What? Job Opportunity
Valley Advocates for Responsible Development (VARD) is seeking a smart, passionate, person to join our team as Program Manager. Our ideal candidate is an advocate at their core - advocating for open spaces, wild places, and vibrant communities through responsible land use planning. Our Program Manager works with all staff, and the community, to educate and empower – and to ensure that prospective developers are held accountable to the highest of development standards under local, state, and federal law. Our prime candidate will be someone committed to using their skillset to protect Teton Valley’s rural character and who is prepared to use a variety of planning strategies, research, policy advocacy, and strategic approaches to support VARD’s mission. If you have skills not listed below, but you are the perfect fit, please let us know how and why.

Why? About the Organization
VARD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Teton Valley, Idaho. We are a citizens’ group working to shape policy, guide development, and provide outreach to preserve natural resources, protect rural character, and promote vibrant communities in Teton Valley through civic action. VARD is a small organization and a national leader in sustainable and restorative land use planning.

How? Program Manager Responsibilities

▪ Consulting with community members, developers, elected officials, staff, nonprofit partners, etc., advising them, as appropriate, of next steps in any given land use scenario.
▪ Representing the organization’s members at public hearings – preparing and providing written and verbal comments.
▪ Program direction and priority project identification.
▪ Developing and providing self-help resources to assist those navigating land use planning and enforcement processes.
▪ Working with other local nonprofits to advance responsible development practices in Teton Valley and serving as a partner in collaborative projects.
▪ Supporting training and education initiatives that build the community’s ability to hold an active role in shaping the community in which they live.
▪ Representing the organization in coalitions and in meetings with colleagues, partner organizations, community members, and prospective developers.
▪ Assisting with communications.
▪ Assisting with organizing events.
▪ Assisting with other duties as assigned.

Who? Candidate Qualifications

▪ A Bachelor’s degree in land use planning, public administration, economics, environmental studies, or similar field is required.
▪ A Master’s degree in land use planning, public administration, economics, environmental studies, or similar field is preferred.
▪ Experience in land use planning, advocacy, nonprofit, leadership, fundraising, donor relationships (may be a combination of all).
▪ Demonstrated commitment to responsible land use planning, open spaces, agricultural lands, and preservation of wildlife habitat.
▪ Excellent research skills, analysis, public speaking, and writing ability.
▪ Ability to think strategically, explore creative solutions to problems, and communicate effectively with colleagues, partners, and policymakers.
▪ Ability to work collaboratively with community educators and organizers.
▪ A sense of humor in stressful situations. This one is non-negotiable.