ASSOCIATE PROGRAM OFFICER
Spencer Foundation
As the Spencer Foundation expands its work in developing new programs of research, we seek to hire an Associate Program Officer to work with Foundation staff to implement goals in the major programmatic areas. Examples of appropriate work activities are listed below:
Work with Program staff to develop and sustain Spencer’s research programs and its programs to strengthen the future capacity of the education research community, such as:
- Writing analytic reviews to support developing research initiatives, which may be based on literature reviews, conversations with leading researchers, conference proceedings, and findings from recent grantmaking.
- Planning and organizing conferences on the emerging research agendas with grantees and other scholars.
- Representing the Foundation at meetings and conferences.
- Creating and maintaining systems for capturing data from Spencer-sponsored research grantmaking in research and other programs.
Work with Foundation staff on the process and management of submitted proposals and grants, such as:
- Reviewing grant proposals and facilitating external reviews.
- Analyzing trends and opportunities of Foundation supported research.
- Providing comment on proposals in the program areas of inquiry.
- Preparing and presenting proposal recommendations.
- Writing summaries of progress reports from grants.
- Coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating activities and outcomes for a portfolio of initiatives or grants.
Prepare regular reports and presentation for a variety of purposes and audiences, summarizing development and recommendations for key program areas, such as:
- Assisting in the development of reviews summaries and informative reports.
- Contributing to the development and drafting of materials for public dissemination.
The Associate Program Officer will report to designated members of the senior staff. The appointment entails a three-year non-renewable contract. Qualifications:
- A PhD, EdD or other comparable graduate/professional degree with substantial concentration in education or a related social science field is preferred.
- Evidence of strong research and analytic skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and competing demands and to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills. (writing sample required)
- Experience in a role requiring collaboration within an organization, as well as a demonstrated ability to work with efficiency and diplomacy.
Salary commensurate with experience. The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Send a letter of interest, current resume and writing sample by April 1, 2010 to: Director of Personnel, The Spencer Foundation, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611. If you wish to submit your application materials electronically please email APOSearch@spencer.org.