Arizona Program Manager

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time position that will build partnerships and connections to support the development and implementation of conservation projects and programs across Arizona’s National Forests, the centerpiece of the State’s public lands.

About the NFF:  The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across our 193-million-acre National Forest System.  The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Function:  The Arizona Program Manager reports to the Southwest Program Senior Program Manager.  The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing conservation programs with the USDA Forest Service, local communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners to support NFF strategic initiatives and long-term goals across Arizona.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Arizona Program Manager is responsible for:

• Building and developing close and mutually beneficial relationships between the USDA Forest Service (FS), the NFF, and Arizona field partners to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships.
• Strengthening the NFF’s ability to support on-the-ground restoration, recreation, and youth work that benefits communities, conserves natural systems and expands outdoor experiences by developing new partnerships, finding opportunities to share resources, and leveraging support.
• Supporting the NFF program of work in Arizona, which includes operation and management of the Northern Arizona Forest Fund (NAFF), spanning five National Forests, and Southern Arizona Forest Fund across all Districts on the Coronado National Forest.
• Working with the USDA Forest Service and the SW Field Team to develop scopes of work and budgets for implementation of each NAFF and SAFF project.
• Conducting required procurement, contracting, and granting processes for hiring contractors and making grantee selections to implement projects.
• Working with and supporting staff in oversight of contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and the U.S. Forest Service to manage implementation of existing and new conservation, watershed improvement, ecosystem restoration, and recreation enhancement projects.
• Ensuring all project implementation meets USDA Forest Service criteria and needs, communicate with USDA Forest Service during project implementation, and work with USDA Forest Service to provide final project evaluation.
• Directly supervising up to three (3) or four (4) NFF SW Field Team employees.
• Supporting use of methodologies, metrics, and opportunities to measure and communicate benefits of NAFF project implementation.
• Working to expand the base of private and public-sector supporters and partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities and creating new development opportunities.
• Effectively communicating with and engaging the public in caring for their National Forests and Grasslands through community-based conservation initiatives and outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Maintaining a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance NFF strategic efficacy.
• Serving as a point of contact in the NFF for conservation and development activities in Arizona.
• Assisting as necessary with the NFF program of work in New Mexico, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.
• Developing material that supports and communicates accomplishments, successes and needs for annual reports, newsletters, regional updates, social media posts, grants, and more.
• Maintaining and managing administrative processes, including the management, and tracking of program and project budgets.

Education and Qualifications:  NFF expects the Arizona Program Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in natural resources-related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience with proven results in conservation programming and related community-based collaborative conservation to include a strong knowledge of and experience in USDA Forest Service policies, procedures, and regulations.
• A foundation of career experience in forestry, silviculture, hydrology, soil science, and/or ecosystem services.
• Experience supervising and managing project-level staff. 
• A strong understanding of Arizona natural resources issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to the environment.
• You must be authorized to work in the Untied States.

Abilities and Skills:  NFF expects the Arizona Program Manager to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Ability to represent the NFF with diverse constituents in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaboratively manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures of success.
• Ability to cultivate new donor relationships.
• Ability to effectively set priorities, while managing a variety of projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and work in outdoor environments.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License and clean driving record.

Location: The position is located in Arizona; Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Prescott or Payson preferred. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace. 

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation commensurate with candidate skills, experience, and location. Total rewards at NFF, beyond salary, include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health savings accounts, matching funds for retirement, and more. NFF has recently (August 2022) implemented a new compensation program with grade levels as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary range for this position will be in the $66,664 to $89,960 range. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position. Most new staff generally start at the beginning of the range percentile to ensure internal salary equity. 

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Please apply by April 16th. Please visit our careers site to apply online. 

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. Additional information on the National Forest Foundation can be found at .

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