PROGRAM OFFICER MACARTHUR FELLOWS PROGRAM

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

PROGRAM OFFICER

MACARTHUR FELLOWS PROGRAM

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Chicago, IL

Background:

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.

MacArthur Fellows Program Overview:

The MacArthur Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown exceptional creativity and dedication in their pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. There are three criteria for selection of MacArthur Fellows: exceptional creativity, promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishment, and potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work. For more information about the MacArthur Fellows Program visit www.macfound.org/programs/fellows/.

Position General Summary:

The Program Officer, Fellows Program, will triage, review, and develop nominations for the MacArthur Fellows Program, with special responsibility for the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.  S/he will identify and engage with nominators, evaluators and others from a broad range of fields and areas of interest.  The incumbent will also identify and articulate foundational research and emerging trends in STEM. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

·        Identify and work with evaluators and nominators, accessing specific individuals in appropriate networks

·        Draft briefs about nominees to be reviewed by an independent selection committee

·        Meet with nominators, selectors, Fellows, and field experts

·        Work with consultants engaged in conducting evaluations

·        Represent the Foundation at related conference and meetings

·        Make presentations to the Selection Committee as needed

·        Keep current with public issues and scholarly activities

·        Supervise and support other program staff as needed

Other Responsibilities and Duties:

·        Provide feedback to supervisors on goal/task completion

·        Assist in design and implementation of new initiatives

·        Write reports and develop other program-related projects

·        Assist the Managing Director as needed

Requirements:

·        Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience

·        Exposure to, and experience with, STEM community and networks

·        Ph.D

Personal Qualifications:

·        Ability to articulate how STEM can address contemporary global challenges

·        Intellectual curiosity

·        Appreciation of the nature and importance of creative work, and the ability to recognize it

·        Excellent writing, research and speaking skills

·        Demonstrated competence in exercising sound judgment and decision-making

·        Ability to analyze and summarize complex data quickly, and to  conceptualize critical issues and develop solutions to problems

·        Ability to organize and convey problems/issues in written and oral format within various area

·        Comfortable with, and open to, people who hold diverse views and perspectives

·        Commitment to the belief and goals of the Foundation

·         Well-organized and efficient at managing multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines

·        Self-confidence, a sense of diplomacy, a collegial approach to work, and high professional standards

·        Familiarity with Windows software package (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook)

·        Well-developed critical thinking and analytical skills

·        Ability to work with all levels of the Foundation

·        Ability to travel occasionally

Application:

To apply for the Program Officer position, interested candidates should visit www.macfound.org/jobs. Electronic submissions are required. Please submit a cover letter and resume explaining your interest in the position and your relevant experience.  You will receive acknowledgement that your application was received. 

We will contact applicants who are selected for further consideration.  We are not able to respond to general inquiries from all applicants.  If you have problems with the online system, please contact Human Resources at:  jobs@macfound.org.

The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and benefits from the various perspectives and talents of a racially and culturally diverse staff.