The Sonoran Institute’s mission is to connect people and communities with the natural resources that nourish and sustain them. We envision resilient and sustainable communities living in harmony with the natural world, where flowing rivers and healthy landscapes enable all people and nature to thrive. Our work transcends borders, bringing together diverse communities to promote civil dialogue about complex conservation issues that know no boundaries. All aspects of our work are guided by inclusivity and collaboration to create positive environmental change in the western United States and northwestern Mexico. 

The Colorado River basin will continue to experience more severe water shortages due to climate change and increased growth, which will require that communities use less water and approach water holistically if they wish to continue to prosper while the natural world also continues to thrive. Sonoran Institute’s “Growing Water Smart” (GWS) program trains and assists communities in ensuring that land-use planning, which largely determines future water demand related to urban growth and development, is sensitive to future water conditions and makes the most strategic and equitable use of that water. The program advocates for state policies that more widely integrate water and land use planning across the basin. The program currently operates in Colorado, Arizona, California, and along the US-MX border.  

GENERAL ROLE OF POSITION

The Sonoran Institute’s mission is to connect people and communities with the natural resources that nourish and sustain them. We envision resilient and sustainable communities living in harmony with the natural world, where flowing rivers and healthy landscapes enable all people and nature to thrive. Our work transcends borders, bringing together diverse communities to promote civil dialogue about complex conservation issues that know no boundaries. All aspects of our work are guided by inclusivity and collaboration to create positive environmental change in the western United States and northwestern Mexico. 

The Colorado River basin will continue to experience more severe water shortages due to climate change and increased growth, which will require that communities use less water and approach water holistically if they wish to continue to prosper while the natural world also continues to thrive. Sonoran Institute’s “Growing Water Smart” (GWS) program trains and assists communities in ensuring that land-use planning, which largely determines future water demand related to urban growth and development, is sensitive to future water conditions and makes the most strategic and equitable use of that water. The program advocates for state policies that more widely integrate water and land use planning across the basin. The program currently operates in Colorado, Arizona, California, and along the US-MX border.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Implementation - 70% of time

• Serve as project manager for Growing Water Smart projects, as assigned, including managing project tasks and timelines, coordinating and leading project management meetings, and tracking grantor deliverables. 
• Attend, present, moderate or facilitate meetings, conference sessions, and workshop sessions. 
• Manage GWS workshop event logistics. 
• Research and author reports, publications, articles, and presentations.  
• Assist in the curriculum design of trainings and workshops. 
• Contribute to GWS communications such as the Growing Water Smart Peer Network platform, social media, website pages, and newsletters. 

Program Management - 20% of time

• Assist in the preparation and management of program/project budgets and funding proposals. 
• Develop and/or manage relationships with prospective, current, and past workshop attendees; outside agencies; consultants; partners; and funders. 

Other - 10% of time

• Respond to internal information requests from Sonoran Institute Executive, Marketing, Development, and Finance staff.
• Communicate program activities to Sonoran Institute Board of Directors.

POSITION CHARACTERISTICS

Decision Making

The Program Manager will be expected to demonstrate independent judgment in the conduct of assigned projects, using professional best practices and the principles of the Sonoran Institute as a foundation. Decisions impacting individual projects will frequently be the responsibility of the Program Manager while those impacting the activities and reputation of the Sonoran Institute may involve the Program Director or others in the organization. This position does not direct or supervise others. 

Nature of Supervision Received

The Program Manager will receive regular direction and feedback from the Program Director. In addition, the Program Manager may receive additional guidance from the Senior Director of Programs and Senior Adviser at the Sonoran Institute. Formal performance reviews may be conducted at least annually. 

Representation and Public Contact

The Program Manager will typically interact in public and private settings with community decision makers and their staff and constituents. Contacts will also include community organizations and their representatives in both public and private meetings. S/he will deliver public presentations to represent work in which s/he is engaged, as well as the mission, vision, and overall work of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or water resource management, public policy, environmental policy, sustainability, climate science, urban and regional planning, or related field. 
• Three or more years of work experience in a related field with increasing levels of responsibility. 
• Other combinations of education and relevant work experiences will be considered. 

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, such as the ability to communicate complex ideas and information to a broad range of audiences. 
• Excellent program management skills, including ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously.  
• Proficient in the principles of land use planning or water resource management. 
• Ability to effectively manage event planning, including scheduling, budgeting, venue coordination, vendor management, and logistics planning. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 programs. 
• Experience with website/digital/graphic design/video or other media tools. 
• Energetic, outgoing, flexible, creative, and a proactive problem solver.     
• Current valid driver’s license. 
• Ability to work independently and remotely. 
• Ability to travel by car and plane in the United States. 
• Ability to occasionally travel overnight and work evenings or weekends, as needed. 

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Graduate degree in natural or water resource management, public policy, environmental policy, sustainability, climate science, urban and regional planning, or related field. 
• Fluent or proficient in the Spanish language. 
• Experience in facilitation and stakeholder engagement. 
• Experience with designing education or training programs. 
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. 
• Knowledge of GIS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT OF THIS POSITION

Remote work: will consist of the employee’s own remote environment. Office work: The employee typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office. Employee may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle, or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 20 pounds.

Employees may be required to perform other relevant duties as assigned, to ensure workload coverage. Employees are required to follow any other relevant job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description does NOT constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the organizational needs and requirements of the job change.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

As an organization that values equity and social justice, Sonoran Institute strives to be a place where all feel welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. We work to champion social justice initiatives and advocate for our community, and to continue to grow as an organization and as individuals. It is our diverse community that makes us who we are, and we stand against any and all discrimination, racism, and hatred.

Sonoran Institute is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits employment (be it as a volunteer or paid staff) discrimination based on race, color, sex, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, or disability.

Geographic Location: Fully remote position physically located in Arizona or Colorado with the ability to travel for meetings. 

Salary: $51,210 - $73,632 annually (based on education, location and experience) 

Benefits Offered:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance - Employer Paid
• Long Term Disability - Employer Paid
• 401K participation with employer match
• Generous paid time off, starting at 20 days per year

This posting will remain open until position is filled.