Head of Programme Management

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Southern Appalachians Program Coordinator
Hybrid Remote • Southwestern Virginia or Eastern Tennessee
Description National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time, and exempt position that will support the development and implementation of conservation projects across National Forests in the Southern Appalachians. About the NFF As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1990. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds and wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country. The Foundation has grown significantly in the last few years in programmatic impact, revenue and support, and organizational capacity. NFF leads with impact, deploying roughly 90% of its expenses towards projects and programs across the country’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. Position Function The Southern Appalachians Program Coordinator reports to the Southern Appalachians Program Manager and works closely with other NFF and U.Forest Service staff, and local partners, to provide project coordination, contract management, and program support. The incumbent is responsible for helping to develop and implement watershed resilience, forest health, outdoor experiences, and other conservation projects with communities, conservation NGOs, private landowners, state and federal agencies, and private‑sector partners to support strategic conservation initiatives across the Southern Appalachians. Position Duties and Responsibilities Support the Southern Appalachians Program Manager in developing NFF’s role in the Southern Appalachians subregion in alignment with the U.Forest Service and local partners, with potential elements including partnerships and communications; project design and implementation; and development of both immediate and long‑term funding mechanisms.
Coordinate budgets and reporting associated with grants from federal, state, and local government sources, as well as philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and individuals. Prepare associated grant and funding reports.
Work with the Southern Appalachian Program Manager and the U.Forest Service to help manage and track cooperative agreements and their associated project budgets and timelines.
Work with NFF staff to communicate project needs and the community benefits and accomplishments internally, to invested stakeholders, to the general public, and other relevant audiences.
Build and maintain close and mutually beneficial relationships among federal and state agency partners, local government, Tribal nations, and indigenous communities, nonprofit organizations, and the NFF to implement effective community‑based conservation partnerships.
Advance a variety of projects as an implementation partner, including but not limited to fuels and vegetation management, reforestation, outdoor recreation, watershed resiliency, and other conservation projects across the Southern Appalachians.
Support the advertising, negotiation, awarding, and invoicing of multiple contracts for services related to the on‑the‑ground implementation of conservation projects.
Work directly with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and agency partners to coordinate the on‑the‑ground project implementation effectively and efficiently.
Conduct ongoing communication with partners on the status of project planning, implementation, and project successes.
Support priority subregional projects, such as red spruce restoration efforts.
Facilitate collaboration and partnerships with the U.Forest Service, other federal and state agency partners, local governments, Tribal nations and indigenous communities, and nonprofit organizations.
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.
Assist as necessary with the NFF program of work in the Southern Region, which may include the management of diverse, short‑term projects or events.
Education and Qualifications Undergraduate degree, in conservation, watershed science, forestry, outdoor recreation, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Three (3) years of work experience with conservation programs, project planning, and/or managing project implementation.
Experience with land and watershed science, policy, and management.
Forest Service and National Forest lands management.
An understanding of natural resources and community‑based issues in the Southern Appalachians.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
Strong writing skills and public speaking experience.
Ability to conduct fieldwork, including travel on remote Forest roads and occasional hiking on rough terrain to project sites, and occasional light tool use.
Ability to collaboratively manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures of success.
Ability to work well and be flexible in a team‑oriented environment.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly, work in outdoor conditions, and maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events.
Familiarity with ArcGIS online, journal builder, cartography, and map design. Preference for a candidate with intermediate or above GIS skills, including the ability to create project maps, ArcGIS Story Maps, and other products.
Location The location for this position is within the Southern Appalachians - preferably a community in central or southwest Virginia or eastern Tennessee. Applicants must be willing and able to travel regularly throughout the project area. This position is a remote/work‑from‑home position and requires reliable internet access.
The starting salary range for this position is $68,000 to $82,750, with the ability to grow to $97,500 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually.
Benefits Health and Wellness Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% 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
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA)
Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost
Financial Wellbeing 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance at no cost
Basic life and AD&DD insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options
Whole life insurance at a discounted rate
Flexibility and time off Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service)
Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid
Personal Development Training & Development Programs
Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year
Journey of a Lifetime The opportunity to support an incredible mission and travel to / work in spectacular locations.
To Apply Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 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. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.

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