The Organization
The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation champions economically disadvantaged youth. We partner with other investors to expand programs with compelling evidence in order to help more vulnerable young people become successful adults.
EMCF makes large, long-term investments in programs that have demonstrated their effectiveness and potential for growth. We invest on the basis of sound business planning, aggregate growth capital to implement such plans, and hold grantees accountable for executing their plans by tracking their performance. Our investments help build the evidence and organizational capacity grantees need to improve, expand and sustain their operations at greater scale.For more than four decades, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation has sought to uphold the values that inspired the Clark family to create it. In our work with grantees and with each other, EMCF and its staff strive to live up to and put into action five core values: humility, belief in people, pragmatism, trust and high standards.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Director of Portfolio Operations, the Portfolio Associate supports and contributes to teams that oversee investments in nonprofit youth-serving organizations. Portfolio Associates are responsible for earning and maintaining the respect of grantees such that they are trusted points of contact and can effectively support strategy, business planning and other activities that encourage grantee success. They conduct rigorous financial and organizational analyses, grantee performance assessments and progress reviews, producing internal reports and serving as the main grants management contact. Portfolio Associates also supports the Director of Portfolio Operations in maintaining the annual Youth Development Fund operating plan, developing meeting materials and planning activities, supporting quarterly and annual grantee reporting processes and co-investor meetings, and contributing to projects relevant to the Foundation’s strategic priorities. They may occasionally be asked to travel (approximately 15% of work time) in support of grantee related work.
Portfolio Associates have strong interpersonal skills and are able to represent the Foundation externally in alignment with its core values and culture. They are passionately driven by issues affecting young people and social justice, and have the capacity to work with diverse peers, trustees, consultants, advisers, grantees and communities. They have an Undergraduate degree with 4+ years of professional experience in finance, management consulting, or a related field in the private or public sector or an advanced degree in business administration. Non-profit and/or youth development experience is a plus.
Portfolio Associates have project management and data analysis experience with a demonstrated track record in organizational development. They have superior quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to conduct and synthesize timely, thorough and objective analyses of organizations in areas such as leadership, finances, programs, and operations. They must also be comfortable with analyzing disparate and even contradictory information.
Portfolio Associates exercise sound judgment, use discretion, seek input and feedback, listen well and make sometimes difficult decisions independently while understanding the need for collaboration and leadership’s endorsement of final results. With strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to speak up and present in group settings, they must also draft agendas, letters and memoranda, assist with document and report content, and proofreading materials. They have strong computer skills with extensive knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and the ability to master new software quickly. Portfolio Associates are able to contribute to projects, groups and teams as a leader or participant and have a professional yet genial demeanor.
Salary and Benefits
Total Compensation includes a base salary, commensurate with knowledge, skill and experience, and the potential for an annual incentive award. The Foundation offers an exceptional benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 403b retirement plan with employer contributions and generous time off.
For consideration, applications must include: resumes, cover letters and salary requirements and sent to EMCFcareers@emcf.org, being sure to include “Portfolio Associate” in the subject line.No phone calls or in-person applications, please.The Edna Mc Connell Clark Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.