Environmental Program Officer

Ventura, CA

As an Environmental Program Officer, you are responsible for taking a strategic approach to the development, research, implementation, and execution of Patagonia’s environmental funding programs with an emphasis on civic engagement, environmental justice and underrepresented communities in the environmental movement and outdoor industry. Your role focuses on fostering relationships with prospective and ongoing grantees, strategic development and execution of relevant programs and funding initiatives, and engaging employees as key stakeholders throughout the grantmaking process.

What You’ll Do

Responsible for the strategic development and execution of a number of Patagonia’s key issue-based programs, consistent with both the company’s and the environmental department’s strategic priorities that center justice, equity and antiracism.
Research issues, campaigns, organizations, and coalitions that are tackling critical environmental issues with a racial and social justice lens.
Develops, fosters, and strengthens relationships with potential and existing grantees though regular communication, events/conferences, and occasional site visits.
Serves as the primary grantee contact for all grant-related inquiries, communication of final grant decisions and relevant grantee-related special projects.
Works closely with programmatic grants team to provide cohesive support for relevant issues and groups that crossover into other programs.
Serves as link between grantees and our capacity building team to assess grantee needs, offer relevant opportunities and programs to meet their needs, and inform internal efforts to better support our grantees with capacity building support, which includes assisting with the planning and execution of the Tools for Grassroots Activists Conference.
Works closely with our Action Works team to support the onboarding of new grantees, develop and execute grantee engagement strategies and inform the evolution of the platform itself, to better meet the needs of our grantees.
Facilitates relevant grant council meetings while providing expertise and background information to help our council make informed decisions.
Assists in leveraging Patagonia’s funding by actively engaging other foundations and other potential donors on relevant issues and opportunities.
When appropriate, act as a liaison with, or convener of, grantees, funders, and networks to facilitate the exchange of information, ideas, and strategies.
Responsible for tracking and providing regular reports on respective funding initiatives and programs.
Serves as a liaison on relevant internal company committees, including the equity and justice planning committees and company-wide strategic planning committees.

Who You Are

Collaborative – Establishes open communication and partnership with internal and external stakeholders
Strategic Thinker & Leader – Able to think big picture, recognize viable creative ideas of others and brings them to the table and to those in a position to implement them
Adaptable – Embraces flexibility to handle change, and grow in the process
Resilient – Comfortable and confident through change management
Excellent Communicator – Both verbally and in writing
Diplomatic – Able to handle controversial issues with comfort, subtlety, and finesse.

Experience You Bring

5+ years’ experience as a grantmaker with a foundation
3+ years’ experience working with an environmental non-profit, working with underrepresented communities on environmental issues
1+ years’ experience working in the U.S. on civic engagement/electoral programs
Advanced degree in a related field or commensurate work experience on environmental justice or civic engagement issues, such as leadership of a significant environmental campaign
Demonstrated ability to create and implement a program or funding initiative from start to finish; ability to build lasting work relationships with grantees, other foundations’ staff, government officials and other colleagues
Ability to organize and effectively handle multiple projects, meet regular deadlines with consistency and accuracy, work independently while within a team structure, and work under pressure with ease and humor
Proficiency in Outlook, Microsoft Word, Windows, and Excel. Experience with grants management software helpful

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Patagonia requires all employees who enter a Patagonia owned or operated facility or who physically interact with others as part of their job duties to demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of their employment, subject to exemptions for sincerely held religious beliefs, or medical reasons.

Employee Conduct

It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers, and vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.