TREES Manager, USA and Canada

The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by implementing better business practices for biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Companies, cooperatives, and landowners that participate in our programs meet rigorous standards for protecting the environment, wildlife, workers, and local communities 

TREES is a program of the Rainforest Alliance, focusing on (T)raining, (R)esearch, (E)xtension, (E)ducation and (S)ystems activities related to sustainable forest management certification. The purpose of TREES is to improve the effectiveness of certification as a tool protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainable communities, and enhancing the economic performance of forest operations managed by small forest enterprises, small forest landowners, indigenous groups and rural communities. TREES is a sister program of SmartWood (SW), the world-renowned forest certification initiative of the Rainforest Alliance. 

Position Summary

The TREES Manager for the USA and Canada will provide dynamic and creative leadership and coordination for the implementation of all TREES activities in the USA and Canada. 

The Manager, in collaboration with the TREES Managing Director and Director of the Sustainable Forestry Division will establish goals, objectives and strategies for expansion of market demand for FSC products, increase benefits of certification to small landowners, groups, and indigenous operations, and improved forest management practices. 

The Manager will motivate and supervise staff and provide the necessary technical and managerial guidance to conduct all TREES activities in the USA and Canada, with input from the TREES Managing Director, Sustainable Forestry Division Director and other relevant partners. 

Current activities include Green Building outreach programs in Pennsylvania and New York. This position supervises the New York City Green Building Specialist and the Forest Products Marketing Coordinator (Allegheny Region). 

Responsibilities

TREES USA and Canada Program Design, Planning, and Fund Raising  

• Design and implement TREES activities in the USA and Canada in coordination with TREES staff, TREES Managing Director, senior management staff of the forestry division and other relevant partners;   
• Identify potential supporters and solicit funds in coordination with the Rainforest Alliance Development Department, TREES Managing Director and Forestry Division Director;   
• Develop, manage and monitor a three-year strategic plan for TREES USA and Canada activities, with more specific annual plans and budgets, and activity-specific plans and budgets for individual TREES activities;   
• Through effective and efficient planning and coordination, ensure that TREES activities complement related initiatives by other organizations;   
• Review and monitor TREES progress reports and monthly budget reports;   
• Develop strategies with TREES Managing Director and Development Dept. for long-term financial stability of TREES USA and Canada;   
• Provide reports on program activities;   
• Provide input into program development and technical improvements;   
• Represent TREES/RA at key events and presentations and communicate program achievements; and   
• Assist RA in identifying new alliances with NGOs, governments, forest industry, and other stakeholders in sustainable forest management and market linkages.

• Supervise staff in the effective and timely accomplishment of TREES program deliverables;   
• Provide strategic guidance to increase the effectiveness of TREES programs and activities;   
• Monitor staff, consultants and collaborating institutions;   
• Maintain communication and relations with donors;   
• Ensure timeliness of donor reports and proposals;   
• Motivate staff and provide guidance, support and opportunities for growth; and   
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

• MS or MA in forestry, forest products, ecology or natural resource management; or MBA degree;   
• Minimum of 5-7 years USA or Canada field experience in forestry or rural natural resources management and/or forest products; 3-5 years management experience required;   
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills;   
• Must have excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office and Internet) and comfort working with database programs;   
• Program/project management skills (e.g. planning, fundraising, budgeting, management, evaluation) and attention to detail. Min. 2-3 years demonstrated experience in program development;   
• Experience with foundation donors;   
• Experience and knowledge with forestry and/or forest product marketing issues in the USA or Canada preferred;   
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and cross-cultural skills;   
• Knowledge of SmartWood, FSC or other forest certification activities preferred; and

To Apply 

Please send cover letter and salary history by email, fax, or postal mail to:

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

The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.