Senior Director, Catalyst Initiative

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to wilderness, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for nearly 150 years.

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.

The Catalyst Initiative Senior Director is a key leadership role within American Forests’ Tree Equity Program, overseeing the organization’s efforts to engage new communities and actors in the work of Tree Equity, with an emphasis on reaching and aiding those facing the greatest barriers to entry.

The Catalyst Initiative Senior Director will oversee a team of experienced professionals who will drive outreach and engagement to priority audiences, including cities and towns with constrained financial resources, frontline environmental and climate justice organizations with limited exposure to urban forest activities, and civil society actors such as youth and faith organizations. The Senior Director will be responsible for setting strategy and working with these specialists to deliver innovative outreach, customized coaching and technical support, and capacity building.

The Catalyst Initiative Senior Director will also provide support and oversight for the Catalyst Fund and its Director. The Catalyst Fund will provide a grant funding opportunity and technical assistance pool customized for the “new entrant” actors engaged by the Catalyst Initiative. The Catalyst Initiative Director will be responsible to assure that the Fund is well aligned with and integrated into the full spectrum of activities under the initiative, and leverages the outreach and engagement efforts of its specialists to identify and reach potential grantees.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Foster innovative approaches to implementing the strategy, such as customizing the Initiative’s activities for the unique needs of each target audience.
• Develop external partnerships that help advance the initiative, including efficient and effective outreach.
• Management and oversight of all staff within the Initiative, including the Catalyst Fund Director, to assure alignment with strategy and high performance.
• Establish and maintain clear strategy with benchmarks and effort metrics for the Catalyst Initiative.
• Lead measurement and assessment of effectiveness, and adaptation of activities as needed.
• Oversee effective implementation of budgets and funding specific to the Initiative, working in concert with the Tree Equity Operations Lead.
• Lead fundraising and act as spokesperson for the Initiative.

While we do not expect any one candidate to possess all of these qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal skills and qualities:

• High emotional intelligence.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of time.
• Strong strategic thinking and capacity for innovation to achieve strategic goals and objectives.
• Strong speaking and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated management experience with personnel, work plans and finance.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in working with diverse public and private sector actors, particularly within historically disadvantaged communities.

American Forests’ headquarters is in downtown Washington, DC. This position is a remote position.

Subject to applicable laws, American Forests requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. We will consider requests for accommodation to this vaccination requirement during the recruiting process. Any requested accommodation(s) must be reviewed and approved (if applicable) in advance of your start date.

Up to 25% of travel is required to engage in key stakeholder meetings, events, and projects.