Minneapolis, MN

The Organization
Background: Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Minnesota based family foundation has assets of approximately $2.2 billion and granted about $88 million in 2015. McKnight concentrates resources in the arts; early literacy; the environment; the region and communities; neuroscience and crop research; and select efforts in Southeast Asia and East Africa. McKnight subscribes to the Minnesota Council on Foundations’ “Principles for Minnesota Grantmakers”.

Position Overview
Position Purpose

The Midwest Climate & Energy program assistant will provide program and administrative support for the Midwest Climate & Energy program. Responsibilities include coordinating the team’s quarterly grantmaking process; handling scheduling and team calendar; event support; and monitoring the grants and administrative budgets.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support to the climate and energy program.
• Work with the program director to coordinate team’s grant review commitments, staff assignments, and expenditures.
• Process initial inquiries, grant proposals, grant payment letters, and grant agreements.
• Review grantee reports to assess whether reporting and performance criteria have been met.
• Attend and contribute to team initial inquiry and review meetings.
• Schedule, attend, and coordinate agendas at team meetings.
• Coordinate creation and production of team’s materials for board meetings.
• Handle team calendars and scheduling for internal/external meetings.
• Create correspondence and edit documents as needed.Answer grantee questions about grant terms and reporting requirements.
• Plan meetings and convening’s with grantees and community members in conjunction with meetings and events staff.
• Process and track consulting contracts.Track MC&E grants budget.
• Assist team members with expense reports and visa bill reconciliations.
• Provide support for team learning activities.
• Assist with team members’ travel arrangements and registration for meetings and conferences.
• Provide administrative support to the broader Foundation
• Provide backup for reception area as scheduled.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure that all program information, both online and in print materials, is up-to-date, accurate, and effectively presented for various audiences. Assist other teams as requested and available.
• Participate in Foundation-wide meetings and events.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, and staff development activities.
• Participate in cross-functional work groups as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to prepare clearly written summaries and analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively interpersonally and in group presentations.
• Ability to handle heavy workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Access and Outlook and with Adobe Acrobat Pro and Photoshop.
• Ability to manage highly detailed work with speed and accuracy.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors’ degree and a minimum of two years related full time professional work experience in a foundation, nonprofit, or government field, or a combination of equivalent experience and training.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work is normally performed in an office work environment but may occasionally include lifting and bending,
• Regular operation of normal office machines (computer, copier, and fax) is required.
• There are occasional evenings and weekends required.
• Limited travel may be required.