Program Director, Western Forests

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, WESTERN FORESTS

Summary

This position will manage strategic development and implementation of the Foundation’s work on Western National Forests in the Northern, Pacific Northwest and Southern Pacific Forest Service Regions and forests which cover watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean. The focus will be to implement conservation strategies which help protect landscapes from high intensity wildfires, restoration of areas that have been impacted by fire, and where a comprehensive restoration strategy would improve watersheds and species. The incumbent is responsible for developing strategies and programs, securing funding opportunities, managing applicable funding sources, managing advisory committees, interacting with existing and potential grant/contract recipients, coordinating proposal reviews, drafting recommendations for staff and Board action, and closely coordinating program efforts with the Director, Western Regional Office (Director) and other Foundation staff.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain networks with the myriad of organizations and interests engaged in forest restoration work – particularly as it relates to post-fire restoration and fuels management.
• Subject to programmatic objectives and budgetary considerations, propose and conduct site visits in accordance with Foundation policy.
• In coordination with the Director and NFWF’s development team, actively and diligently seek and secure additional funding for NFWF’s forest programs (including subgrants) and the operations of the Foundation.
• Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of various descriptive and evaluative reports as directed.
• Expand and strengthen the NFWF presence/reputation as an essential leader in forest conservation and restoration issues throughout the Northern, Pacific Northwest and Southern Pacific Forest Service regions and forests which drain into the Pacific Ocean.
• Design and implement the Foundation’s partnerships with National Forest programs in coordination with the Director, various advisory committees, Foundation Program and Science staff, the government relations team, contractors, non-federal funders, agency liaisons and the Board.
• Assure compliance with all requirements of cooperative agreements and assure that all activities are communicated and coordinated with the Director, other Foundation staff as appropriate and Foundation agency liaisons.
• Create conservation strategies for NFWF on National Forests in the Western Region.
• Prepare briefing materials and recommendations to support decision making by the Foundation’s staff and Board.
• In coordination with the Director and NFWF’s government relations team, seek opportunities for information-sharing among grantees and with policy makers about lessons learned and accomplishments of grant-funded projects.
• Track and monitor proposals and active grants/contracts in coordination with the grants administration team.
• Manage applicable funding source(s) as appropriate, including preparation of grant applications and amendments, preparation and submission of financial and programmatic reports and coordination with agency project officers.
• Establish program priorities; work with program advisory committee to solicit, review and approve grant awards; negotiate strategies and milestones with grantees; and establish systems to monitor progress of each grantee (using Foundation technical and financial tracking databases).
• Coordinate the program’s external technical review of proposals in accordance with Foundation policy.
• Serve as spokesperson for the Foundation with regard to this program, its conservation objectives and accomplishments. Coordinate NFWF’s Forest program activities with others involved or affected by project decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.
• Keep abreast of scientific and policy developments that may impact forest conservation efforts.

Secondary Duties And Responsibilities

• Recommend and lead efforts to improve existing processes.
• Recommend new processes where needed to improve existing processes.

Minimum Qualifications (education, Experience, Skills)

• Experience in building coalitions.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising or program development.
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills.
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience with concentration in ecology, conservation science or biology preferred.
• Five years’ experience in program management.
• Minimum five years’ experience working with government agencies and/or nongovernmental organizations on issues related to conservation, western forests and natural resource management.
• Experience working with federal and state resource agencies, with experience managing cooperative agreements preferred.
• Computer proficiency.
• Strong listening and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Thrives in a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Professionalism and leadership qualities.
• Grants management and administration experience preferred.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience.

LOCATION

Washington, DC

Application Notes

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, and resume.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis.

Equal Opportunity Statement - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws in its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, personal appearance, citizen status, disability, sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, pregnancy, child birth or related medical conditions, family responsibilities, matriculation, genetic information, political or union affiliation, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Disclaimer - The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the employees in these positions. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in each position. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the responsibilities, duties, and skills at any time.