Program Officer - Conservation, U.S. Ocean Conservation

Position Summary

The Program Officer, U.S. Ocean Conservation, will advance the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s mission by managing the curation and implementation of the U.S. ocean policy and defense grantmaking portfolio, a new signature area of the Foundation’s conservation work.

Working under the guidance of the Senior Director, the Program Officer will manage a diverse portfolio of nonprofit grantees, including through conducting thorough due diligence, soliciting and evaluating proposals, monitoring grantee performance, and preparing detailed funding recommendations and reports for board consideration. The Program Officer will engage deeply with grantee partners, participate in funder networks, and contribute to conversations on ocean conservation and U.S. ocean defense. Additionally, they will collaborate closely with the Senior Program Officer (Legal), a Program Associate who offers administrative and programmatic support, and up to two additional Program and/or Senior Program Officers responsible for related program portfolios. Strong writing and communication skills are critical to effectively articulate the Foundation’s priorities and ensure clear, impactful engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings proven experience in nonprofit and ocean conservation sectors, a strong understanding of U.S. marine policy and the landscape of nonprofits working to advance positive marine conservation outcomes, and a collaborative approach to philanthropy. This highly engaged role suits someone detail-oriented, systems-minded, and committed to advancing equitable and impactful conservation outcomes.

Grants Management

• Manage a portfolio of grants to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working in marine conservation
• Respond in a timely and respectful manner to inquiries from grantee partners and prospective applicants
• Conduct due diligence on proposals, including reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and meeting with grantee partners
• Provide the board with thoughtful, well-reasoned funding recommendations and compelling, well-written documents.
• Participate in board meetings and collaborate with staff on agenda preparation and materials
• Maintain consistent communication with grantee partners and support their ability to meet project goals and objectives
• Work closely with the Grants Management team to ensure accuracy and completeness of grant records and data compliance
• Support database management and reporting

Shaping Programs

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evolution of grantmaking strategies aligned with priorities in the Ocean Conservation program, with a focus on U.S. coastal and marine conservation
• Participate in evaluating program outcomes and recommend adjustments based on new knowledge and emerging needs in the field
• Serve as a thought partner with grantee partners, peer funders, and the Foundation’s leadership
• Participate in strategic planning with Senior Director of Conservation, consultants, and staff to support the program’s direction and growth

External Relations

• Build and sustain relationships with leaders and stakeholders in the U.S. ocean conservation field
• Stay informed about emerging trends, policy developments, political dynamics, and best practices in marine conservation
• Represent the Foundation in funder collaboratives and at convenings, seminars, official forums, conferences, and external meetings
• Respond promptly and respectfully to inquiries from grantee partners and applicants.
• Learn from and develop relationships with leaders in the sector, grantee partners, and other grantmakers.
• Convene meetings with grantee partners and funders.
• Participate in educational opportunities, professional networks, and conferences.

Program Administration

• Work with the Grants department to ensure that grants’ data is accurate, complete, and meets compliance standards.
• Assist with database management, where appropriate.
• Evaluate and report on the impact of funding to inform future strategies.
• Monitor implementation of grants by requesting and reviewing written evaluations, where appropriate, and by conducting site visits.
• Actively participate in required staff and Board meetings and partner with staff on agenda items and materials.

Team Collaboration and Growth

• Contribute to a collaborative, equity-informed team culture within the Foundation, which is experiencing organizational growth alongside the expansion of its conservation team.
• Thrive in a remote work environment by maintaining proactive, clear communication and a high level of self-direction.
• Participate in regular team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-program learning efforts to align on goals and share knowledge.
• Understand that this portfolio is designed to evolve in response to the shifting landscape of U.S. Ocean conservation and philanthropy; candidates should be comfortable with change and prepared for the role to adapt over time as strategies are refined

Experience and Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in ocean conservation, marine policy, environmental grantmaking, or nonprofit program management
• Familiarity with U.S. coastal and marine ecosystems, policy landscapes, and the nonprofit organizations engaged in conservation efforts

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and project management abilities
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work autonomously as well as within a small team
• Comfort with grants databases and willingness to engage in data-related tasks
• Commitment to equity and justice in environmental work and philanthropy
• Ability to travel periodically for site visits, convenings, and conferences
• Operates with a deep understanding of equity and values diversity in all aspects of the work.
• Ability to communicate with and work effectively with diverse constituencies, personalities, and viewpoints with a diplomatic and mature approach
• Exhibits awareness of and works to address one’s own privileges, biases, and cultural preferences and how they impact collaboration
• Skilled in building and maintaining authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled at self-organizing and working independently in an active, energetic, and growing program while also working comfortably with a small team of dedicated staff.
• Demonstrates the values of the Foundation, including Excellence, Respect, Humility, Authenticity, and Collaboration.
• Brings a growth mindset and is energized by contributing to an evolving organizational culture
• Capable of processing complex information and making sound decisions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage change effectively.
• Thoughtful contributor to internal culture-building efforts during a time of growth and organizational development.
• Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to the foundation and its stakeholders.

