Rocky Mountain Region 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 restoration, conservation, recreation, and forest health projects across assigned National Forests within the Rocky Mountain Region. The Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager will also facilitate collaborative efforts, manage complex funding mechanisms, supervise program staff, and oversee broader program work in the Rocky Mountain Region. 

About the NFF: The National Forest Foundation inspires all people to embrace and protect our awe-inspiring natural world. In cooperation with hundreds of partners, we lead natural solutions that restore the health of our people and planet.

Position Function: The Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager reports directly to the Rocky Mountain Region Director, and works closely with other NFF staff, U.S. Forest Service staff, and other local partners to manage robust and growing programs. The Program Manager manages programs across one or more National Forests, based on need and location. Together with the Rocky Mountain Region Senior Manager and other Program Managers, the Program Manager provides leadership across NFF’s conservation activities within the Rocky Mountain Region. The incumbent is responsible for supervising NFF’s project and program Coordinators and Associates within the Rocky Mountain Region, managing complex recreation projects, managing aggregated funding mechanisms, facilitating collaborative efforts, and helping develop and implement cross-boundary forest health and fuels reduction projects with communities, conservation NGOs, private landowners, state and federal agencies, and private-sector partners to support strategic conservation initiatives.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Rocky Mountain Region Manager will:

• Manage and guide the NFF’s growing programs of work across assigned National Forests within the Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) of the US Forest Service.
• Work with the U.S. Forest Service to develop, modify, manage, and track large-scale Stewardship Agreements, Challenge Cost Share Agreements, and Participating Agreements associated with forest restoration projects (e.g., hand thinning, mechanical thinning, etc.), outdoor recreation infrastructure projects, and collaborative conservation efforts. 
• Work with local, state, and federal partners and private landowners to develop scopes of work for large-scale, cross-boundary forest health and wildfire risk reduction projects.
• Work with local, state, and federal partners to develop scopes of work for complex recreation infrastructure projects including the Colorado 14ers Centennial Project 
• Lead the advertisement, negotiation, and awarding of multiple contracts for services related to on-the-ground implementation of forest health, wildfire risk reduction, and recreation infrastructure projects.
• Work directly with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, agency partners, and private landowners to manage the effective and efficient implementation forest health, wildfire risk reduction, and recreation infrastructure projects.
• Manage programs such as the White River Ski Conservation Fund and other innovative funding mechanisms. 
• Provide collaborative conservation expertise and facilitation support for priority regional initiatives. 
• Manage program and project budgets and reporting associated with grants from federal, state, and local government sources, as well as philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and individuals.
• Support expansion of the base of private and public-sector supporters and partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities, creating new development opportunities, and writing grants.
• Build and maintain close and mutually beneficial relationships among federal and state agency partners, local government, tribal partners, nonprofit organizations, and the NFF to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF strategic efficacy.
• Serve as a point of contact for the NFF’s conservation activities in the Rocky Mountain Region.
• Supervise up to six project and program Coordinators and Associates in the Rocky Mountain Region, as needed.
• Assist as necessary with the NFF program of work throughout the Rocky Mountain Region, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

Location: The location for this position is in Colorado or southern Wyoming. Applicants must be able to travel regularly throughout assigned sub-regions of the Rocky Mountain Region. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation and benefits. The salary for this position is $82,038 with the ability to grow to $111,870 and above.

Benefits: NFF is proud to offer our staff: 

• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents. 
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization for you and any dependents. 
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750      per year, predicated on coverage type. 
• Generous paid time off ranging from 35-45 days of combined vacation, sick, personal leave, and holidays. 
• Family      & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid. 
• 403(b)      retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service. 
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). 
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options. 
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost. 
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost. 
• Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.  

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

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, we prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Rocky Mountain Region Program Managers to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree, Professional Certification, or equivalent experience in conservation, forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field.
• At least five (5) years of work experience with conservation programs, project planning, and/or managing project implementation.
• Involvement in project planning, management, accomplishment and budget tracking, and project operations management that involve multiple implementation partners, contractors, contracts for services, and funding sources.
• Experience with land and watershed science, policy, and management, including fire science, vegetation management, wildlife conservation, and/or meadow and stream restoration.
• Experience supervising and managing project-level staff.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service and National Forest lands management.
• An understanding of Colorado and Wyoming natural resources and community-based issues.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Strong writing skills and public speaking experience.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. 

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Rocky Mountain Region Program Managers to possess:

• Ability to understand and clearly communicate about recreation infrastructure, community-based conservation, and forest and watershed restoration projects.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions, and to always maintain neutrality.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, work in outdoor conditions, and maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to represent the NFF in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A strong attention to detail, with skill in working in a timely and well-organized fashion.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS online, journal builder, and basic cartography and map design.
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License and clean driving record.