Conservation Careers & Job Opportunities

The Fidelity Foundations are a group of private foundations that fund a diverse set of programs on a national scale. The Foundations are committed to advancing the long-term vibrancy of communities through capacity-building investments in non-profits from across arts and culture, education, conservation, health, and economic opportunity. We have a deep history of funding organizations in Boston and New England for over 50 years. We also support non-profits that strengthen the communities in other regions of the country where Fidelity Investments employees live and work.

Today, the Foundations are at an important and exciting stage in our organizational history, having grown and evolved in recent years under new leadership. As our strategies and organization continue to develop, we are seeking individuals with skills and expertise that support the advancement and execution of a long-term portfolio of significant and strategic philanthropic investments.

As a capacity-building funder, the Foundations seek to make catalytic, lasting investments in non-profits at strategic inflection points and support projects that substantially enhance their impact and sustainability. Our values of excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, and a deep sense of humility guide our grantmaking which is executed  quietly, and most grants carry external anonymity.

The Foundations’ Conservation Program seeks to:

• Conserve land in New England, both at the landscape and community scale, to safeguard the region’s ecological integrity and resiliency,
• Restore the region’s riparian and coastal wetland systems, and
• Support the development of a world-class park system in Boston by improving the care of existing parks and creating new parks and open spaces.

Learn more about us at: www.fidelityfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Program Officer will be responsible for cultivating, managing, and evaluating a portfolio of philanthropic investments focused on supporting the Foundations’ Conservation Program. In addition, the Program Officer will contribute to and support the team’s ongoing evolution and refinement of the Conservation strategy.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Identify and cultivate potential grant opportunities aligned with the Foundations’ Conservation strategy by initiating and managing relationships with potential grantees and other prospecting activities
• Partner with Conservation team members to advance promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through site visits, financial analysis, and other activities
• Develop and refine proposal requests and prepare detailed grant recommendations for senior management and Trustee approval
• Evaluate grant effectiveness against stated objectives and overall portfolio effectiveness
• Input relevant and timely information into grants management system and maintain adherence to grant administrative processes
• Draft clear and concise internal summaries, documents, and analyses for regular updates to Foundation management and leadership teams, and to support Trustee engagement
• Participate in the Foundations’ research agenda and strategy development in collaboration with the strategy & impact team
• Follow media and literature to stay abreast of nonprofit trends and best practices, and attend relevant conferences to broaden knowledge

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

It is critically important that the Conservation Program Officer be a highly collaborative and collegial team player who listens and communicates well.

To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

• A minimum of 8 years of related conservation work; experience in philanthropy is strongly preferred, but not required
• Expertise in land or water conservation, city parks and greenspace, land-use planning, or related fields
• The ability to translate complex and voluminous information into clear, concise written project previews, descriptions, and recommendations
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, for both internal and external audiences, with a proven ability to write succinctly and compellingly
• Analytical skills and experience, particularly in conducting due diligence for organizations and projects; ability to assess information to draw sound conclusions
• Ability to multi-task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, changing, and complex environment
• Experience with strategic planning and execution strongly preferred
• Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality
• Ability to move work forward independently and think big picture while applying a keen eye to detail; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in projects and systems

This position will be based in Boston, MA on a hybrid schedule; successful candidates will need to undergo a comprehensive background check.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The Fidelity Foundations offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an annual performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The Fidelity Foundations are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive professional environment. We encourage applications from candidates with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.