Program Manager

The Schmidt Family Foundation • Full-time • Arlington, Virginia • 3m ago

About The Schmidt Family Foundation

Established in 2006 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, the Schmidt Family Foundation works to restore a balanced relationship between people and planet. Through grantmaking and investments, the foundation partners with communities around the world in working for renewable energy, resilient food systems, healthy oceans and the protection of human rights.

The Schmidt Family Foundation is a private foundation with assets exceeding $2B and an impact investment portfolio of approximately $160M in AUM.

Job Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join The 11th Hour Project’s Human Rights Program as a Program Manager, where you’ll be part of a passionate and values-driven team invested in supporting movements that defend human rights from destructive mining, energy, and agricultural projects and policies—systems that extract wealth, harm communities, and devastate the environment. We are deeply committed to building equitable partnerships and co-creating strategies with grassroots and frontline organizations to advance meaningful, community-led change. With a focus on collaboration, integrity, and long-term partnership for impact, The 11th Hour Project supports partners confronting systemic injustice and advocating for human rights in the face of environmental and social harm. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is eager to contribute to transformative work alongside thoughtful, justice-oriented colleagues and partners.

The Program Manager will shape and refine program strategy as well as execute grantmaking for the 11th Hour Project Human Rights Program’s Mining and Human Rights strategy. While the current geographic focus includes the Republic of Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti, the portfolio also includes partnerships in other African countries.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and lead the mining and human rights strategy within the Human Rights Program, including the development and oversight of a detailed theory of change, logic model, tactics, and outcomes
Explore and pursue bold opportunities for transformational change in a rapidly evolving landscape—particularly where rising global demand for minerals and metals is driving supply-side expansion in regions such as Africa—and develop strategic grant recommendations that advance program objectives and partner-led solutions.
Lead positive and productive partner and grantee relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals
Manage and execute site visits to regions of geographical focus as well as play leadership role in convening of partners
Maintain and share knowledge of current events in the assigned strategic area as it relates to programmatic outcomes
Build, maintain and expand upon an existing network of thought-partners and advisors
Represent the Foundation at conferences and gatherings
Present strategic grant recommendations to the Executive Director & Board
Solicit, review and analyze grant proposals
Prepare and complete grant documentation for approval by the Program Director
Maintain grant files, including contact management, evaluations and metrics reporting
Foster a dynamic and collaborative work environment with fellow team members and TSFF leadership to align on both programmatic and organizational goals
Work closely with grants administration and finance teams to ensure grants are processed in a timely, accurate and compliant manner
Actively participate in cross-programmatic initiatives at TSFF, affinity groups, including panel moderation, webinar coordination and conference planning
Other projects as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork
Critical thinking, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with a number of diverse internal and external contacts, including grantees, other funders, vendors, and fellow team members
Proven oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to actively participate in group meetings
Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that requires adaptability, responsiveness, and the ability to manage evolving situations—sometimes under pressure
Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
Demonstrated keenness to work closely with partners and team members to respond to emerging issues with thoughtfulness and urgency
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a high level of self-motivation
Strong awareness of and sensitivity to working across diverse cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic contexts

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in a related field, or equivalent education, with directly relevant experience in sub-Saharan Africa and/or mining and human rights issues. An advanced degree is a plus.
5 - 7 years of relevant experience is required
Experience working in one or more of the program’s countries of focus is a strong asset.
Demonstrated strategy development experience, project management skills strongly preferred
Demonstrated expertise in successfully managing a budget
Experience using an online database strongly preferred
Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in both English and French are required
Non-profit experience and/or volunteering experience strongly preferred
Ability and flexibility to travel internationally several times a year
Ability to work legally in the United States
Fluent in Microsoft Office programs

Reporting Relationships

This position does not supervise others at this time
This position reports to the Program Director

$143,300 - $170,100 a year

This is an exempt position based in the Foundation’s San Francisco office and requires regular on-site presence in alignment with our default-to-office policy. Placement in Arlington, VA may be considered at the Foundation’s discretion.

Commitment to diversity

The Schmidt Family Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.