Director, California Program

Founded by Congress in 1991, the National Forest Foundation works with the U.S. Forest Service to care for these natural treasures for the millions of visitors they receive each year and for you, and those who come after you.

The National Forest Foundation brings people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands. As the nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, we engage America in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the National Forest System. We also administer private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests.

Position Overview:

The Director, California Program reports directly to the Vice President, Conservation Program. The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and managing conservation programs with the Forest Service, communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners to support NFF's strategic initiatives and long-term goals in California.

Responsibilities: 

• Building and developing a close and mutually beneficial relationship between the Forest Service, the NFF, and California field partners to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships. Involve the National Park Service where appropriate.
• Expanding the base of private sector supporters/partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities and creating new development opportunities for the areas program.
• Effectively communicating with the public regarding the areas community-based conservation initiatives.
• Developing conservation programs with the local Forest Service and private sector partners that support the Foundation's strategic initiative and long-term goals which will include management of a new campaign restoration site.
• Reviewing and providing due diligence information for all grant proposals from the area.
• Participating in efforts to create synergy between the Forest Service and the NFF to build a stronger constituency for our National Forest System by advancing NFF's Friends of the Forest® program.
• Communicating the availability of WestCAN to support the capacity of NFF's California field partners and identify partner group's specific needs.
• Maintaining a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF's strategic effectiveness and the understanding of NFF board and staff members.
• Serving as the point of contact in all conservation program matters in California.

Qualifications:

NFF expects the incumbent to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Master's degree in natural resources-related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of 10 years' experience with proven results in conservation programming and related community-based collaborative conservation to include a strong knowledge of and experience in Forest Service policies, procedures and regulations.
• A strong understanding of California natural resources issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to the environment.

Abilities and Skills:

NFF expects the incumbent to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• 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 collaboratively manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures of success.
• Ability to cultivate new donor relationships.
• Ability to effectively set priorities, while managing a variety of projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Ability to work well, and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.

Compensation: The National Forest Foundation offers an excellent compensation and benefits package.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume in confidence.

Director, California Program Search
National Forest Foundation
Building 27, Suite 3
Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804

Additional information on the National Forest Foundation can be found on our website.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search.