Program Officer

About Waverley Street Foundation

Waverley Street Foundation (WSF) builds and supports solutions at the intersection of climate change and community priorities, focusing on efforts and initiatives that draw connections between urgent local and community-based issues—including housing, transportation, food security, regenerative agriculture, and more—and the health of our planet. The Foundation is especially eager to partner with communities that are already enduring severe impacts of climate change and that deserve a central place in solutions. WSF prioritizes representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of its work. 

Unlike most philanthropies, WSF will spend down its assets—approximately $3 billion— over the next 9 years, a decision that empowers it to support not only sensible and pragmatic solutions but also daring bets and breakthroughs that can alter the trajectory of the climate crisis and unlock a new and better future for humanity. 

WSF strives to do things differently and be entrepreneurial and innovative in their grantmaking approach. As they take on the task of addressing global climate change, they are adopting a campaign mindset where they look to empower people and communities to ensure that their governments adopt and implement climate friendly policies. Starting with some of the highest emitting nations in the Global South, the goal is to demonstrate the collective will of humanity to reside on a livable planet, and to develop momentum for climate improvements that results in a global transition to clean energy sources and sustainable living. WSF works in deep collaboration with field experts and advisors, as it is essential that the Foundation’s strategy is developed not in conference rooms but out in the world, informed by the lived experiences and innovative ideas of the people most directly impacted by the problems the foundation seeks to address. Specifically, WSF convenes community experts from a variety of disciplines to understand their experiences and help realize their solutions. 

To execute against their ambitious goals, WSF is seeking two Program Officers to support their team.

The Opportunity: Program Officer

Waverley Street Foundation is building out its team of Program Officers to advance work that will bring the foundation’s ambitious climate goals into fruition. The Program Officers will help shape and guide the trajectory of the Foundation’s climate initiatives, specifically advancing the Foundation’s work on renewable energy and regenerative agriculture in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Reporting to the Head of US programs, the Program Officers will oversee and build significant grant portfolios and partnerships with likeminded funders and key stakeholders. The Program Officers will also work closely with other program staff to identify opportunities for collaboration that advance the foundation’s ambitious climate goals.

Your Mission

Strategic Program Implementation

• Co-Develop and implement strategic grantmaking initiatives in renewable energy and/or regenerative agriculture in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
• Identify gaps and opportunities in the field ripe for philanthropic engagement and executing a responsive grantmaking strategy to deploy resources.
• Collaborate with the leadership team and the Director of Learning to define program priorities and outcomes.

Grants Management

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of grants, from project scoping to proposal evaluation to monitoring and reporting on impact.
• Work closely with grantees to provide support, guidance, and ensure the effective utilization of resources.

Research and Analysis

• Stay abreast of current trends, innovations, and challenges in the climate sector.
• Conduct thorough due diligence and research to identify potential partners, projects, and opportunities for collaboration.

Partnership Building

• Develop and maintain relationships with existing grantees and new prospects to learn from current work, explore emerging opportunities, and build new concepts.
• Facilitate collaboration and networking within the climate philanthropy community.
• Measure and track progress of the grantee portfolio while incorporating learning into program activities.

Advocacy and Outreach

• Represent the organization in relevant forums, conferences, and networks.
• Advocate for policy changes and initiatives that align with the organization’s mission.