Program Associate at the Maxwell-Hanrahan Foundation

About the Foundation

Delle Maxwell and Pat Hanrahan started the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation in 2018 to support individual scientists, teachers, conservationists and creators whose diverse perspectives enable us to discover new things about ourselves and our world.

The Foundation supports people who:

• Explore and ask through fieldwork in natural sciences.
• Create and captivate as they promote mastery in art and craft.
• Teach and try as they support students in public education.
• Conserve and connect as they encourage care for the natural world.

Focus areas include hands-on science, art and craft, teachers and classrooms and protecting nature. Our current programs include Field Biology, Craft, Diversity and Inclusion in Art, Design and Computing, Public School Teachers, Resilient Ecosystems, and Food. In 2025, the Foundation is exploring new programs in field-based Earth Science and Science Communication.

Learn more about our programs at https://www.maxwell-hanrahan.org/programs

The Opportunity

The Program Associate will support the work of program staff in grant research and reporting, awards and program implementation, grant management, operational support, research projects and program-related communications that celebrate the people and organizations we fund.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the position may work across all of the Foundation’s programs, but initially will likely focus on Resilient Ecosystems (60%), future science programs, and Public School Teachers (20%).

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing, early-stage family foundation. The team has the flexibility to experiment, refine, and expand programs that directly support individuals making an impact in their fields.

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations Support (65%)

• Assist the Executive Director and Program Officer in developing and managing grants, particularly for the Resilient Ecosystems portfolio.
• Research potential grantees, evaluate proposals, draft grant summaries through online research; schedule and track outcomes, and enter grants into the grants management system.
• Support ongoing grant management: provide initial review of reports, schedule calls, answer questions about our reporting processes, and support reporting conversations and documentation with grantees.
• Elevate organizational or programmatic questions and challenges.
• Apply judgment, discretion and trust-based philanthropy principles in grantee interactions.
• Provide program management support for new awards: organize and participate in advisory committee meetings, draft and send communications to nominators.
• Assist in conducting due diligence on award nominees in existing and new awards.

Communications (20%)

• Serve as the primary contact for grant reports and payment inquiries.
• Research, select, and draft content for Foundation communications, including blog posts, press releases, social media, and the website.
• Support efforts to highlight and engage award winners, including developing videos, promotional materials, and supporting in-person awards events.
• Respond to requests for information and resources or elevate to the appropriate Foundation contact.
• Actively participate in and support internal and external meetings: draft agendas, prepare supporting materials, take notes, and contribute to discussions.
• Cultivate an inclusive network of partners and stay informed on key issues in our fields of interest.
• Represent the Foundation to external audiences, including foundations, non-profits, awardees and community leaders.

Research and Grant Development (15%)

• Research potential grantees and perform landscape analyses relevant to the Foundation’s focus areas.
• Conduct research to support program strategy in collaboration with the Executive Director and other program staff.

Key Competencies

Please view this list as guidance. If you do not meet all of the items on this list and have skills and experiences that would be an asset to the role, please apply.

• Grantmaking & Program Operations: Skilled at supporting senior staff with high-volume grant processes, including research, data entry, report review, and grantee communications. Comfortable managing transactional details while understanding broader program goals.
• Project Management & Organization: Exceptionally detail-oriented, with the ability to track multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure work is completed to a high standard. Skilled at managing up and keeping program staff on track.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfortable supporting multiple staff members, shifting priorities, and handling emerging needs in a lean, evolving organization.
• Communication & Professionalism: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Able to interact with staff, founders, and external stakeholders with maturity and discretion. Able to build trust and represent the Foundation professionally.
• Trust-Based Philanthropy: Understands and applies principles of trust-based philanthropy while ensuring compliance with grantmaking policies and procedures.
• Initiative & Independent Work Ethic: Takes ownership of tasks, works independently, and exercises sound judgment about when to escalate issues.
• Teamwork & Relationship Management: Comfortable in a teamwork-heavy environment and contributing to a collaborative, inclusive workplace. Strong interpersonal skills to work closely with leadership, internal teams, grantees, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of professional experience in grantmaking, nonprofit operations, program administration, project management or a related field with high-volume transactional work. Prior foundation or regranting experience is highly desirable.
• Education: Open to various educational backgrounds. Strong preference for candidates with prior professional office experience handling responsibilities like writing professional emails, presenting to senior staff, and managing deadlines.
• Commitment to the Mission: Broad interest in the Foundation’s work in science, art, craft, teaching, and environmental protection, with an ability to engage thoughtfully across these areas.
• Career Trajectory Fit: This is a critical position supporting a small team; it is not designed to be a pathway to a Program Officer position in the near term. Ideal candidates will see the opportunity for professional growth within the Program Associate role.

Position Details

Location and Schedule

The Foundation operates on a hybrid work schedule, with an expectation of being in the office at least 25% of the time per quarter (approximately 2-3 days per week). Candidates must live in the San Francisco Bay Area or be willing to relocate and must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $100-125,000, depending on skills and experience.

The Foundation offers an excellent benefits package, which includes 6 weeks paid time off, an annual wellness stipend, 100% employer paid platinum health care plan for employees (75% for dependents), student debt relief, 5:1 donation matching, a 401k plan with 7% match and a supportive work culture that honors work-life balance.

To Apply

CEA Recruiting is assisting Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation with this search. To be considered for the position, please use this link to submit a resume, thoughtful cover letter, and salary expectations. Please note that applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

We anticipate the interview process will include:

• An initial 30-45-minute video interview with CEA Recruiting
• A 75-minute video interview with members of the Maxwell/Hanrahan hiring team
• An in-person interview day with 2-3 sessions with the Maxwell/Hanrahan staff team

Throughout the process, we will make sure there is sufficient time for you to ask us questions. Interviews can be scheduled outside of normal business hours, if needed. With your permission, we ask final candidates to provide references, and we complete a background check. We are committed to keeping you informed of your status throughout the process.

The position will remain posted until filled. All applicants will be notified when the search has closed. You may contact search lead Tamara Evans with questions (tamara@ceaconsulting.com). To ensure your application is reviewed and you receive notifications about the process, please use only the webform to submit your application materials.

Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies. For more information, visit www.cearecruiting.com.