary, responding to questions, and providing status updates as proposals progress through the approval process.
• Process and review grant proposals and reports in the Fluxx grants management system (GMS), ensuring content is complete and all necessary documentation is included. Administer and troubleshoot the grants management system with other staff and grantees as needed.
• Promptly respond to telephone or email inquiries for program-related information and screen unsolicited grant requests to determine fit with program priorities.
• Monitor program budgets, including reconciling spending with profit & loss statements to account for and track employee expenses and consulting fees.
• In coordination with other program staff, prepare a series of internal and external written products, including program updates for board committees, grant reports, newsletters, and annual report updates for the Board of Directors.
• Keep abreast of current research, activities, and trends in energy and philanthropy by reviewing professional publications and attending relevant conferences and meetings as requested.
• Conduct research and data analysis on program-related topics, preparing reports and visual aids as requested by PD.
• Coordinate and manage start-to-finish convening logistics for a variety of program activities, meetings, and events.
• Create grant agreements and consulting contracts in consultation with appropriate legal and executive staff, ensuring signed documents are returned and filed in a timely manner.
• Support and enhance CGMF’s pragmatic approach to grantmaking by implementing ideas for program and office improvement and maintaining a positive attitude.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred candidates will possess a degree and/or demonstrated interest in public policy, finance, law, sustainability, philanthropic or nonprofit management, energy, climate change, or other related fields.
• Experience: 2+ years of general work experience preferred, which may include relevant internships. Work in a key program area of clean or advanced energy, fossil fuels, carbon management, net-zero finance, electricity grid optimization, environmental science, or engineering and/or previous experience in grantmaking is a plus.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in planning and time management. Ability to prioritize and juggle diverse tasks while maintaining attention to detail. Proven ability to work well under pressure, take initiative, and creatively problem-solve.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated excellence in both oral and written communication. Ability to present information clearly and succinctly in conversation and in writing; adapt a style of communication to suit a particular audience; respond to inquiries quickly and accurately; and communicate conscientiously with diverse stakeholders, grantees, and partners.
• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to research, review, analyze, and synthesize information from across disciplines and make recommendations; anticipate problems, opportunities, and needs of the team; develop results-oriented conclusions; and organize ideas and information into digestible formats.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively. Ability to establish productive, cooperative relationships within a team; respond to others’ needs and priorities in a timely way; resolve conflict constructively, proactively address or anticipate potential conflicts; give and receive feedback in ways that enhance working relationships; and exchange information and ideas with internal and external constituents to develop and implement best practices.
• Professionalism: Ability to work independently and exercise initiative, professional discretion and judgment to ensure informed decision-making related to the core responsibility of executing and managing grants.
• Technology: Intermediate skill in using Microsoft and Google Suites, Dropbox, Zoom, and social media, preferably in a Mac environment.

SUCCESS FACTORS

• Interest in and dedication to CGMF’s sustainability-focused mission
• Interdisciplinary curiosity
• Pragmatic science-based outlook on the energy transition and its role in curbing climate change
• Willingness to take initiative and assist when necessary
• Eagerness to ask questions and fully participate in discussions
• Positive attitude and a good sense of humor
• Adaptable, flexible nature

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The PA will work in person from CGMF’s downtown Austin office. Parking is available, and the office is also accessible by public transportation. On occasion, staff attend activities or events after work hours. Occasional travel is required, typically for 1-2 days at a time.

COMPENSATION

Compensation will reflect experience and is competitive, including modern health and employee benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to energy@cgmf.org no later than the end of business on May 10, 2024.  Please refer to “Clean Energy and Subsurface Energy Program Associate Opening” in the subject line. No phone inquiries, please.