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Program Officer, Natural Sciences

Employer
John Templeton Foundation
Location
West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
May 22, 2019

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Discipline
Physical Sciences, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Mathematics, Physics
Position Type
Full Time
Organization Type
Non-Profit

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President, Natural Sciences, the Program Officer, Natural Sciences, is responsible for implementing the strategic and operational objectives of the Foundation’s investments in the Natural Sciences. The Program Officer’s specific activities include the review of grant proposals, communicating with applicants and grantees regarding the application and review process, collaborating with our evaluation team to determine the impact of our grants, developing new projects to advance the mission and vision of the foundation, and representing the foundation at relevant meetings and conferences.

Areas of Responsibility

  • Manage the life cycle of the grant process, including the Foundation’s relationship with a Principal Investigator, for initiatives that fall under the purview of Natural Sciences.
  • Perform grant making activities including reviewing and analyzing proposals, writing funding recommendations and monitoring grant performance.
  • Responsible for managing multiple grant making projects.
  • Develop a range of proactive initiatives (including new ideas for RFP Programs), draft RFPs or internal documents and implement RFPs or proactive initiatives, collaborating with other program staff as needed.
  • Communicate the mission of the Foundation both internally and externally, especially to researchers, academic institutions, global media associations, and related networking opportunities.
  • Execute and contribute to the development of strategic program plans.
  • Contribute to special projects in collaboration with colleagues in Natural Sciences and related program areas.
  • Evaluate the performance of grants and grantees in conjunction with the Planning and Evaluation.
  • Identify and communicate with other funding agencies whose goals overlap with the Foundation’s goals in Natural Sciences, seeking to leverage JTF’s impact on a global scale.
  • Increase JTF’s brand relevance and impact of funding by attracting leading researchers and promising scholars.
  • Participate in site visits for active grants and attend relevant professional conferences.
  • Participate in the organization of conferences and symposia relevant to the Foundation’s mission.
  • Make new contacts and discuss possible projects with potential grantees.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities.
     

Criteria & Relevant Skills

  • Master’s Degree required in physics, astronomy, mathematics, or a closely related field; Ph.D. preferred.
  • A background in academic research.
  • Candidates with a demonstrated interest in at least one of the department’s current key projects are strongly preferred.
  • A record of interdisciplinary engagement or scholarship that reaches outside of scientific fields of specialization.
  • At least three years of professional experience at a grant-making organization or an academic institution.
  • Experience with strategic planning and/or program implementation is preferred.
  • Highly organized with strong analytical skills.
  • A skilled communicator, with the ability to work with scholars and members of the academic community as well as across internal departments in an interdisciplinary environment.
  • A proven track record of writing and editing program-related content, proposals, papers, and presentations.
  • Ability to build relationships and to maintain professional networks.
  • Pertinent travel is required.
  • Ability to understand the Foundation’s mission and core themes.
  • Strong personal interest in the Foundation’s mission is essential.

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