Program Manager 
Torch Conservation Center | Part-Time | January 2027 Start 

About Torch Conservation Center 
Torch Conservation Center (TCC) is dedicated to protecting the health and beauty of Torch Lake and its watershed. Our mission is to  empower people to care  for Torch Lake and its watershed by teaching, connecting and conserving. 

TCC is seeking a collaborative, organized and passionate professional to serve as our  Program Manager. This newly created position will provide dedicated professional leadership and coordination for TCC’s growing portfolio of educational and community outreach activities. 

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the protection of one of Northern Michigan’s most treasured inland lakes while working with an engaged community and a network of conservation partners. 

The Opportunity 
TCC already has an established foundation of educational programs and outreach activities. The Program Manager will bring these efforts together into a coordinated, effective program—providing continuity, strengthening existing initiatives, identifying opportunities for improvement and helping TCC expand its reach. 

The Program Manager will work closely with TCC’s Executive Director, Program Chair, volunteers and partner organizations. Collaboration with partner organizations such as Torch Lake Protection Alliance and Antrim Conservation District will be part of the role. 

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently, managing multiple projects and turning conservation information into practical, engaging messages and experiences for the community. 

Key Responsibilities 
Project Management: Coordination & Leadership 
●  Coordinate TCC’s annual education and outreach plan and calendar within the Board-approved budget. 
●  Oversee and strengthen TCC’s existing educational programs and initiatives. 
●  Identify opportunities to improve, expand or streamline programs based on community needs and program results. 
●  Establish practical goals and measures of success for key initiatives and track results. 
●  Ensure educational programming reflects current and credible watershed science. 

Education & Community Engagement 
●  Coordinate educational opportunities for landowners, residents and visitors to our Artisan Market in Alden. 
●  Ensure TCC is represented at community events, farmers markets, boat launches and other public activities with our Watershed Ambassador project, which utilizes a summer intern. 
●  Help translate priority watershed issues—including invasive species, septic care, shoreline buffers and lake-friendly practices—into clear, practical actions. 
●  Oversee and continue to strengthen existing children’s offerings through our Team Torch Lake Protectors initiative. 

Artisan Market & Public Programs 
●  Work with the Artisan Market team to maintain and continually improve TCC’s educational presence at the Market. 
●  Oversee educational displays and help ensure that information remains accurate, engaging and relevant. 
●  Develop and coordinate educational events at the Artisan Market, including Master Gardener presentations and similar community programs. 

Partnerships & Volunteers 
●  Maintain productive relationships with conservation, educational and community partners. 
●  Coordinate with partner organizations to share expertise, identify opportunities for collaboration and avoid duplication of effort. 
●  Recruit, train and supervise our seasonal Watershed Ambassador and volunteers as appropriate. 

Content, Communications & Funding 
●  Develop educational content and contribute to ConserveTorch.org, Waterpedia, TRUE BLUE NEWS and other TCC communications. 
●  Translate scientific and technical information into clear, engaging language for general audiences. 
●  Assist with grant applications, grant reporting and program-related fundraising. 
●  Track program participation, expenses and outcomes and provide updates to TCC leadership and the Board. 

First-Year Priorities 
During the first year, the Program Manager will focus on bringing greater coordination and consistency to TCC’s existing education and outreach efforts while identifying opportunities for growth.

Priorities will include: 
●  Establishing a coordinated annual education and outreach calendar that connects TCC’s programs, events, communications and partner activities. 
●  Working with the Artisan Market team to strengthen TCC’s educational presence and develop engaging community events. 
●  Evaluating existing programs and recommending opportunities to strengthen, expand or streamline them. 
●  Expanding landowner education through workshops, mailings and other outreach focused on water-friendly practices. 
●  Establishing a strong and well-organized seasonal Watershed Ambassador/intern program. 
●  Strengthening collaboration with TCC’s conservation and community partners. 
●  Establishing practical measures to evaluate program reach, participation and effectiveness. 

Qualifications Required 
●  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental education, environmental science, conservation, communications, nonprofit management or a related field. 
●  Experience developing, coordinating or managing educational, community or outreach programs. 
●  Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain scientific information to a general audience. 
●  Strong organizational and project-management skills. 
●  Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 
●  Ability to build productive relationships and represent TCC professionally in the community. 
●  Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly during the primary program 
season. 
●  Commitment to TCC’s mission and the protection of Torch Lake and its watershed. 

Preferred 
●  Experience in freshwater, watershed, conservation or environmental education. 
●  Nonprofit, grant-writing or grant-reporting experience. 
●  Experience supervising interns or volunteers. 
●  Experience developing engaging programs for community, family or youth audiences. 
●  Familiarity with Torch Lake and Northern Michigan conservation issues. 

Schedule & Compensation 
This is a  part-time position of approximately 1,040  hours annually  , averaging about 20 hours per week over the course of the year. 

The position follows the seasonal rhythm of TCC’s educational programming, with a significantly greater workload during the primary program season of  March  through October  and reduced hours during November through February. 

Typical workload will be approximately  25–30 hours  per week during March–October  , with substantially reduced hours during the winter months. Occasional evening and weekend work will be expected during the primary program season. 

The position will combine  remote/work-from-home flexibility with in-person work  during the primary program season and for events and other activities. 

Compensation: $30-35 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. 

Reporting Relationship 
The Program Manager will report to the Executive Director or Board Chair and work closely with the Program Committee, staff, volunteers and organizational partners. 

Performance will be evaluated after the first six months and annually thereafter, with emphasis on program quality and impact, community reach, partnerships, organizational capacity, fiscal responsibility and professional performance.