Program Associate, Animal Welfare
Margaret A Cargill Philanthropies
Eden Prairie, MN
Anticipated Start Date: 01/12/2026
Description
kpCompanies is leading the search for a detail-oriented and mission-driven Program Associate, Animal Welfare to join the team at Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP).
This role plays a vital part in supporting MACP’s philanthropic work dedicated to improving the wellbeing of animals and fostering compassion across communities. The Program Associate will provide administrative, programmatic, and grantmaking support to the Animal Welfare domain—helping ensure effective coordination, data management, and impact tracking across multiple programs. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, thrives in an environment of purpose and precision, and is inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Associate, Animal Welfare plays a vital support role within MACP’s Animal Welfare domain, contributing to the organization’s philanthropic goals through precise coordination, research, and collaboration. The Program Associate provides administrative, grantmaking and evaluation support to the Program Director and Program Officers, ensuring data integrity, effective communication, and timely completion of key processes. This individual will also contribute to learning and evaluation practices, including data analysis, insight tracking, and process improvement initiatives. This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys supporting mission-driven initiatives, managing complex details, and continuously improving systems and processes that help advance MACP’s animal welfare mission.
EQUAL-EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We know that engaging, building trust, and making a difference relies on the collective wisdom and strength of many perspectives. Diverse perspectives are essential for advancing our mission and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds who bring various lived experiences and professional expertise, and who share a commitment to our donors’ vision of providing meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment. We are proud to welcome a diverse mix of candidates and to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, familial status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, public assistance, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss and offer reasonable
Responsibilities
Program Support
Maintain the domain’s grantmaking calendar to ensure it helps meet key milestones and reporting deadlines. Assist applicants and grantees with MACP’s grantmaking systems (Fluxx) and related processes.
Support development and management of the domain operating budget and quarterly leadership reports using systems such as Fluxx, Adaptive, and Qlik. Assemble and organize high-quality grant and program materials for Board and Program Committee meetings.
Organize and coordinate meetings and events (on-site and off-site), take meeting notes, and prepare materials for team and domain-level meetings.
Conduct research and synthesize findings into written briefs for program officers. Manage and analyze internal tracking tools to ensure accurate, up-to-date information on grants, budgets, payments, and reporting metrics
Collaborate with communications staff on internal and external team updates. Support other Program Associates and domains as needed to balance workloads across teams.
Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying process efficiencies and recommending system enhancements. Handle correspondence with grantees and other external parties, including consultants, as assigned.
Assist with high quality mapping and data visualization that supports proposals and other initiatives. Support team trackers, such as grants management, scenario planning, grantmaking, grantee check-ins, travel, payments, and reporting tools.
Grant Administration and Evaluation
Support Engage with applicants and grantees to facilitate timely and accurate completion of applications, grant agreements, and reports.
Maintain accurate and complete electronic records per MACP’s retention policies. Input and update grantee information, proposals, payments, and reporting requirements in Fluxx. Coordinate grant payments with grantees, Grants Management, and Finance teams.
Export and analyze data; prepare reports as needed in collaboration with evaluation and learning staff.
Manage the Companion Animal service data spreadsheet, ensuring data collection, cleaning, and analysis. Support the domain’s learning practice, including impact tracking, sensemaking, and knowledge management.
Requirements
Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred. 2+ years of experience in program or grant administration (nonprofit or philanthropy preferred).
Strong Excel proficiency (formulas, pivot tables, dashboards, data cleaning) required. Experience using grantmaking or data systems (Fluxx preferred). Familiarity with evaluation, data analysis, or learning support a plus.
Skills & Attributes
Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented; comfortable managing multiple priorities. Flexible and adaptable, with a growth mindset and ability to navigate change. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; enjoys working as part of a team.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. Integrity and discretion in handling confidential information. Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving and systems-thinking capabilities. Deep interest in philanthropy and animal welfare.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE
Hybrid work schedule based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Expected in-office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and either Monday or Thursday) with remote work up to two days weekly. Fridays are fully remote. Shared work hours: Monday–Thursday, 9am–3pm; Friday, 9am–12pm. Occasional flexibility for events, meetings, or deadlines.
Primarily sedentary office role with typical office mobility and computer use.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
MACP has identified a salary range of $79,000- $88,000 for this role.
The actual starting salary will be commensurate with years, breadth, and depth of relevant experience, education, certifications, credentials, special skills, accomplishments, and other factors relevant to the position. MACP benefits are generous and include Competitive compensation. Professional development benefits, including opportunities to participate in relevant membership organizations and external learning activities.
Tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing college or advanced degrees or a certificate. Strong medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff and their dependents with competitive monthly premiums and flexible spending accounts. Reduced work week for all staff, with half-day closures on Fridays, year-round. Minimum of four weeks of paid time off, in addition to a week-long year-end office closure. Retirement programs, including 401(k) matching at 5%, with access to employer-paid financial planning resources.
In addition, the Organization may provide a discretionary contribution to employees’401(k) plan that vests over a five-year period. Matching gift program for charitable donations. Additional benefits such as an employee assistance plan, an onsite fitness room, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
How to Apply for this Job
About the Organization
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies refers collectively to two grantmaking entities, Margaret A. Cargill Foundation (MACF) and Anne Ray Foundation (ARF). The two foundations have separate boards and investment portfolios but share a common mission of providing meaningful assistance and support to society, the arts, and the environment. Margaret A. Cargill Foundation is a private foundation that came into existence upon Ms. Cargill’s death in August 2006. MACF’s assets are approximately $3 billion. Anne Ray Foundation is a supporting organization, which may make grants only to beneficiary organizations specifically named by Ms. Cargill. ARF’s assets are approximately $4 billion.
MACP’s well developed Philosophy of Grantmaking underscores the values and guiding principles of Margaret A. Cargill by: using education and innovation as a means to achieve core purposes; empowering people to be self-sufficient; maintaining a low profile while meeting the needs of others; supporting programs that could have a broad impact, have socially redeeming values and standards, and that value life; and relieving suffering in times of disaster. As a core element of its philosophy, MACP invests in long-term relationships with key grantee organizations in order to find solutions that are consistent with the values of both parties.
Additionally, MACP is engaging in a diversity, equity, and inclusion process that includes: Building intercultural competency and emotional intelligence work at an organizational level, to include deeper learning and dialogue on racial and social equity. Increasing local racial equity grantmaking to fund local efforts to address systemic racism and social inequities; and, Reviewing each programmatic domain to more formally examine the role equity and inclusion currently play and can play in MACP’s grantmaking.
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