Program Associate, Sustainable Forestry Division

The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Based in New York City, with offices throughout the United States and worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers.

Position Summary: 

The Program Associate will be responsible for providing support to the Chief of Forestry (COF) and the SmartWood and TREES Managing Directors (MDs) in all areas of program operations, with an emphasis on communications, fund-raising, partner and client relations, organization of key events, and day-to-day management support for the Sustainable Forestry Division. 

Responsibilities: 

* Coordinate meeting preparation for COF and MDs, including communications with relevant staff, logistics, agendas and materials preparation, as well as meeting follow-up, including writing Point of Contact (POC) memos, follow-up correspondence, and assisting the MDs in tracking implementation of follow-up; 
* Assist COF and MDs by drafting letters, reports and other documents, collecting and analyzing information as needed by the COF and MDs, and facilitating and recording meetings; 
* Conduct research projects and support specific initiatives such as research on key topics, support for training programs, follow up with contacts from meetings and tradeshows, etc.; 
* Coordinate program fundraising activities by tracking fundraising related deadlines, gathering materials and information, assisting with writing proposals and reports, and coordinating with other RA Divisions and Departments, including Sustainable Agriculture, Tourism and Development;
* Assist COF and MDs in developing external program presentations in PowerPoint and other formats, and maintaining an inventory of existing presentations; 
* Maintain MDs' calendars by scheduling meetings, conference calls, speaking engagements, travel and assisting with expense reports; 
* Draft and proofread pre-final reports;
* Provide quality control to assure consistent follow-up on action plans and goals;
* Work with Vermont Office Manager to optimize and maintain filing system(s); and 
* Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: 

* Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred;
* Minimum of 3-5 years of administrative experience; 
* Background in forestry, natural resources or environment a plus; 
* Excellent writing and verbal communications skills;
* Strong verbal/written Spanish communication skills a plus; 
* Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office and Internet) required, and comfort working with database programs preferred; 
* Ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines; and
* Ability to work within a team structure as well as independently, be creative, take initiative, be attentive to detail and possess excellent interpersonal communication skills. 

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package provided. 

To Apply:

Email, fax or mail resume, cover letter and salary history.

Human Resources,
Rainforest Alliance,
665 Broadway, Suite 500,
New York, NY 10012

The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.