Program Manager

Supervisor: Co-Executive Director for Policy, Planning, and Programs

Type: Full-time, 40 hours/week, FMLA-exempt

Salary range: $50,000-$65,000

About the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

The Coalition’s mission is to protect the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona through science-based advocacy, education, and collaboration. We are an alliance of conservation and community organizations that formed in February 1998. Through our Coalition, we work towards a common vision of a community in the Sonoran Desert where ecosystems are healthy, valued, and protected, with benefits for current and future generations.

Position description

The Program Manager supports the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection’s mission by advancing CSDP’s work on regional conservation policies, planning initiatives, connectivity projects, and community-based campaigns. This position works under the supervision of the Co-Executive Director for Policy, Planning, and Programs and plays a key role in shaping land use and landscape connectivity decisions, as well as fostering inclusive community participation in local and regional planning processes.

This position requires strong skills in policy analysis, written and verbal communication, and relationship and partnerships building, alongside an understanding of large landscape conservation issues — preferably here in Southern Arizona. The Program Manager will work closely with the Co-Executive Director and a broad network of coalition members, partners, developers, public agencies, and other stakeholders to implement CSDP’s policy priorities.

Core tasks and areas of responsibility

Policy and planning (70%)

• Monitor, research, and analyze land use, transportation, and development proposals and local government agendas for areas requiring potential action.
• Draft comment letters, position statements, and policy briefs to support the Coalition’s positions on local conservation planning issues.
• Support and/or lead public testimony and representation at public meetings and hearings, and represent CSDP at community meetings, conferences, and similar.
• Assist in the development and implementation of CSDP’s advocacy campaigns, including coalition-building strategies, public outreach, and community engagement.
• Coordinate with the Co-Executive Director on legislative and regulatory policy analysis at the local, regional, and state level.
• Collaborate with private developers, public agencies, stakeholders and subject matter experts to provide feedback on proposed policies, plans, and similar.
• Integrate CSDP’s community science programs and outcomes into policy arguments.
• Draft and/or provide input on internal and external communications regarding CSDP’s policy, planning, and programs.
• Draft and/or provide input on relevant grant proposals (no experience in grant writing required).
• Assist with and/or lead field work days for CSDP, driving forward outcomes in CSDP’s project areas.
• Track and report on metrics related to CSDP’s programs.

Community organizing and relationship-building (30%)

• Support and/or lead community campaigns in support of specific conservation outcomes, to potentially include tools such as media, press, materials such as merchandise or signage, or events.
• Help CSDP to create more advocates through community organizing and engagement
• Represent CSDP on planning committees, working groups, and community forums, with guidance and collaboration from the Co-Executive Director.
• Cultivate relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders, including conservation groups, neighborhood associations, developers, and others as necessary to achieve CSDP’s goals.
• Develop strategies to increase equitable public participation in land use decisions.
• Employ community organizing tactics such as 1-on-1 meetings, power mapping, and community-based partnerships.
• Support CSDP’s relationships with its major donors, to potentially include hosting field trips and other activities rooted in CSDP’s project areas.

Supervisory responsibilities

This position is not routinely responsible for people management or supervision; however, there may be opportunities to supervise internships in this role.

Preferred qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in policy, planning, conservation, environmental advocacy, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of local land use policy, environmental regulations, or regional planning processes in Southern Arizona or similar context.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, especially across diverse stakeholder groups, and proven experience in working with and influencing senior decision makers.
• Experience with community organizing and with public speaking in a variety of settings.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, and experience with Google, Microsoft, and Adobe suite products.
• Exposure to field work, mapping and GIS.
• Ability to analyze technical documents, such as development plans and environmental assessments, and translate findings into clear public messages.
• Self-driven, with the ability to work independently.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in environmental advocacy.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health and dental insurance, paid holidays and paid time off (starting at 4 weeks per year), home office stipend, opportunities for hybrid and remote work, and opportunities for a flexible schedule. 

Working conditions

• Irregular work hours, including attending some early morning, evening and weekend events, are expected. 
• Remote work-from-home or in-office setting available in the Tucson, AZ region. Our office is in the Historic Y Building - an office space shared with other local nonprofits and local businesses - within walking distance of 4th Avenue and the University of Arizona campus. 
• Physical requirements: must be able to lift 40 lbs., must be able to access a second-floor office by stairs.
• Opportunities for a flexible schedule.
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination (including boosters), as required for all staff.

Note that a part-time position will be considered for the right candidate.

About the Sonoran Desert and Tucson 

The Sonoran Desert is the focus of our work and is an incredibly biodiverse ecosystem due to our weather patterns of having both winter and summer rains. A rich network of local, state, and federally-protected open spaces such as Tucson Mountain Park, Saguaro National Park, Catalina State Park, and the forests of the Santa Catalina Mountains provide ample space for wildlife-watching activities, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Tucson's remarkable weather, desert environment, and nearby national parks and mountain ranges, provide an idyllic living environment. The city’s rich history also shows in our turn-of-the-century architecture, beautiful historic neighborhoods, and abundant museums/galleries. Our offices in The Historic Y building near downtown are an easy walk from many restaurants, concert venues, and other public spaces and close to the city’s network of cycling paths. We are also only a few blocks from the University of Arizona. Tucson and the surrounding communities observe low light pollution rules, meaning you can see the stars clearly from your own backyard. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CSDP is committed to cultivating a culture that values differences and fosters inclusion. Our volunteer, internship, and employment positions are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, marital status, familial status, economic circumstances, and/or veteran status. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

We are grateful for the opportunity to live and work on traditionally Native lands, including those belonging to the O’odham, Tohono O’odham, and Pascua Yaqui.

Application Period Ends: Sept 9, 2025

First Round Interview Date: Sept 16-19, 2025

Second Round Interview Date: Sept 23-26, 2025

Start Date: Oct 13, 2025