While employed in this position, the employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed in this job description. The employee is an employee at will, meaning that either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time by written notice to the other. Nothing in this job description is to be deemed to create a contract of employment for a specific period.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The position is a salaried, exempt, full-time role with a salary range of $96,000 to $118,000 annually for Chicago candidates, depending on professional and lived experience. For Washington, D.C., candidates, the starting salary range is $96,000 to $127,000 annually, reflecting the regional salary differentiation policy.

Additionally, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation (PMAFF) offers a highly competitive comprehensive benefits package including:

• Healthcare: 100% paid Platinum PPO health insurance premium for employees and 80% for dependents or family.
• Dental and Vision: 100% paid premium for employees, dependents, and family.
• 403b retirement savings plan employer contributions match: After three months of employment, the Foundation will contribute up to 9% of the employee’s salary—5% will be an outright contribution, and the Foundation will match up to 4% of the employee’s contribution to the plan.
• In addition to vacation, holidays, wellness, and sick days, the PMAFF offices are closed from December 26th through New Year’s Day annually and employees’ salaries are paid during this closure.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for a birth parent, non-birth parent, or adoption.
• We are committed to supporting your growth through professional development funds, tailored to your role and learning needs. We provide opportunities for collaboration, skill-building, and the time and space to grow in your career.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Currently, this position operates within a hybrid working environment, with light in-person meetings and remote work. In the future, the role may require 2–3 in-office days per week in Washington, D.C.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
• Monthly travel to Chicago, travel to grantee partners, and occasional international travel are required.
• The Foundation maintains a smoke-free and drug-free work environment in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• While employed in this position, the employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed in this job description.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and use hands to operate equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets. Reasonable accommodation will enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
• This position is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time with written notice. Nothing in this job description is to be construed as creating a contract for employment for a specific duration.

ABOUT US - THE ORGANIZATION

The mission of the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation (PMAFF) is to work towards a world of thriving and equitable communities in which the promise and power of the arts flourish and where healthy oceans sustainably support the human and other animal species that depend on them. The Foundation was created in 2011 to honor Paul M. Angell and strives to embody the legacy of his compassion, ingenuity, and industriousness. In 2024, we awarded over 350 grants, totaling $54 million. The foundation is committed to fostering a culture of inclusiveness, embracing diverse voices, and creating equitable opportunities across all sectors of our work. We prioritize growth that is not only sustainable but also centered on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to thrive.

ABOUT THE CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The Conservation Program works to protect the world’s oceans and marine species by funding programs, projects, and organizations that enhance marine biodiversity and confront the threats that imperil ocean health. Marine ecosystems are vital to life on earth, supporting vast biodiversity and providing livelihoods for communities globally. Unfortunately, these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities, including climate change, habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution. PMAFF supports initiatives that implement sustainable Marine Protected Areas, reform international fisheries governance, conserve coral reefs and shark species, increase legal capacity for marine conservation, end plastic pollution, and combat climate change by decarbonizing maritime shipping and building international will for climate action. Our strategic grantmaking emphasizes collaboration with ocean-focused donor-advised funds and funding collaboratives, utilizing a bi-annual grantmaking process to maximize impact.

OUR DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CORE VALUE

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with applicable local, state, and federal antidiscrimination laws which prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employees or applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, work authorization status, pregnancy and the potential or intention to become pregnant, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, status as a victim of domestic, sexual, gender or criminal violence, certain arrest or criminal history records, lack of a permanent mailing address or a mailing address that is a shelter or social services provider, and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours.

We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon these characteristics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

HOW YOU CAN APPLY

To apply submit application at: https://paulmangellfamilyfoundation.applytojob.com/apply/

You will be asked to submit the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter highlighting your experience and your ability to excel in this role
• Expected start date: November or December 2025

All applications must be submitted by Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT

Additionally, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation (PMAFF) offers a highly competitive comprehensive benefits package including:

• Healthcare: 100% paid Platinum PPO health insurance premium for employees and 80% for dependents or family.
• Dental and Vision: 100% paid premium for employees, dependents, and family.
• 403b retirement savings plan employer contributions match: After three months of employment, the Foundation will contribute up to 9% of the employee’s salary—5% will be an outright contribution, and the Foundation will match up to 4% of the employee’s contribution to the plan.
• In addition to vacation, holidays, wellness, and sick days, the PMAFF offices are closed from December 26th through New Year’s Day annually and employees’ salaries are paid during this closure.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for a birth parent, non-birth parent, or adoption.
• We are committed to supporting your growth through professional development funds, tailored to your role and learning needs. We provide opportunities for collaboration, skill-building, and the time and space to grow in your career.