Michael Matosich
Creating a world where both People & Nature thrive.
Education
"With knowing comes caring, with caring comes change."
Harvard University
2021-2022
Took courses on management, leadership, and skill development in Harvard's ManageMentor online program.
The Johns Hopkins University - Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
2017-2019
The school's mission is to provide an interdisciplinary professional education that prepares a diverse graduate student body for internationally related positions of responsibility; to foster research, scholarship and cross-cultural exchange; and to contribute knowledge, expertise and leadership to the global community.
M.A. International Affairs & International Economics
Concentration: Energy, Resources, & Environment
Minor: Conflict Management
University of California, Davis
2010-2014
UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States.
B.A. Political Science — Public Service (Environmental Law & Policy);
Highest Honors
B.A. International Relations (Global Health, Environment, & Natural Resources); Honors
Activities:
- Energy and Environment Club, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Vice President
- The Associated Students, University of California, Davis
- Chancellor's Undergraduate Advisory Board
- Theta Xi Fraternity Vice President
- Interfraternity Council Scholarship Chair
Publications:
- “The Allocation of U.S. Foreign Aid: How Leadership Duration in Foreign Nations & U.N. Voting Records Affect Ability to Receive Monetary Assistance.” Received Highest Honors.
Recognition:
- Political Science Department Citation Award
- International Relations Department Citation Award
- National Society of Leadership & Success (Sigma Alpha Pi)
- Dean's List 2012, 2013, 2014
Experience
I gravitate toward jobs that fulfill my passions: environmental conservation and service. My work experience has broadened my knowledge in foreign affairs and environmental policy, has strengthened my customer service skills, and has provided me with invaluable leadership capabilities while working with members of a diverse team.
The Nature Conservancy
Senior Corporate Engagement Associate, Water & Resilience, Nov 2022 - Present
Corporate Engagement Associate, Global Water Security, Jul 2019 - Oct 2022
- Advises multinational corporations (30+, largely food & beverage and technology sectors) on corporate water target setting, water strategy development and water stewardship
- Contributing author to corporate water stewardship publications, including Nature-based Solutions and Corporate Water Stewardship, Measuring and Evaluating the Impact of Corporate Water Stewardship Projects, Benefit Accounting of Nature-based Solutions for Watersheds, and the Science-based Targets Network’s Freshwater Methodology, including helping lead the pilot process with 1 multinational beverage company
- Works and coordinates across 50+ global internal business units and functions to develop partnerships to help the private sector value and protect vulnerable freshwater ecosystems
- Provides research and analysis, project and database management, budget development and management, and presides over contracting with partners and third-party vendors
- Participant to collective action efforts such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), the UN Global Water Compact’s Water Resilience Coalition (WRC) and the California Water Action Collaborative (CWAC)
- Presents on behalf of TNC at international conferences such as the AWS Forum and SIWI’s World Water Week, and during corporate water stewardship trainings (15+, 1000+ trained) to influence business practices within corporate partners
- Writes and prepares program materials including communication pieces (10+), fundraising proposals ($100M+), presentations (40+), memos, concept notes, budgets, and reports
- Supports internal strategy development, and manages interns and internal fellows
Swiss Re
Graduate Consultant, Sept 2018-Aug 2019
- Researched the local economic impacts that climate shocks have on agricultural-dependent communities and the financial recovery mechanisms in place to aid in recovery
- Conducted site visits to California, Georgia, and Dominica to interview farmers, academics, and high-level government officials
- Wrote a report published by Swiss Re and presented our findings to policy makers (World Bank, USDA) in a public, high-level event (100+ attendees)
U.S. Department of State, Embassy San Jose
Regional Environment Hub for Central America & the Caribbean
Intern, Jun-Aug 2018
- Authored a sustainability policy for the Embassy and presented it to senior management for approval; resulted in 1 of 6 embassies worldwide recognized for being a model in sustainability and environmental awareness
- Supported Department’s fundamental strategic objectives of peace and security, economic development, and human rights
- Supported a four-person team in advancing ESTH-related goals for 21 countries in Central America and the Caribbean
- Wrote a cable on Costa Rica’s use of drones to monitor carbon stock and reforestation progress
- As a member of the Embassy Green Team, prompted the cafeteria’s conversion to compostable material which will divert 2,500lbs of waste from landfills each year
- Tracked and summarized news throughout the region on issues including climate action, ocean protection, conservation, wildlife trafficking, disease prevention and response, and science and technology cooperation
- Represented the Embassy at conferences, such as Carbon-Neutral Architecture and Infrastructure Projects, and engagements, such as commemoration events for World Environment Day and World Oceans Day
- Drafted letters to Costa Rican government officials and federal agencies
- Drafted contributions to the section’s biweekly report on our activities
- Produced Spanish-English and English-Spanish translations
- Coordinated weekly travel plans, accommodations, and logistics, and maintained the office calendar
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Program Coordinator, Marine and Coastal Conservation, Oct 2016-Apr 2017
Grants Administrator, Sept 2015-Sept 2016
- Supported programmatic, planning, and evaluation responsibilities for twelve Marine and Coastal Conservation funding opportunities (not limited to: Coral Reef Conservation Fund; Sea Turtles; Killer Whales; Fisheries Innovation Fund; Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project)
- Co-managed forty-two funding sources with agency partners including NOAA, Marine Mammal Commission, NRCS, FWS, and other agencies while bringing federal cooperative agreements into compliance and better management
- Directed logistics for the Fishing for Energy Bin Program with the Foundation’s longest running partners and expanded the Bin Program’s presence in Maine, Oregon and California
- Organized and coordinated three grant review committees and maintained tracking of forty-two grant obligations
- Developed grant application materials, led application webinars, and managed web content of twelve relevant pages
- Monitored 200+ active grants/contracts in coordination with the Grants Administration team
- Created three presentations and other marketing tools to showcase grant programs and success stories
- Generated grant agreements, contracts, and amendments for three conservation program grant slates
- Administered project disbursement requests totaling over $5.1 million and responded to inquiries from grant recipients
- Reviewed programmatic and financial reports to determine compliance while monitoring over 300 projects with a total awarded value of $18,998,410
- Initiated monthly team meetings to share unique grant projects within our individual portfolios and to discuss the significance of funded projects to appreciate the bigger picture of our work
- Improved grant administration efficiency and established best management practices for the Foundation
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps
Field Team Leader, Jan 2015-August 2015
- Led team of ten adults in full time, residential community service projects in the Northeast region of the U.S.
