Posted on January 24, 2011

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Global Programs Senior Associate

The Barr Foundation, (the “Foundation”) is one of the largest private foundations in New England in terms of assets and annual giving. While over the first ten years the Foundation has focused on supporting organizations in the educational, environmental and arts and culture arenas in Boston, it is now piloting a global program. The focus of this pilot program will be on children and families living in poverty. It aims to bring lasting improvements to their quality of life in ways that also reduce and reverse the negative impact of people on their environment. Specific investments will focus on improving livelihoods, health, education, and/or environment primarily in Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia. As part of the Global Program the Foundation is also starting a special initiative in rural Haiti to create agricultural jobs, reverse deforestation, and ensure food security. Barr is committed to an outcomes oriented approach and to working in collaboration with others.

The Foundation is seeking a Global Programs Senior Associate. This newly created position will work closely with the Director of Global Programs to identify, build and implement the Foundation’s global grantmaking strategies. This individual will be responsible for conducting research and analysis of the key investment areas in global programs, and managing grants and relationships with grantees. This position will report to the Director of Global Programs and will be based in Boston, MA.

Position Responsibilities:

• To conduct, analyze and synthesize research to identify possible global grantmaking investment strategies related to two or more of the foundation’s areas of interest (livelihoods, health, education, and environment)
• To identify and assess specific investment opportunities, including partners on the ground and possible co-funders
• To conduct in-depth due diligence to provide grant recommendations to the Foundation’s Trustees
• To support implementation of the global programs portfolio and work with grantees to ensure that all programs deliver on the Foundation’s strategic goals
• To work with the Foundation’s Grants Manager to expand and modify the domestic grants management systems to effectively and efficiently administer and monitor the Foundation’s global grants
• To monitor and report on overall portfolio performance on a periodic basis, generating narrative and financial reports on the portfolio and ensuring compliance with grant contract terms

Qualifications and Requisite Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree in a related field is preferred
• Minimum of 4 years full-time experience, preferably in both for profit and nonprofit environments; consulting and investment banking background a big plus; experience in designing and/or implementing programs of $500,000 and upward also a big plus
• Demonstrated ability to use quantitative and qualitative data to perform complex analyses and draw implications and findings in a succinct and compelling manner
• Demonstrated ability to find, analyze and interpret international development data on the connections between two or more of the Foundation’s areas of interest (livelihoods, health, environment and education)
• Strong financial analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task without sacrificing attention to detail and to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Fluency in another language other than English; French and African or South Asian language preferred
• A demonstrated deep commitment to addressing issues of social change
• Meaningful experience living and/or working in a number of developing countries
• Experience in and passion for building and growing programs and organizations
• Energy and creativity to perform well in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven, entrepreneurial environment
• Demonstrated high level of personal and professional integrity
• Willingness to travel as needed
• A strategic thinker with intellectual curiosity

Application Instructions

To Apply

Until February 16, 2011, all inquiries and applications may be directed in confidence to Denise Gillespie, Director of Human Resources. Her email is denise.gillespie@pilothouse.com.

No phone calls, please.

Applications should be submitted electronically and include a resume and a one-page cover letter. Additional information on the Foundation can be found at http://www.barrfoundation.org/

The Barr Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. This position offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits.