Associate Program Officer, Conservation

The Crosby Company; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fidelity Foundations’ conservation program seeks an Associate Program Officer to contribute analytical insight to grantmaking, including due diligence, financial analysis, and proposal review. You will develop materials that inform funding decisions and synthesize information to support grant recommendations.

You will also track grant performance, manage data, and engage with grantees and internal stakeholders to advance strategy and learning while reporting to the Program Director,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in conservation, philanthropy, nonprofit, consulting, research, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience with grantmaking, financial analysis, or social impact work is preferred but not required.
• Experience using an enterprise-wide database, particularly Salesforce.

Responsibilities

• Provide analytical insight to grantmaking through due diligence, research, financial analysis and proposal review.
• Synthesize information to develop clear grant recommendations and track grant performance.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to inform strategy and program learning.
• Remain current on conservation sector trends and attend external meetings as needed.

Skills

Financial analysis

Research

Grantmaking

Data management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Salesforce

Education

Bachelor\u2019s degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in non-profits from across arts and culture, conservation, medical science, and economic opportunity. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 50 years. We also support non-profits that strengthen the communities in other regions of the country where Fidelity Investments employees live and work.

Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.

As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity.

The Foundations’ Conservation Program is dedicated to restoring and conserving the natural world, with a focus on New England, to ensure that both people and wildlife can thrive. Our work is composed of two portfolios that aim to: 1) increase the resilience of natural systems in the face of a changing climate by protecting thriving habitats and restoring those that have been threatened or degraded by unsustainable human practices; and 2) preserve people’s access to nature as part of thriving communities and urban ecosystems. We invest in direct conservation and restoration projects as well as capacity-building for nonprofits to expand their project management and stewardship capabilities.

Learn more about one of our Foundations at: www.fidelityfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As a member of the Fidelity Foundations’ conservation program staff, the Associate Program Officer will contribute analytical insight to the grantmaking process by conducting research, performing financial analysis, and developing materials that inform funding decisions. They will assess potential investments through due diligence and proposal review, bringing structured thinking and strong attention to detail to their work.

The Associate Program Officer will support the development of grant recommendations by synthesizing information, tracking grant performance, and ensuring high-quality, well-organized data and materials. They will collaborate with other members of the team and contribute to programmatic learning and strategy through analysis, research, and thoughtful engagement with internal and external stakeholders. This position reports to the Program Director, Conservation. The essential job responsibilities include:

Programmatic Support and Strategy (30%)

• Provide comprehensive support towards the advancement of promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through research, financial analysis, proposal review, and other activities
• Develop clear, strategically aligned initial grant recommendations
• Conduct initial evaluation of grants against stated objectives and formulate draft reports for consideration or other follow-up
• Participate in managing schedules and contribute to managing portfolio pipeline

Grant Administration & Data Management (30%)

• Input and update relevant and timely information into the grants management system and maintain adherence to grant workflows and processes
• Review and analyze data to ensure integrity and quality of grants-related data in grants management system
• Synthesize data to enable management of current awards, including conditional and contingent grants
• Provide program staff with timely updates on grantee progress; support POs on grantee reporting requirements and reviews

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication (25%)

• Contribute to maintaining strong grantee relationships by engaging with existing and prospective grantees and community members
• Synthesize complex program information and prepare documents and updates for program leadership to share with the Foundations’ leadership in support of Trustee engagement and Foundations’ documentation practices
• Actively and thoughtfully contribute to internal and external discussions

Sector Knowledge & Learning (15%)

• Follow literature and media to stay abreast of conservation sector trends, key advances and challenges in areas of interest, and best practices in grant-making
• Attend relevant external meetings, site visits, and conferences as needed to broaden knowledge and fulfill the above responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field (e.g., biology, environmental sciences, public policy, nonprofit management, business or a related discipline). Advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in conservation, philanthropy, nonprofit, consulting, research, public policy, or a related field
• Experience conducting research, analysis, or programmatic work to support decision-making, along with managing projects, data, or workflows in a collaborative environment
• Experience with grantmaking, financial analysis, or social impact work is preferred but not required
• Experience using an enterprise-wide database, particularly Salesforce

Core Skills and Capabilities

• Successful candidates will bring many of the following strengths:
• Takes ownership of work and delivers high-quality analyses, materials, and outputs with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Manages multiple priorities effectively, maintaining organization and proactively communicating progress, risks, and timelines
• Works effectively in dynamic environments, adjusting priorities and approach as new information, feedback, or shifting needs arise
• Demonstrates sound judgment and growing confidence in navigating ambiguity and taking on increasing responsibility
• Communicates clearly and thoughtfully in both written and verbal formats, synthesizing complex information into accessible insights
• Builds strong relationships with colleagues and partners, contributing meaningfully to discussions and supporting effective collaboration
• Demonstrates curiosity and a strong learning orientation, actively seeking feedback and applying it to improve performance
• Builds sector knowledge over time and applies insights from research, field engagement, and evaluation to strengthen day-to-day work
• Applies analytical and critical thinking skills to assess information, conduct research, and support well-reasoned recommendations
• Anticipates information needs and identifies opportunities to improve processes, analyses, or workflows that support decision-making

This position will be based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule with a requirement to work in-person a minimum of 3 days per week with colleagues; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $170,000 per year.

Placement in the range will vary based on a variety of factors such as job responsibilities & scope, special skills, education, special certifications, candidate’s relevant experience, and other factors.

Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus in addition to their base pay.