National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time position that will support community engagement and implementation of forest restoration, watershed restoration, and recreation improvements across Southern California National Forests.

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across our 193-million-acre National Forest System.  The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Function. The Southern California Program focuses on restoring the health and vitality of Southern California’s National Forests: the Cleveland, San Bernardino, Los Padres, and Angeles National Forests.  The Southern California Program Coordinator reports to the Southern California Program Manager. The Coordinator will conduct community engagement, fundraising, and project management for restoration and recreation improvement activities in Southern California National Forests.  The NFF expects the Coordinator to build strong relationships with the US Forest Service, local government, and community leaders; develop new partnerships; and work with contractors and partners to support all aspects of project planning and implementation.

Position Duties and Responsibilities. The Southern California Program Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

Project Planning & Management:

• Building strong relationships with U.S. Forest Service staff and developing processes for proactive, seamless coordination between the US Forest Service and NFF.
• Working closely with the NFF and U.S. Forest Service staff to coordinate project planning and implementation, including procurement, contracting, and grant-making processes.
• Overseeing on-the-ground project implementation by contractors and partners in coordination with local National Forests.
• Conduct ongoing communication with partners on the status of project planning, implementation, and project successes.
• Work with the Southern California Program team to identify opportunities for strategic program growth.
• Staying abreast of emerging conservation and recreation improvement efforts and ways the NFF can engage and build capacity.
  

Community Engagement:

• Engage in and support local collaboratives and coalitions that are relevant to achieving Southern California Program goals.
• Effectively communicating with and engaging the public in caring for their public lands, including National Forests and Grasslands, through community-based conservation initiatives.
• Work with the U.S. Forest Service, community partners, local government and other entities to identify priority projects on Southern California National Forests.
• Network with organizations, agencies, and others in Southern California to advance the activities on local National Forests.
  

Fundraising and Communications:

• Expanding the base of private sector and local government supporters by actively pursuing funding opportunities and creating new development and project opportunities that enhance strategic goals.
• Work with NFF staff to solicit funds, including grant writing, from government sources, foundations, corporations, and individuals to support all aspects of project preparation, implementation, and oversight.
• Prepare grant and funding reports and conduct donor stewardship activities.
• Work with NFF staff to communicate project needs and accomplishments.
  

Education and Qualifications. NFF expects the Southern California Program Coordinator to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources conservation or related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience with proven results in project management, facilitation, and partnership development.
• A strong knowledge of and experience in federal or California land management policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of the San Bernardino Mountains or the Peninsular Ranges natural resource issues preferred but not required. Or a willingness to build a working knowledge of Southern California natural resource issues, quickly.
• Experience working effectively in collaborative efforts with individuals or groups that have conflicting views of resource management.

Abilities and Skills. NFF expects the Southern California Program Coordinator to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Ability to work independently, attend meetings (virtual or in person), and manage projects, and with minimal oversight.
• Ability to represent the NFF with diverse constituents in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to manage programs collaboratively, evaluate outcomes against quantifiable measures of success, develop reports, and clearly communicate program outcomes.
• Ability to problem solve with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to learn NFF’s processes and procedures quickly.
• Ability to manage a variety of projects and tasks, effectively, to successful completion.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout Southern California and surrounding communities as required by position duties.

Location: The position location is flexible, but a community near a Southern California National Forest is preferred. Applicants must be able to travel regularly to Southern California National Forests. This position is a remote/work from home position and requires reliable internet access.

Compensation: The NFF offers compensation commensurate with skills and experience and will include a competitive benefits package.  Annual salary for this position will be in the $62,400 to $65,000 range.

To Apply: Please visit our careers site at https://www.nationalforests.org/who-we-are/jobs click the link to apply online. Deadline is December 12, 2021.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. For more information about the National Forest Foundation, visit the website at: www.nationalforests.org