National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time position to a candidate who will build partnerships and connections to support the development and implementation of conservation projects and programs across the White Mountains, Green Mountains, and Finger Lakes National Forests, the centerpieces of New England's public lands.

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 New England Program Coordinator reports to the Sr. Director of Conservation Programs and works closely with the USDA Forest Service and other local partners to provide project coordination, contract management, and program support across New England’s National Forests. The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing watershed resilience, climate resilience, forest health, outdoor experiences, and other conservation projects in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, local communities, conservation organizations, and private sector partners to support NFF strategic initiatives and long-term goals across these National Forests. The NFF expects the New England Program Coordinator to build and maintain strong relationships with local government and community leaders, develop new partnerships, and work with contractors and partners to support all aspects of project planning and implementation. Additionally, the incumbent will support and advance the NFF’s broader conservation initiatives across the U.S. Forest Service’s Eastern Region.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The New England Program Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

• Support the development of the NFF’s role in the New England sub-region in alignment with the U.S. Forest Service and local partners, with focus on partnerships and communications; planning and consultation; project design and implementation; monitoring; and management of both immediate and long-term funding mechanisms. 
• Develop and maintain close and mutually beneficial relationships between the USDA Forest Service, the NFF, and local stewardship partners to implement existing and new community-based conservation partnerships and programs.
• Work with the U.S. Forest Service to develop, modify, manage, and track large-scale Stewardship Agreements, Challenge Cost Share Agreements, and Participating Agreements associated with forest restoration projects, outdoor recreation infrastructure projects, watershed restoration projects, and collaborative conservation efforts. 
• Support the advertising, negotiation, and awarding 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.
• Maintain and manage administrative processes, including the management, and tracking of program and project budgets.
• With support of NFF’s Partnerships Program, work to expand the base of private and public-sector supporters and partners in the region by actively pursuing funding opportunities that support existing and create new programs and opportunities to improve the region’s National Forests.
• With support of NFF’s Marketing and Communication team, work to communicate with and engage the public in caring for their National Forests and Grasslands through community-based conservation initiatives and outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance NFF strategic efficacy.
• Serve as a point of contact for NFF conservation and development activities in New England.
• Assist, as necessary, with the NFF program of work across the U.S. Forest Service’s Eastern Region, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the New England Program Coordinator to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, watershed science, forestry, outdoor recreation, natural resource management, environmental science or related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience with proven results in project management, facilitation, and partnership development.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service and National Forest lands management.
• An understanding of natural resource issues in New England, and a willingness to build expertise in local natural resource issues and policies, quickly.
• A demonstrated commitment to the environment.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the New England Program Coordinator to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Ability to work independently, performing fieldwork, attending meetings, and managing projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions, and to always maintain neutrality.
• Ability to manage programs collaboratively, evaluate outcomes against quantifiable measures of success, develop reports, and clearly communicate program outcomes.
• Ability to manage a variety of projects and tasks, effectively, to successful completion.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, work in outdoor conditions, and maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events.
• Must have valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability and skills preferred but not required include recreation and trails management, an understanding of engineering and design in association with recreation infrastructure, invasive species and/or watershed management, or other relevant technical skills.

Location: The position location is flexible, but a community near the White Mountains National Forest is preferred. Applicants must be able to travel regularly throughout the White Mountains, Green Mountains, and Finger Lakes National Forests. The location needs reliable Internet.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation commensurate with candidate skills, experience, and location. Total rewards at NFF, beyond salary, include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health savings accounts, matching funds for retirement, and more. NFF has recently (August 2022) implemented a new compensation program with grade levels as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary for this position will be in the $56,000 - $70,200 range commensurate with experience and considering locality adjustment when applicable. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position. Most new staff generally start at the beginning of the range percentile to ensure internal salary equity. 

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