The Goldman Environmental Foundation (the Foundation) bestows the Goldman Environmental Prize (the Prize)—the world’s foremost award honoring grassroots environmental leadership. Founded in 1989 by Rhoda and Richard Goldman, the Prize has honored the achievements of grassroots environmental activists around the world for more than 35 years.

The Prize recognizes individuals for significant achievements in protecting and conserving the natural environment in the world’s six inhabited continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands & Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America. The Prize views “grassroots” leaders as those involved in collective action at the community level to affect local, regional, national, or international change. By celebrating these individual leaders, the Prize seeks to inspire ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to protect the natural world.

The Prize is presented at a ceremony each April in San Francisco and is accompanied by varied activities and supports both before and after the ceremony. For more information, please visit http://www.goldmanprize.org/‍

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‍Associate Program Officer

‍The Goldman Environmental Foundation seeks an Associate Program Officer to join its program team. This person will contribute to the research of Prize candidates and produce written reports on finalists for presentation to an international Prize Jury which meets each year to select the Prize winners. Following Prize winner selection, the Associate Program Officer supports the program team in preparing Prize winners for the Prize announcement, ceremony, and tour in the spring. In addition, they will contribute to program team efforts regarding Prize docket preparation, program development, nominator outreach and recruitment, and past Prize winner relations. This role reports to the Senior Program Officer.

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‍Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide critical support for the Prize winner selection process:
  • Conduct in-depth research, evaluation, and analysis of nominees globally, including reviewing nominations, communicating with nominators, conducting interviews with references, completing rigorous qualitative research, and writing detailed evaluations used by the Prize Jury in its decision-making process.
  • Participate in the production and editing of the annual Jury docket.
  • Attend the annual Jury meeting and, as needed, respond to juror questions about finalists.
• Support Prize winners in their preparation for the Prize announcement, tour, and ceremony. Assist Prize winners with travel logistics, planning, and coordination. Over time, this position may travel to visit Prize winners in their home countries for pre-tour briefings.
• With other team members, arrange appropriate meetings, briefings, and capacity building events for the Prize winners, and support them during the Prize tour.
• Work with the Senior Program Officer and Program Manager to provide follow-up and ongoing support to Prize winners following the Prize tour.
• Collaborate with other members of the program team to steward the current Prize nominator pool, conduct research and outreach, assist with data entry, and recruit new nominators.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned.

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‍Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in environmental philanthropy and/or environmental nonprofits is preferred
• A Bachelor’s degree
• Excellent research experience and strong writing and communication skills a must
• High-level of organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail
• Worked and/or lived experience outside of the United States preferred
• Ability to work cooperatively with small staff and work well under pressure in internal and public settings
• Experience successfully learning and utilizing technology in a professional environment
• Foreign language skills a plus
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness, and commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity
• Bay Area resident or willingness to relocate to Bay Area required (relocation assistance not available)

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‍Physical Requirements

‍Position requires extended periods of sitting or working at a standing desk, with much of the work done at a computer workstation. It may be necessary to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires a level of energy adequate to work before and at certain events and to get to and participate in meetings or events at several different locations during a single day. Some domestic and international travel may be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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‍Compensation and Location

‍The salary range for this position is $90,000-$100,000. The Foundation has a hybrid work environment and requires all staff to spend a minimum of two days per week—usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays—in the San Francisco office. Candidates must live in the San Francisco Bay Area or be willing to relocate to fulfill in-person requirements (relocation assistance not available).

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‍To Apply

‍CEA Recruiting is assisting the Goldman Environmental Foundation with this search. To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow the link below to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements through CEA’s job portal. Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting. This position will remain open until filled. Applications received before January 5, 2026, will be given priority; later submissions will be reviewed as needed until the position is filled.

‍The Goldman Environmental Foundation is an "at-will" and equal opportunity employer. This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The Goldman Environmental Foundation reserves the right to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities to this position at any time without advance notice.‍

‍CEA Recruiting works with leading environmental nonprofits, foundations, and businesses to recruit top talent and design effective organizational staffing strategies. For more information, visit www.cearecruiting.com.