Program Officer – Conservation, Coral

Position description

The Program Officer, Coral Conservation will advance the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s mission by managing and strengthening the Foundation’s coral conservation grantmaking area, a signature component of the Conservation Program. The Conservation Program aims to ensure that coral reef ecosystems survive and thrive into the future. Grantmaking currently focuses on a range of conservation and policy priorities including: supporting stronger coordination and collaboration between coral conservation organizations, particularly on issues of building on-the-ground conservation capacity and for strengthening efforts to advocate for global and regional policies for coral conservation; ridge-to-reef conservation efforts in key, to-be-identified geographies; and specific interventions to prepare for the future of coral conservation.

Reporting to the Senior Program Officer, Conservation, the Program Officer will steward an existing portfolio of coral conservation grantees while helping refine and expand the Foundation’s strategic investments in coral reef conservation. The role includes identifying geographic priorities, conducting landscape research, and developing relationships with nonprofit organizations and partners working in coral conservation.

The Program Officer will lead the review and recommendation of grants, conduct due diligence on proposals, and prepare funding recommendations and reports for leadership and Board consideration. In addition to managing grantee relationships, the Program Officer will engage with peer funders, participate in sector convenings, and contribute to conversations shaping global coral conservation efforts.

The ideal candidate brings experience in nonprofit or conservation organizations, a strong understanding of coral reef ecosystems and conservation strategies, and the ability to manage complex projects and partnerships. This role is well suited for someone who is collaborative, strategic, detail oriented, and comfortable working both independently and within a growing philanthropic organization.

Grants Management

• Manage a portfolio of grants focused on coral reef conservation and related ridge-to-reef strategies
• Respond in a timely and respectful manner to inquiries from grantee partners and prospective applicants
• Conduct due diligence on proposals, including reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and meeting with grantee partners
• Provide the board with thoughtful, well-reasoned funding recommendations and compelling, well-written documents.
• Participate in board meetings and collaborate with staff on agenda preparation and materials
• Maintain consistent communication with grantee partners and support their ability to meet project goals and objectives
• Work closely with the Grants Management team to ensure accuracy and completeness of grant records and data compliance
• Support database management and reporting through the Foundation’s grants management systems

Shaping Programs

• Steward and refine the coral conservation grant portfolio in collaboration with the Senior Program Officer, Conservation and the Senior Director of Conservation
• Lead scoping efforts to identify priority geographic regions and new potential grantee partners for the coral conservation portfolio
• Contribute to the development and evolution of the Conservation Program’s strategies, particularly related to coral reef conservation and ridge-to-reef conservation approaches
• Participate in evaluating program outcomes and recommend adjustments based on new knowledge and emerging needs in the field
• Serve as a thought partner with grantee partners, peer funders, and the Foundation’s leadership
• Participate in strategic planning with Senior Director of Conservation, consultants, and staff to support the program’s direction and growth

External Relations

• Build and sustain relationships with leaders and stakeholders in global coral conservation
• Stay informed about emerging science, policy developments, and conservation strategies affecting coral reef ecosystems
• Represent the Foundation at conferences, convenings, and meetings with peer funders, NGOs, and field leaders
• Respond promptly and respectfully to inquiries from grantee partners and applicants.
• Learn from and develop relationships with leaders in the sector, grantee partners, and other grantmakers.
• Convene meetings with grantee partners and funders.
• Participate in educational opportunities, professional networks, and conferences.

Program Administration

• Work with the Grants department to ensure that grants’ data is accurate, complete, and meets compliance standards.
• Support grant reporting and monitoring processes, including reviewing grantee reports and conducting site visits where appropriate
• Assist with database management, where appropriate.
• Evaluate and report on the impact of funding to inform future strategies.
• Monitor implementation of grants by requesting and reviewing written evaluations, where appropriate, and by conducting site visits.
• Actively participate in required staff and Board meetings and partner with staff on agenda items and materials.

