Climate Program Associate — Grants & Strategy

Wellspring Philanthropic Fund; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) employer match

Education assistance

Student loan repayment

Transgender-inclusive healthcare

Job summary

Wellspring Climate Initiative in Irvine, CA is seeking a Program Associate to support program development, delivery, and performance across a diverse grantmaking portfolio. You will conduct research, analyze climate trends, and prepare presentations to guide strategy.

Responsibilities include assisting leadership with grant proposals, monitoring grants, coordinating administrative tasks, and maintaining budgets to ensure impact. Strong writing and verbal skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in climate change or a related field.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred, or equivalent by experience.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relationships with diverse colleagues and grantees.
• Exceptional judgment and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience interacting with senior management.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, work independently and collaboratively.
• Understanding of grantmaking and strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Comfort with budgets and financial information; initiative and flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on programs and climate sector trends to support strategic priorities and operational plans.
• Develop presentations, graphs, and charts to communicate analysis to leadership.
• Assist leadership in preparing program strategy and evidence base for grant approvals.
• Oversee grant management processes to enable efficient and effective philanthropy and impact.
• Track grantee work, review grant reports, and participate in meetings with grantees.
• Prepare strategy recommendations, background papers, and portfolio investment reports.
• Draft summaries and analyses of grant proposals; participate in grant making from screening to site visits.
• Coordinate meetings, travel, workshops, and manage consultant contracts; maintain grants database and budgets.

Skills

Climate experience

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Grant management

Interpersonal relationships

Discretion/confidentiality

Budget/financial literacy

Education

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Wellspring Climate Initiative in Irvine, CA is seeking a Program Associate to support program development, delivery, and performance across a diverse grantmaking portfolio. You will conduct research, analyze climate trends, and prepare presentations to guide strategy.

Responsibilities include assisting leadership with grant proposals, monitoring grants, coordinating administrative tasks, and maintaining budgets to ensure impact. Strong writing and verbal skills are essential.