[SPN-Discussion] Seeking Strategic Review Consultant for Environmental Foundation

[Jude]

Strategic Review Consultant for Environmental Foundations
 
The Open Space Institute is conducting a candidate search for an affiliated philanthropic institution with whom we work on land conservation.  The institution consists of a group of family foundations focused on environmental issues, which has assets in excess of $100M and a $5M annual budget.
 
The institution seeks a consultant for a period of 6 months to 1 year to conduct a strategic review, analysis and planning initiative for the foundations’ grantmaking activities to date –  about $50 M of grants to more than 50 beneficiaries over about 10 years.  Beneficiaries include many of the leading domestic and international environmental, arts and educational institutions, such as Wildlife Conservation Society, The Nature Conservancy, New York Botanical Garden, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Harvard University.
 
The overall initiative, which may extend beyond the initial consulting contract period, includes the activities leading up to, and the production of, the following deliverables:
 
A report summarizing the institution’s history and philanthropic activities, including a comprehensive baseline documentation of grants made to date, which may be published and distributed to interested parties.  [At a minimum, this deliverable is expected within the first 6 month contract period.]
A confidential report to be shared with the institution’s Trustees, which presents a critical evaluation of the foundations’ grantmaking activities to date, with respect to the effectiveness of individual grants as well as the grantmaking program as a whole.
A long-term strategic plan produced in collaboration with the Trustees that will guide the institution’s philanthropic mission and grantmaking activities.
 
Qualifications:
 
The consultant should be a highly-motivated, flexible and entrepreneurial self starter, willing to commit the time and effort required to complete the assignment within an aggressive, agreed-upon timeline.  Excellent academic credentials and a minimum of 3 years of work experience are required.  The position will involve some travel to interview grantees and related stakeholders (estimated 1 or 2 trips per month, mostly U.S.), so strong communication and interpersonal skills are a must.
 
Prior professional experience in management consulting, environmental issues (particularly land conservation), and/or philanthropic foundations are ideal but not required.
 
The assignment is expected to require a highly intensive, committed effort by the consultant, and offers a truly unique opportunity to gain a broad yet up-close exposure to the leading players in the environmental arena.  Additional information about the institution and the position will be provided to candidates who are selected for interviews. 
 
Start date:  Preferably January 2010
Interviews: To commence mid-December 2009
Location:  Great Neck, Long Island, New York
Contract period:  6 months to 1 year
Compensation:   Commensurate with experience
 
Please email (1) cover letter, (2) resume and (3) latest academic transcript to Jude Wu, Special Projects Associate, Open Space Institute at consultantsearch2009 at gmail.com. [Please no phone calls unless contacted for an interview.]