Job Title: Associate Program Officer
Job Number: 08-07-3710

The associate program officer will develop and implement a market-based transformation program in support of the Foundation's overall Marine Fisheries portfolio strategy designed to positively impact global marine fisheries conservation. The role requires a strong understanding of marine fisheries and their attendant issues, a market-based approach to philanthropy, and demonstrated business acumen.

The Marine Fisheries subprogram is among the Foundation's largest conservation initiatives. In 2008, it will make grants of $23 million to:

• Form new business-environment partnerships with progressive elements of the fisheries and seafood sectors
• Work with progressive industry leaders to enhance the effectiveness of public advocacy for ocean conservation
• Raise consumer awareness concerning seafood and influencing consumer choices
• Persuade seafood market leaders to procure products from sustainable, well-managed fisheries and actively support enhancement of this supply
• Develop or enhance independent, third-party certification of marine fisheries and eco-labeling of seafood products from certified sources, and environmentally-responsible aquaculture
• Support the adoption and implementation of recommendations made by the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of projects and assisting grantees with changes necessary to improve performance

Position Overview
The position requires an engaging and clear communicator who works well with others, is highly strategic, possesses excellent judgment, has the ability to constructively provide and accept feedback, easily moves from project to project, and possesses a flexible and “can-do” approach to work.

The associate program officer will foster and maintain relationships with NGOs supported by the Foundation as well as across industries and organizations. Implicit to these responsibilities is the ongoing analysis and review of the Marine Fisheries grant portfolio, cultivating a deep knowledge of current business, scientific and policy issues pertinent to the fishery program, and undertaking special research projects to inform program work. The fisheries team is comprised of another associate program officer focused on policy initiatives, two supporting program associates, and one managing program officer to whom this position reports.

Candidates will be expected to bring the following professional qualifications and personal attributes to the position:

• A background that reflects the core values of the Foundation and the program goals of the Conservation and Science Program
• Demonstrated understanding of factors influencing U.S. and international fisheries management as well as a working knowledge of conservation and science issues germane to the Conservation and Science Program
• Experience and/or understanding of private sector operations, ideally retail or foodservice operations and/or supply chain management
• Understanding of the intersection between nonprofit conservation strategies, operating realities of businesses, and the opportunity for dynamic, forward-looking solutions
• Diplomatic approach to interest-based negotiation environments, and an ability to immediately establish credibility amongst a wide variety of stakeholders (non-governmental, business, academic, and policy communities)
• Commitment to continuous improvement and strong desire to contribute to broader team, cross-program and foundation-wide learning
• Advanced degree in a related field and minimum five years relevant experience
• Ability to critically assess opportunities and constraints, often with limited information, and recommend strategic decision-making options based on multiple data sources
• Ability to initiate and sustain work with minimal direction and achieve goals under tight deadlines that satisfy multiple constituent priorities
• Proven, performance-driven project management skills, from budgeting to administrative and operational responsibility to implementing strategic elements of projects to ensure success
• Ability to travel within the U.S. and abroad, sometimes over weekends
• Experience with grantmaking desirable, but not necessary
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Compensation and Benefits
The Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is commensurate with experience. The salary range is $61,000 (Minimum); $76,000 (Midpoint); and $91,000 (Maximum). This is a full-time, exempt position.

Marine Fisheries pursues three integrated goals:

• Transform the global seafood market so that it provides powerful incentives for the conservation of marine fisheries. This component of the program seeks to increase the market share of seafood from sustainable, well-managed fisheries. Desired outcomes include sustainable fishing practices and increased industry support for conservation policies.
• Improve the effectiveness of fishery management systems, particularly in the Pacific. This involves support for public advocacy aimed at reforming and strengthening fisheries management to enable more responsible and effective management systems. Desired outcomes include conservation of fish populations, habitats, and ecosystem functions.
• Transform the aquaculture industry with the goal of protecting wild fish populations and minimizing adverse impact to habitats. The goal is to establish sustainable aquaculture practices as the norm for the global aquaculture industry. This component of our strategy is designed to be fully integrated into the market and policy goals described above. The strategy is designed to foster not only sustainable practices  but also conservation of fisheries that supply aquaculture inputs.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to nemo@brightgreentalent.com by October 5, 2008.

No phone calls please.

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is an equal opportunity employer
and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates.

The Foundation uses an outside firm to check the accuracy of information supplied by applicants.