Environment Program Team Fellow

The Kresge Foundation - Troy, MI, US; Troy (MI); Hybrid; USD 67,500 - 82,500; Full time

Job summary

The Kresge Foundation in Troy, MI, seeks a full-time Program Team Fellow to manage projects and support community development initiatives addressing climate change.

This two-year term includes project management responsibilities, research, and collaboration with a program team. The position demands strong analytical and presentation skills, along with a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field. The hybrid role requires travel for foundation activities.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in related fields.
• Interest in climate change and climate justice.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and conduct research to inform strategies.
• Coordinate program team participation in activities.
• Assist in the review of grant requests.

Skills

Project management skills

Analytical skills

Written and oral presentation skills

Customer service orientation

Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint

Experience with Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's Degree in environmental studies or related field

Job description

The Program Team Fellow is responsible for the planning and implementation of team and cross-team efforts and practices that support the foundation’s work nationally and on-the-ground in American cities to strengthen the social, economic fabric of individuals and communities. The Fellow will work in partnership with a program team to manage projects, conduct research and analysis to inform strategies, and lead projects associated with the program team’s priorities.

The Fellow will gain insight into the social sector, institutional philanthropy, community development, and cross-team strategies to advance racial equity through their work, by supporting the implementation of initiatives, participating in team projects, mentoring relationships, and cohort-based learning opportunities.

The Fellow will be a part of a larger cohort of fellows and is expected to live and work in the Detroit‑metro area starting August 2024 in order to effectively participate in the fellowship.

This role is a term‑limited two‑year appointment, with the option of a one‑year extension.

Primary responsibilities

Project Management & Team Operations

• Serve as a project manager and coordinator for the programmatic team, keeping current with tasks for each activity, including dates and deliverables, meeting agendas, and notes.
• Support and/or lead specific projects that contribute to program team goals.
• Coordinate assigned program team participation in activities such as lunch and learns, program forums, and projects related to intersecting issues.
• Coordinate and support key internal team processes such as strategy and initiative development, goal/objective setting, budgeting, and work planning.
• Develop agendas and support team meetings.
• Prepare key materials for presentations and meetings.

Research & Analysis

• Conduct research and analysis as assigned that inform team initiatives and overall strategy.
• Synthesize information from grantee partners to identify key lessons that should be shared with the field and applied to team strategies.
• Support the development of clear, concise written communications (including memos, briefs and presentations) for a range of audiences including foundation leadership and its board of directors.
• Act as point of contact for portions of work including convenings, research, and knowledge exchange.

Grantmaking & Relationship Management

• Assist in the team’s review of grant requests, preparation of grant recommendations, and other duties as assigned in service to the program’s objectives.
• In partnership with the team's Program Officers, participate in grantee-partner engagement and relationships as requested by team.
• Plan, travel to, and participate in conferences, convenings and site visits with grantees and funding partners.

Other Responsibilities

• Gain understanding of philanthropy and specific sector areas (e.g., community development, education, health, etc.) and its role in social sector change.
• Pursue career goals through professional development and mentorship, while developing ideas, planning for, and securing post‑fellowship opportunities.
• Participate in learning activities with other Kresge Fellows, such as leadership training, skills workshops, and other structured curriculum.
• Share collective responsibility for achieving objectives of the assigned program team.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the foundation’s mission and values and demonstrate that commitment in daily interactions.
• Explore equity and its centrality to the work.
• Participate in scheduled team and foundation events to strengthen collaboration and enhance the overall work experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required in a field related to climate change, such as environmental studies, environmental policy, environmental justice, environmental communications, urban planning, or urban sustainability.
• Two years of experience in related fields.
• Demonstrated interest in climate change, climate change mitigation strategies, climate change adaptation strategies, and climate justice.

Skills

• Strong project management skills and the ability to chart one’s own direction collaboratively; takes initiative.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve problems creatively using qualitative and quantitative data to drive decision‑making.
• Strong written and oral presentation skills to effectively communicate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including executive team members.
• Strong team orientation, including the ability to collaborate effectively within and across teams and departments to reach common goals.
• Effective time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work with many personalities and successfully understand and work within organizational culture.
• Strong customer service orientation for engaging with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Brings an intersectional lens to their work and can understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures and experiences.
• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.

Values

• Commitment to expanding equity and opportunities for low‑income people.
• Commitment to the Foundation's vision and values (stewardship, respect, equity, creativity, partnership, and opportunity) with the ability to demonstrate that commitment in daily interactions.
• Take a learning stance.

Compensation & Benefits

This position is full‑time. The salary for this position is $75,000 per year.

This position is located in Troy, Michigan and currently has a hybrid schedule. Tuesday and Wednesday are the standard in‑office days; however, there may be times when you will have to adjust the days based on work needs.

This position requires travel for foundation activities, events and professional development activities.