Eastern Program Manager

Eastern Program Manager

Position Summary: The Eastern Program Manager will be responsible for collaborating with partners across the region to initiate flight opportunities with our volunteer pilots to advance conservation and environmental justice goals across a variety of issue areas. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with broad interests in, knowledge of, and a passion for environmental initiatives.

About SouthWings: Since 1996, SouthWings has provided a network of volunteer pilots to advocate for the restoration and protection of the ecosystems of the Southeast through flight. Conservation and environmental justice groups use SouthWings volunteer flights to become better informed about natural assets while collecting valuable data, including photo and video documentation, for their campaigns. Our flights also inform key legislators, landowners, community members, and media representatives who can then influence desired private, legislative, and agency action. We welcome a broad range of stakeholders to see firsthand the scope and scale of issues such as sea level rise, water pollution, community vulnerability, deforestation, and mountaintop removal coal mining. Our flights shape perspectives on the actions needed to stop and reverse these problems. We fly to hold polluters accountable and to promote environmental policy and planning, scientific research, public awareness and action, and ecosystem protection.

Organization Structure: SouthWings currently has four full-time staff and nearly eighty volunteer pilots, whose generosity and dedication form the backbone of the organization's service to the Southeast. The organization has a strong network of relationships with regional conservation flight partners. We have an enthusiastic and committed Board of Directors, a talented, experienced, passionate staff, and solid finances. The organizational culture can be described as professional yet down-to-earth, dedicated to the mission, and committed to setting and achieving high standards.

The Region: SouthWings arranges flights in fifteen states, including much of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, central and northern Florida, the Gulf coast, much of Appalachia, and nearly everything in between. Our central office is located in Asheville, NC, with a satellite office located in New Orleans, LA. This position will be responsible for flight coordination in the Eastern Program territory, which includes the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and the South Atlantic Coast.

Covering a wide geography, this position requires frequent travel. SouthWings is headquartered in Asheville, NC. Remote or hybrid work within the Southeast may be considered.

Responsibilities

Program Administration

• Review requests for flyovers from our conservation partners
• Consult with prospective flight partners on flight planning
• Coordinate with volunteer pilots to schedule flight opportunities
• Gather passenger information and oversee paperwork collection
• Provide pre-flight preparation information to flight partners
• Occasionally accompany flight partners and volunteer pilots on SouthWings flights

Outreach

• Maintain and grow the organization's relationships with environmental and conservation partners in the region
• Research opportunities to expand our network of flight partners
• Participate in collaborative regional and issue-based coalition groups
• Attend conferences and events to promote SouthWings' services

Evaluation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records in a shared database to support evaluation and reporting of program impacts
• Research and identify new opportunities for SouthWings' involvement in emerging issues in the region
• Support development of strategic priorities and programmatic goals
• Review and support grant writing and program reporting as needed

Volunteer Recruitment

• Support volunteer pilot recruitment and retention efforts
• Contribute a program component to the on-boarding of new volunteer pilots

Qualifications

Competencies & Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a position related to project management, outreach, or other positions that match the responsibilities outlined above. A degree in a related field satisfies this requirement.
• Experience as part of a small team, including a demonstrated commitment to both cooperative work and operating autonomously in a high-trust environment.
• A match with SouthWings' values. This includes a desire to do meaningful work for the betterment of humanity and the natural world.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse communities.
• Creative problem-solver, flexible and capable of adapting to changing priorities.
• Solid working knowledge of basic office software, including proficiency with email communication, database management, and document editing. Comfort with basic digital problem-solving.
• Experience working with volunteers, or as a volunteer.
• An interest in environmental issues in the Southeast.
• Willing and able to make a long-term commitment (5+ years) to serving the organization.
• Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred.

Do you not meet 100% of these qualifications? If you think you would be a good fit for this position, we welcome you to submit an application.

Salary/Benefits

Salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000 based on experience, with opportunity for advancement.

Generous paid time off: 15 days of flexible paid time off granted at hire (increases annually with years of service), 7 annual paid holidays, 1 day per quarter for Volunteer Time Off, and professional development opportunities. At the discretion of the Executive Director, we typically close the office for two weeks at the end of the year.

We offer 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave after one year of employment.

SEP-IRA retirement contribution (determined annually by the Board of Directors, typically 5-7% of gross salary).

Currently, SouthWings provides 100% employer-paid health insurance for employee and spouse/children. Dental and vision insurance are also paid 100% for the employee, with the option to add spouse/children at employee's expense.

Flexible work environment that values family and maintaining work/life balance.

Application Instructions

To apply, please complete the job application questions and upload your resume as a PDF using the job post at Idealist.org. Applications by email will not be accepted. No phone calls, please. We will begin reviewing applications on May 15, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.