Senior Program Officer / Environment

Position Details

Title:                     Senior Program Officer / Environment

Location:             New York, NY

Reports to:         Program Director / Environment

Status:                  Full time – exempt (minimum three days a week in person)

The mission of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature and health & well-being. DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that serve the public directly. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total above $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)  

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM

Through the Environment Program, the foundation seeks to ensure a thriving, resilient environment for wildlife and people, and to foster an inclusive, effective conservation movement. Our work aims to propel effective conservation that protects and restores nature, helps address climate change and promotes a more equitable society. We support initiatives that increase the pace and scale of land conservation and stewardship across the United States to protect biodiversity, bolster the resilience of natural areas, advance climate change mitigation and advance equity. In particular, we are focused on two key initiatives: Climate Smart Forests, which aims to catalyze a national effort to conserve, restore and manage forests for conservation and climate outcomes, and Indigenous-led Conservation, which aims to elevate the leadership role that tribes and Indigenous communities play in conservation in the United States.

POSITION

As a key member of the Environment team, the Senior Program Officer (SPO) plays a central role in advancing the foundation’s mission and environmental goals. The SPO is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and administration of the department, ensuring that activities occur according to timeline, with excellence and align with strategic priorities. In partnership with the Program Director—who sets the overall vision and strategy—the SPO collaborates with a cross-functional team to lead the implementation of key initiatives and to deliver on both the strategic and operational goals of the program and DDF priorities.

YOUR IMPACT AT DDF

As the Senior Program Officer for the Environment team, you will directly shape and strengthen our commitment to environment conservation and climate resilience. You will:

• Advance Transformative Environmental Strategies
  • Design and manage high-impact initiatives that advance our strategic priorities and catalyze progress toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
• Steward Strategic Grantmaking and Collaboration
  •  Serve as a trusted partner to grantees, peer funders and community leaders, driving thoughtful grant investments and convening influential networks to amplify collective impact.
• Lead and Inspire Effective Environment Program Operations
  • Guide internal teams and external partners with a focus on operational excellence, team development and resource stewardship in service of DDF’s environmental goals.
• Strengthen Field Leadership and Influence
  • Represent DDF in national conversations and sector-wide initiatives, bringing credibility and collaborative energy to efforts that shape environmental policy and practice.
• Catalyze Organizational Learning and Innovation
  • Foster internal learning on conservation issues and support the evolution of DDF’s strategies through continuous feedback and the implementation of relevant initiatives.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with the environment and conservation field.
• A track record of successful end-to-end project management.
• Proven versatility, flexibility and ability to manage multiple projects and several priorities simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and sound decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to strategize, conceptualize, plan and critically analyze grantmaking and other programmatic opportunities.
• Ability to manage and lead teams within the program and across the foundation.
• A track record of working cooperatively and positively with colleagues to drive results.
• Excellent verbal and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Comfort with and interest in using technology to enhance productivity.
• Graduate degree in environmental topics, or equivalent experience in the field.

We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Anticipated salary range is $142,400-$178,000, and the final offer will depend on experience.
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off, and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.