Position Description: Smith Fellows Program Associate

Status: Full Time, Remote                                                                              
How to Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to smithinfo@smithfellows.org put “Smith Fellows Program Associate” in the subject line.

Closing Date: Open until filled, application review will begin as early as April 14

Overview

Funded by the Cedar Tree Foundation (CTF), and served by its administrative partner and grantee, the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program (The Smith Fellowship) was founded in 1998 on a bold vision to bridge conservation science and practice by supporting the development of promising early career conservation scientists. A prestigious two-year post-doctoral research fellowship, the Program recruits and funds high-caliber, early career scientists at the post doctorate level to conduct research to contribute critical knowledge and application to pressing problems in U.S. conservation science.

Mission and Values:  The purpose of the David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship is to create opportunities for leading conservation scientists to strengthen their skills through two years of applied post-doctoral research, supplemented by training programs, peer networking, and field learning experiences; so that they may build productive partnerships with conservation practitioners and contribute and communicate scientific knowledge to problems of critical importance in conservation. More information can be found at www.smithfellows.org.

The David H. Smith Conservation Research Program is administratively hosted at the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) and the Program Associate will be an SCB employee. SCB is an international professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of conserving Earth's biological diversity. While our historical roots were founded in the field of biology, we recognize that conservation in today’s complex world requires a globalized approach that maximizes collaboration amongst professionals from all fields. With more than 3,000 members worldwide, professionals, students, organizations, and supporters collaborate together in a way that transcends borders to advance this Mission. More information about SCB can be found on the SCB website www.conbio.org.

The Smith Fellows Program and its administrative host, the Society for Conservation Biology, are committed to values of equity, inclusion and diversity and invite individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

Program Associate Core Responsibilities 

The Program Associate supports all aspects of program operations consistent with the implementation of the Smith Fellows Program’s mission. The Program Associate is employed by SCB and reports to the Program Director and the Executive Director. The Program Associate specifically focuses on the following:

General Administrative Support

• General administrative support, including scheduling and interacting with SCB staff and systems as necessary
• Assist with processing financial and administrative transactions
• Monitor general information inquiries that come to the Smith Fellows program
• Create and maintain databases of current Fellows, university partners, alumni, mentors, and others as needed
• Maintaining the Smith Fellows calendar

Communication and Technical Support

• Create social media and newsletter content. Manage the logistics and posting on all Smith Fellows social media channels with supervision from the Program Director
• Assist with content creation, maintenance and updating of Smith Fellows website
• Work collaboratively to develop, produce, and disseminate marketing materials
• Work with the Program Director to create initial drafts of reports, meeting notes, agendas, event materials, and other content as needed
• Implement networking opportunities for the Smith Fellows community

Event Management Support

• Provide administrative support (in-prep and on-site) for professional development retreats and other events including:
  • Travel, venue, and hotel logistics
  • Processing travel reimbursements
  • Coordinate evaluations
  • Other administrative duties

Program Associate Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (demonstrated combination of education and experience)
• Excellent written communication skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Expression Engine or other content management systems, and Adobe Creative Suite software a plus
• Project coordination/administration experience
• Event planning/logistics experience
• Social media and website management experience, graphic design experience a plus
• Self-motivated, highly organized, creative and willing to learn, able to work independently as well as a part of a team
• Passion for conservation science and practice
• Commitment to integrating values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the Program

• Able to travel up-to 3-4 weeks per year both domestically and internationally

Status
Funding for a full time position is confirmed through the end of 2024 and is budget dependent for 2025 and beyond.

Salary: $$45,000 - 50,000 annually including a generous benefits package (vacation/sick leave, health/life insurance, retirement)

Position is US-based, remote (work from home), must be eligible to work in the United States.

Vacation begins accruing at two weeks (10 days) annually plus all federal holidays and the last week of the year SCB is closed for the holidays. Employees accrue and are capped at 12 sick days annually. SCB provides employee sponsored group health insurance coverage at 100% of the premium annually per family as well as life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. SCB offers a 401(k) retirement plan to full-time employees. The retirement savings opportunity includes a 1:1 contribution match up to 5% of the employee’s salary, with tax-deferred investments. New employees are eligible for elective deferrals and to receive SCB matching contributions after ninety (90) days of employment.  Vesting in SCB-contributed portion of the plan is complete after two (2) years of service.