JOB TITLE: Program Associate, Education

LOCATION: San Francisco, CA

FULL/PART TIME: Full-time

REGULAR/TEMPORARY: Regular

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT Exempt

BACKGROUND

The S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and Stephen Bechtel Fund (together, the “Foundation”) are dedicated to advancing a productive, vibrant, and sustainable California. Because California faces many challenges that need attention now, the Board of Directors decided to invest all of the Foundation’s resources by 2020 in order to spur significant, meaningful change – sooner rather than later.

To that end, the Education Program works toward a future where California children and youth develop the knowledge, skills, and character to participate fully as prepared workers and informed citizens, explore and understand the world around them and take responsibility for the environment. The STEM team of the Education Program seeks to strengthen educational systems to engage K-8 students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

The program associate should be a person with demonstrated skills and sincere interest in advancing STEM education as well as a desire to develop skills in building and sustaining strong working partnerships across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

The program associate will report to the Education Program Director and work with all the STEM Program officers in developing and managing K-8 math education, K-8 science education, and teacher preparation portfolio grants that advance the program’s strategies and objectives. The position is based in San Francisco and may involve occasional travel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support Grant Portfolio

Provide support to program officers and grantees throughout the grant cycle (inquiry, proposal development, approval, funding, monitoring and reporting). The STEM PA will

Conduct initial due diligence on grant proposals
Draft summaries of grant proposals and organize grant application materials for approval
Work with Grants Managers to document grants, obtain approvals, and facilitate fundings
Monitor grantee progress by reviewing and preparing preliminary analysis of grant reports, summarizing findings for STEM team; and in some cases, participating with Program officers in site visits
Capture and manage knowledge using the Foundation’s database and filing protocols in order to keep other team members informed
Contribute to efforts that strengthen the STEM portfolio strategy, including interfacing with the Foundation’s Organizational Effectiveness team and the full Education team

Support of Field Currency

Monitor program field for news and information on STEM education priorities
Prepare presentations, memos, and reports for both internal and external audiences on topics related to the portfolio and the field

Research and Development

Perform program-related primary and secondary research, including research into communities of practice, systems change in large institutions, formative and summative evaluation models, and dissemination and communication methods
Prepare research summaries and recommendations
Investigate grant-making opportunities that advance the STEM portfolio, as directed

Communications

Provide guidance to grantees on grant application procedures and reporting requirements
Serve as program liaison for grantees, consultants,other parties, and general inquiries
Prepare internal office updates on the programs’ activities
Monitor other programs’ activities for potential funding collaborations or conflicts

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional education-related experience
Ability to think critically and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information
Effective written and oral communication skills
Experience conducting primary and secondary research
Comfort with ambiguity and willingness to act based on incomplete data if necessary
A team player and a contributor to a positive Foundation culture
Sound judgment and discretion in responding to issues, concerns, and inquiries about the Foundation
Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
Strong technology skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office software
Ability to balance multiple projects with competing deadlines
Flexibility to work across topics in the STEM portfolio and with multiple STEM program officers

Desired

Teaching experience in K-8, particularly in STEM fields and/or
Familiarity with best practices in teacher preparation and development, particularly related to STEM and/or
Knowledge of California public school systems, teacher preparation institutions and the new academic standards
Strong project management and planning experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A candidate must have the ability to communicate through both oral and written means and to sit for extended periods both in meetings and at a computer.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package is available, including a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, and a comprehensive benefits package.

How to apply

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please submit an email with “STEM Education Program Associate” in the subject line, a cover letter, and resume to SDBJrRecruiter@sdbjrfoundation.org. Applications are due by September 4, 2015. Please provide all information electronically, no phone calls.