Senior Program Manager

Grantmaking Strategy Development and Execution
● Lead the development and continuous refinement of the 11th Hour Racing Grant Program Strategy in coordination with the President and grantmaking team, including articulating and evolving a detailed theory of change with logic model, tactics, measurable outcomes, and learning agendas for each focus area.

●Identify and cultivate potential new opportunities for transformational change and develop grant recommendations to achieve strategic objectives.
● Maintain and share knowledge of current events in the assigned strategic area as it relates to programmatic outcomes, including ocean literacy and experiential education, coastal restoration and nature-based solutions, sustainability in the marine industry and the linkages between soil health, water quality, and climate change.
● Analyze and refine evaluation data to assess program impacts, gaps, equity implications, and strategic risks, generating insights that inform adaptive strategy and continuous improvement.
● Present grant strategy and recommendations to the leadership at 11th Hour Racing, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and the Board.

Grant Management
● Solicit, review, and analyze grant proposals, and prepare recommendations for approval.
● Manage grant files and lead continuous improvement of portfolio tracking systems, processes, and tools to ensure strategic visibility, compliance, and operational excellence.
● Work closely with grants administration and finance teams to ensure grants are processed in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner.
● Oversee budget narratives and allocations in collaboration with leadership at 11th Hour Racing and the Schmidt Family Foundation.

Staff Supervision
● Supervise two junior staff members within the grant team, as well as temporary interns and research fellows.

Internal Collaboration and Community Engagement
● Lead positive and productive partner relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals.
● Design and facilitate opportunities for engagement, connection, and shared learning across the 11th Hour Racing network and broader ecosystem partners.
● Manage and execute site visits to grantee and partner locations.
● Build, maintain, and expand an existing network of thought partners and advisors.
● Identify and collaborate on the creation of strategic communications and initiatives that showcase the work of 11th Hour Racing’s grantees, partners, and strategic focus areas.
● Foster a dynamic, collaborative environment with other members of 11th Hour Racing, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and other Schmidt entities in order to achieve program goals.
● Represent 11th Hour Racing at conferences and gatherings.
● Other projects and activities as assigned by the President

● Brings a passion for the mission of 11th Hour Racing
● Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork
● Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
● Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English
● Strong interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with many diverse internal and external contacts, including partners, vendors, and fellow team members
● Strong ability to work through administrative processes with a keen attention to detail
● Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
● Ability to work legally in the United States.
● Ability to work in Newport, Rhode Island.

● Master’s degree in Marine Sciences or Policy, Environmental Studies, Sustainability or similar disciplines with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position.
● 7 plus years of relevant experience in sustainability, philanthropy, nonprofit, research, or other related fields is required.
● Previous experience managing junior staff.
● Demonstrated expertise in successfully developing funding strategies and managing a budget.
● Knowledge of ocean and marine industries is strongly preferred.
● Demonstrated project management skills strongly preferred.
● Fluent in Google Suite.
● Salesforce experience preferred

This position will supervise two grant program coordinators/associates and temporary interns or research fellows.

Approximately 95% of time spent on the job involves use of a video display terminal; therefore, the candidate must be able to sit for extended periods and to utilize standard ergonomics practices. This position primarily works in an office environment, requiring the following activity: lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending. Must be able to use standard office equipment such as copiers and faxes.