About the Position

The network facilitator will work in tandem with MPC staff to successfully support and meet the goals of the Climate and Environmental Funders Network. This individual will bring subject matter expertise and relationships. Their role will be to facilitate the work of the network by ensuring that the advisory committee and programming meet the direction and goals of the full network. They will work closely with MPC support staff to execute high-quality programming and support the activities.

This position is a contracted position with an estimated scope not to exceed 250 hours annually with a retainer agreement to provide financial consistency and more predictability. This is a 1 year contact, subject to renewal, with a 90 day review period. 

About Maine Philanthropy Center & the Maine Climate & Environmental Funders Network

The Environmental Funders Network and Climate Change Funders are coming together to move forward as one group addressing the confluence of environmental issues, topics, and synergies within our respective communities. In 2023, we’ll combine efforts into a robust and cohesive network to better connect, learn, and engage in shared actions. 

We seek to create connections among funders, collectively identify learning opportunities, invite action to shared goals, and create value as “more than the sum of our parts.”   Our work to develop this broader approach is being led by representatives from both funder networks and is committed to responding to the needs of our respective communities and implementing partners. We commit to Maine Philanthropy Center’s Strategic Framework for our efforts, centering equity in community building, learning, leadership, and strengthening advocacy for collective power to drive transformational change for the community.  

Core Duties

Program Planning & Development (50%)

The consultant will work closely with MPC staff to accomplish the following:

• Engage workgroup chairs and foundation members in the development and implementation of a series of programs to increase their knowledge and shared understanding of climate and environmental issues, politics and NGO capacity
• Design and deliver high quality, effective programs (at least twice annually) and network gatherings (at least twice annually) based on direction from Advisory Committee
• With MPC staff, coordinate meeting logistics such as securing venues, ordering meals/refreshments, and setting up pre-meeting conference calls
• Secure panelists, assist with presentation and discuss goals/objectives in group or individually
• Follow-up with panelists and program participants, including providing notes and follow-up information, etc.

Network Weaving, Relationship Management & Communications (30%)

• Mapping the ecosystem of environmental and climate serving orgs to understand the landscape of work and uncovering niche opportunities for support to enhance existing work
• Distribute external communications with the support of MPC staff, as needed
• Cultivate & maintain relationships with key external partners (including the Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation, and the Future, Katahdin Collaborative, Nature-Based Education)
• Maintain regular informal and formal communications with MPC staff to ensure coordination and effective leveraging of MPC efforts and related initiatives supported by MPC members. This should include emails to notify staff of changes, developments etc., and impromptu phone check-ins in addition to regularly scheduled staff calls. 

Advisory Committee Management (20%)

• With MPC, develop agendas and facilitate Advisory Committee meetings
• Help advisory committee and network define strategies, governance structure and program plans that advance its mission
• Manage and facilitate working groups as needed
• Take notes & manage meeting follow up

Skills & Experience

The network would benefit from someone with experience in Maine’s environmental sector and with a working understanding of the impacts of climate change here. However, this knowledge and experience is not required. The ideal candidate for this position will possess:

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of their work, including interest and experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the climate and environmental space.
• Ability to facilitate, convene, and manage groups 
• Superior organizational skills
• Experience in the field of philanthropy and nonprofits to clearly understand the opportunities and challenges facing grantmakers and nonprofits
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, ability to consider diverse perspectives and exercise excellent judgment
• A proven ability to maintain a cooperative, supportive, and productive relationship with staff, members, volunteers, and key external stakeholders
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple competing deadlines

This position is a contracted position with Maine Philanthropy Center. Candidates would primarily work remotely, but may be expected to travel and attend in-person meetings and programs in throughout Maine. Please submit a proposal for scope of work including a resume that outlines relevant experience and contracting rates to careers@mainephilanthropy.org. If you have questions and would like have a brief conversation before submitting your materials, please reach out to jeannette@mainephilanthropy.org.