- Supervised corps members, conducted team meetings, enforced rules, and offered conflict resolution
- Managed logistics with project sponsors and managed a $12,000 budget
- Wrote weekly reports and project summary reports, directed corps member evaluations, and facilitated team communication
- Certified in Situational Leadership Training, Diversity in Service, and Mental Health First Aid
- Managed 200+ volunteers, canvassed 300+ homes, and implemented urban environmental projects with Blue Water Baltimore
- Expanded urban residents’ access to outdoor recreation by building and maintaining trails with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Built one community garden and improved three homes in marginalized areas with Rebuilding Together in Newark, NJ
- Tutored and mentored 200+ children with special needs in D.C. Public School’s Extended School Year program
Office of Congressman John Garamendi
Legislative Intern, Jun 2013-Aug 2013
- Researched renewable energy possibilities for California and recommended multiple methods to create green, sustainable cities
- Monitored issues, attended daily briefings, and drafted 20+ memos to promptly abridge events, particularly on the Arab Spring
- Revised weekly press releases and composed highlight videos for the communications team
- Improved communication skills while conducting daily constituent casework and providing weekly tours of the Capitol
UC Davis Activities & Recreation Center
Member Services Lead Mar, 2013-Jun 2014
Member Services Attendant, Sep 2011-Feb 2013
- Supervised 85 student employees and assisted in opening and closing of a 149,000-square foot facility
- Created spreadsheets to provide professional staff with membership data analysis and helped train new hires
- Revamped the design of membership application forms to facilitate the registration process
- Retained knowledge of and communicated all policies and benefits of a membership during membership consultation and while leading tours for potential members
- Developed strong attention to details by maintaining a thorough inventory of the facility’s equipment
- Ensured facility and equipment followed University standards while providing quality customer service
Volunteer
You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.
D.C. AmeriCorps Alums
Board Member Feb, 2016-April 2017
- Established two professional development opportunities for alums, current AmeriCorps members, and youth in the community
- Planned and participated in monthly community service projects with other alums
- Served as a mentor for current AmeriCorps members
UC Davis Alumni Association
Chapter Leader, Jan 2016-April 2017
- Organized a wide array of volunteer and social events for alumni to keep fellow Aggies engaged and connected
- Reached out to 300+ current students interning locally to facilitate alumni connections in their potential professional fields
- Selected to join other Chapter Leaders around the world to attend the Davis Alumni Leadership Conference
- Representative for all-University of California Alumni Board; planned events for all ten UC campuses
Water For People DC Committee
Committee Member, Jan 2016-April 2017
- Created six events to raise money and awareness to deliver clean and sustainable water sources to impoverished nations
- Executed a kayak trash pickup event with maximum attendance that removed over 300lbs of trash from the Anacostia River
GRID Alternatives
Installation Crew Member, Aug 2014-Dec 2014
- Volunteered for a solar company that provides financial savings for families in need, helps contribute to a healthier environment, and brings solar technology to low income communities that would otherwise not have access to renewable energy
Sprout Up
Instructor Mar 2013-Jun 2013
- Volunteered for a non-profit organization teaching environmental science to students at local elementary schools
- Designed weekly lesson plans to meet the California Education Standards and led group activities to encouraged student interaction, participation, and enthusiasm for environmental stewardship
Memberships
Organizations I believe in
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization committed to exploring and protecting our planet. They fund hundreds of research and conservation projects around the world each year and inspire new generations through their education initiatives and resources.
Trout Unlimited is a national non-profit organization with 150,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. They work from coast to coast to protect, reconnect, restore and sustain trout and salmon habitat on behalf of today’s anglers and coming generations of sportsmen and women who value the connection between healthy, intact habitat and angling opportunities.
The National Parks Conservation Association has been the independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect America's most iconic and inspirational places for present and future generations.
Gallery
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
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