Team Collaboration and Growth

• Contribute to a collaborative, equity-informed team culture within the Foundation, which is experiencing organizational growth alongside the expansion of its conservation team.
• Thrive in a remote work environment by maintaining proactive, clear communication and a high level of self-direction.
• Participate in regular team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-program learning efforts to align on goals and share knowledge.
• Contribute to the Foundation’s ongoing organizational development, including participation in the 2026 strategic planning process

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 7 years of relevant experience, preferably in ocean conservation, marine policy, environmental grantmaking, or nonprofit program management
• Demonstrated knowledge of marine conservation approaches, including site
• based conservation, policy initiatives, or capacity building effort; knowledge of coral reef conservation approaches is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with the global landscape of coral conservation organizations and initiatives is strongly preferred

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and project management abilities
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work autonomously as well as within a small team
• Comfort with grants databases and willingness to engage in data-related tasks
• Commitment to equity and justice in environmental work and philanthropy
• Ability to travel frequently for site visits, convenings, and conferences
• Operates with a deep understanding of equity and values diversity in all aspects of the work.
• Ability to communicate with and work effectively with diverse constituencies, personalities, and viewpoints with a diplomatic and mature approach
• Exhibits awareness of and works to address one’s own privileges, biases, and cultural preferences and how they impact collaboration
• Skilled in building and maintaining authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled at self-organizing and working independently in an active, energetic, and growing program while also working comfortably with a small team of dedicated staff.
• Demonstrates the values of the Foundation, including Excellence, Respect, Humility, Authenticity, and Collaboration.
• Brings a growth mindset and is energized by contributing to an evolving organizational culture
• Capable of processing complex information and making sound decisions.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage change effectively.
• Thoughtful contributor to internal culture-building efforts during a time of growth and organizational development.
• Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to the foundation and its stakeholders.

While employed in this position, the employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed in this job description. The employee is an employee at will, meaning that either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time by written notice to the other. Nothing in this job description is to be deemed to create a contract of employment for a specific period.

ABOUT THE PAUL M. ANGELL FAMILY FOUNDATION

The mission of the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation (PMAFF) is to work towards a world of thriving and equitable communities in which the promise and power of the arts flourish and where healthy oceans sustainably support the human and other animal species that depend on them. The Foundation was created in 2011 to honor Paul M. Angell and strives to embody the legacy of his compassion, ingenuity, and industriousness. In 2024, we awarded over 350 grants, totaling $54 million. The foundation is committed to fostering a culture of inclusiveness, embracing diverse voices, and creating equitable opportunities across all sectors of our work. We prioritize growth that is not only sustainable but also centered on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to thrive.

ABOUT THE CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The Conservation Program works to protect the world’s oceans and marine species by funding programs, projects, and organizations that enhance marine biodiversity and confront the threats that imperil ocean health. Marine ecosystems are vital to life on earth, supporting vast biodiversity and providing livelihoods for communities globally. Unfortunately, these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities, including climate change, habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution. PMAFF supports initiatives that implement sustainable Marine Protected Areas, reform international fisheries governance, conserve coral reefs and shark species, increase legal capacity for marine conservation, end plastic pollution, and combat climate change by decarbonizing maritime shipping and building international will for climate action. Our strategic grantmaking emphasizes collaboration with ocean-focused donor-advised funds and funding collaboratives, utilizing a bi-annual grantmaking process to maximize impact.

OUR DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CORE VALUE

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with applicable local, state, and federal antidiscrimination laws which prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employees or applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, work authorization status, pregnancy and the potential or intention to become pregnant, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, status as a victim of domestic, sexual, gender or criminal violence, certain arrest or criminal history records, lack of a permanent mailing address or a mailing address that is a shelter or social services provider, and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours.

We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon these characteristics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Application instructions

To apply submit an application here:

https://paulmangellfamilyfoundation.applytojob.com/apply

You will be asked to submit the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter highlighting your experience and your ability to excel in this role
• Expected start date: July 2026

All applications must be submitted by Monday, April 6th at 12AM Eastern Time.

We hope you’re excited about this role! To keep the process fair and equitable, we will not be holding informal meetings. We encourage everyone interested to apply, and if you need accommodations, please contact[email protected]

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