Eden Prairie, MN

Project Manager - Strategic Initiatives, kp Companies

POSITION PROFILE:

Project Manager, Strategic InitiativesMARGARET A. CARGILL PHILANTHROPIES

kpCompanies is leading the search for the Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives for Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. This individual provides project management support for organization-wide initiatives and prioritized cross-functional projects.

THE ORGANIZATION: MARGARET A. CARGILL PHILANTHROPIES

Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) is the umbrella over the grantmaking foundations created by the late Margaret Cargill: Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and Anne Ray Foundation. MACP provides meaningful support through long-term relationships with strategic grantee partners across seven program domains: Environment, Arts & Cultures, Disaster Relief & Recovery, Environment, Animal Welfare, Quality of Life, Teachers & Students, and Legacy & Opportunity. The collective assets of MACP place it among the 10 largest philanthropies in the United States.

The two foundations have separate boards and investment portfolios but share a common mission of providing meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment.

Margaret A. Cargill Foundation is a private foundation that came into existence upon Ms. Cargill’s death in August 2006. At year-end 2022, MACF’s assets are approximately $3.3 billion.

Anne Ray Foundation is a supporting organization, which may make grants only to beneficiary organizations specifically named by Ms. Cargill. Year-end 2022, ARF’s assets are approximately $4.7 billion.

MACP’s Philosophy of Grantmaking underscores the values and guiding principles of Margaret A. Cargill by: using education and innovation as a means to achieve core purposes; empowering people to be self-sufficient; maintaining a low profile while meeting the needs of others; supporting programs that could have a broad impact, having socially redeeming values and standards, and that value life; and relieving suffering in times of disaster. As a core element of its philosophy, MACP invests in long-term relationships with key grantee organizations in order to find solutions that are consistent with the values of both parties.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives will help implement key strategic initiatives and operational priorities, contributing to organizational development and the success of the organization’s long-range strategic plans. This position will report to the Manager, Strategic Initiatives and is a member of the Strategic Planning team.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work collaboratively with the Strategic Planning team to advance the interests and capabilities of the organization.
  • Support key aspects of complex, cross-functional projects and key initiatives.
  • Support Strategic Planning team in ensuring our practices and processes support and advance the organization’s vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
  • Collaborate with project leaders from other functional areas to understand and pursue project objectives.
  • Develop and maintain project timelines, track milestones, and keep teams informed of project status.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute project activities.
  • Develop meeting agendas, prepare and deliver presentations, facilitate discussions, and summarize and communicate key takeaways and next steps.
  • Conduct research and analysis, as needed.
  • Proactively manage issues by surfacing problems and identifying potential solutions.
  • Provide change management support in a period of high organizational growth.
  • Support continuous learning efforts by identifying opportunities for improvement within and across projects.
  • Manage or lead special projects as assigned, including, but not limited to, projects that provide opportunities for our staff to stay connected to donor legacy, such as our annual Founder’s Day.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or similar field with 3 years related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Demonstrated interest in the nonprofit sector.
  • Strong project management experience with proven ability to prioritize, develop realistic action plans, and work on multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of organization.
  • Experience working in management or strategy consulting preferred.
  • Experience with strategy development, process improvement, change management, organizational learning, or information management is preferred.
  • Ability to think strategically and analyze complex problems.
  • Ability to synthesize large amounts of complex information and convey it clearly and effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external business associates in alignment with organizational priorities and values.
  • Strong sense of integrity, discretion, and trustworthiness; ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and discretion internally and externally.
  • Demonstrated high commitment to intercultural understanding and sensitivity.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to addressing racism and other social inequities.

TRAVEL
Ability to travel on occasion, both domestic and international.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • The work environment is an office setting with a designated workspace at the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies office in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and optional remote work up to 2 days per week.
  • This position is primarily sedentary with an adjustable sit/stand desk.
  • This position requires regular use of a computer to complete work responsibilities. It also includes regularly working with other office equipment and communication technology, such as videoconferencing, telephone, copy machine, and printer.
  • The person in this position must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, attend meetings or events, etc.
  • This role also frequently performs multiple tasks simultaneously and works closely with others as a team. Occasionally, the person in this role may be required to adjust to time pressures and frequent changes. This role may require an irregular schedule or overtime.
  • Occasional or intermittent physical activities include bending, reaching, twisting, stooping, and climbing.

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position; they are intended to provide a general framework of the position’s requirements. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
MACP has identified a salary range of $78,000 – $87,000 for this role. Actual starting salary of the candidate will be commensurate with years, breadth, and depth of relevant experience, education, certifications, credentials, special skills, accomplishments, and other factors relevant to the position.

MACP benefits are generous and include:

  • Competitive compensation.
  • Professional development benefits, including opportunities to participate in relevant membership organizations and external learning activities.
  • A tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing college or advanced degrees or a certificate.
  • Strong medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff and their dependents with competitive monthly premiums and flexible spending accounts.
  • Reduced work week for all staff, with half-day closures on Fridays, year-round.
  • Minimum of four weeks of paid time off and a week-long year-end office closure.
  • Retirement programs, including 401(k) matching at 5%, with access to employer-paid financial planning resources.
  • In addition, the Organization may provide a discretionary contribution to employees 401(k) plans that vest over a five-year period.
  • Matching gift program for charitable donations.
  • Additional benefits include an employee assistance plan, an onsite fitness room, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropic Services, LLC is committed to fully including all qualified individuals interested in this role. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Nidhi Tyagi at nidhi@kpcompanies.com.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AND ACCESSIBILITY
We know that engaging, building trust, and making a difference rely on a truly diverse organization’s collective wisdom and strength. With this in mind, we strongly welcome the interest of people who bring various lived experiences, including people of color, all gender identities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and others excited to contribute their skills to our work. Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies is an equal opportunity employer, and we consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.  MACP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropic Services, LLC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in this role. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Nidhi Tyagi at nidhi@kpcompanies.com

HOW TO APPLY

MACP has partnered with kpCompanies in this search. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations (COMBINE DOCUMENTS INTO 1 UPLOAD) no later than 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 8th, 2023. All submissions are received in the strictest confidence. You can apply here.

EQUAL EMPLOYER OPPORTUNITY

We consistently work to make our community a stronger, more equitable place. In order to fulfill our mission, we understand that employing a diverse team of knowledgeable, passionate individuals who reflect our community is vital. To that end, the Foundation’s staff consistently works to ensure that our recruiting activities and hiring plan align with our commitment to equitable hiring practices

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