Job Description
**** Location can be Irvine, CA (preferred) or Washington DC****
JOB SUMMARY
The Program Manager, Legal Strategies will report to and work closely with the Program Director, Legal Strategies and collaborate with Sequoia Climate Foundation leadership to manage the grantmaking portfolio for legal strategies and will manage productive relationships with grantees, communicating openly and engaging directly with them and with other key stakeholders. The Program Manager works with leadership to both develop and execute strategies and plans aligned with the organizational mission and vision. They will develop, support, and execute strategies as needed, compile the research and evidence necessary to assess their potential impact and chances for success, and identify the organizations best positioned to execute them. They will support in leading a team and work with peer networks, lawyers and legal organizations, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to assess emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities in the field.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY OUTCOMES
MANAGEMENT OF LEGAL PROGRAM:
- Bring catalytic thinking to the development of and management of evidence-based legal grantmaking strategies and processes that contribute to transformational change on a global scale.
- Work with the Program Director and colleagues to undertake or commission sector-relevant research and analysis and implement wide-ranging legal communication strategies that support the effective development, delivery, and evaluation of programs, internal and external communications, and initiatives.
- Write strategy recommendations and background papers, as well as present to proposed grantees for funding.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT:
- In partnership with the Legal Strategies team and other Sequoia Directorates engage with internal and external stakeholders, including experts, opinion-formers, NGOs, Sequoia staff, and peer funders, to stay informed about sector developments, emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities.
- Leverage networks to identify potential grantees and ensure decisions are informed by the latest insights and research.
- Collaborate across directorates to ensure strategic complementarity.
GRANTMAKING MANAGEMENT:
- Maintain and grow the legal grantmaking portfolio, establishing clear goals, metrics, and theories of change.
- Provide guidance, training, and connectivity with the Evidence and Learning team and the Grantmaking Operations team.
- Works with the Evidence and Learning team to build and implement robust evidence and learning agenda in our grantmaking.
- Ensure adherence to internal grantmaking processes through documentation, reporting, and budgeting.
- Plan grantmaking rhythm and cycles to smooth out grantmaking across the year.
- Partner with Sequoia’sFinance team and Grantmaking Operations team to arrive at relevant analysis and grantmaking policy guardrails.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP:
- Represent Sequoia at conferences, meetings, and events, sharing expertise and insights with the climate change and philanthropic communities.
- Support their team to provide thought leadership in their relevant subject areas and contribute to the broader philanthropic and bilateral donor dialogue.
- Proactively maintain and develop extensive external networks with experts within the field to ensure their work is shaped by the most up-to-date insights and research.
OPERATIONS AND PLANNING:
- Support the development of an annual plan for the team, including an administrative budget to anticipate and plan for programmatic expenses.
- Prepare presentations to effectively communicate program strategies and outcomes.
Performs other duties as required.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS
- Bachelor’s degree required. Law degree (U.S. or international) strongly preferred.
- A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in governance, legal practice, or legal philanthropy preferably in climate, energy, environmental, human rights, and/or public interest law.
- Knowledge of international law and non-U.S. legal regimes, as well as U.S. law.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a complex legal, governance, and advocacy portfolio, providing guidance across a broad spectrum of subject matters.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, showcasing the capacity to establish and sustain effective working relationships internally and with a diverse array of external partners.
- Robust aptitude for strategic thinking, goal setting, and prioritization, employing pragmatic and multifaceted approaches to ensure high-quality results.
- Possesses an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of identifying and seizing new opportunities, and collaborating effectively within diverse teams.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills, demonstrating clarity and persuasiveness in both writing and speaking.
- Experience in planning, strategy development, and impact measurement.
- Track record of building collaborative partnerships and confidently communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders.
COMPETENCIES
- Efficiency/Initiative: Ability to learn quickly, juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
- Integrity: Commitment to Sequoia Climate Foundation’s mission and values.
- Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrated values-based, results-driven leadership.
- Collegiality: Strong work ethic and experience working collaboratively with a team.
- Innovative: Problem-solving aptitude; Actively stays on top of industry innovations and shares such findings with the broader team. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Quality/Compliance: Attention to detail and timelines.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
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