National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer an Exempt, Full-time, two-year term position that provides leadership and direction to oversee its grantmaking and contracting and procurement processes.

About the NFF: As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1993. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds and wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country. The Foundation has grown significantly in the last few years in programmatic impact, revenue and support, and organizational capacity. NFF leads with impact, deploying roughly 90% of its expenses towards projects and programs across the country’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. NFF is forward-thinking and innovative, with ambitious strategies and goals to advance and prepare forests for a new economy.?

Position Function: The Director of Grant and Contract Administration reports directly to the Chief Conservation Officer and leads two teams within the Conservation Operations division: Grantmaking and Contracts & Procurement. The position works closely with Conservation Operations, Finance, Field Programs, and additional NFF staff. The Director is responsible for directing and refining the administration of organizational grantmaking, and procurement and contracting; and ensuring grantmaking and procurement/contracting processes comply with federal and internal policies. The position plays a central role in risk management, systems efficiency, and coordinating complex operational work.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Director of Grant and Contract Administration is responsible for: 

• Directing strategy, implementation, and management of competitive and invited grantmaking, procurement, and contracting processes that advance NFF program goals.
• Implementing and refining organizational grantmaking and procurement policies and processes.
• Ensuring compliance with federal regulations, NFF policies, and risk-management expectations.
• Advising leadership on compliance matters, process improvements, risk exposure, and operational needs.
• Leading and mentoring approximately 15 FTEs across the Grantmaking and Contracts & Procurement teams, including two direct reports: the Grantmaking Senior Manager and the Contracts and Procurement Attorney.
• Developing and implementing strategies to enhance grantmaking programs and procurement systems in alignment with the NFF strategic plan.
• Overseeing communications and service to applicants, approved grantees and vendors.
• Coordinating with Conservation Operations staff to:
• Implement management systems that support efficient, consistent team and organizational operations.
• Ensure effective and efficient information flow across systems.
• Overseeing staff training for core grantmaking, contracting, and procurement processes.
• Promoting consistent, accessible processes that improve internal understanding and external usability.
• Solving problems across complex, evolving operational contexts.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Director of Grant and Contract Administration to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, procurement requirements, and related policies and procedures.
• Significant experience leading multidisciplinary teams with a demonstrated ability to motivate, build trust, and advance strategic goals.
• Experience building or improving cross-functional processes.
• An undergraduate or graduate degree in natural resources, public administration and policy, business administration, legal studies, nonprofit management, or other related fields — or equivalent experience.
• At least eight years of experience with proven results in grantmaking, contracting, procurement, or related community development work.
• A demonstrated commitment to the NFF mission and a strong understanding of National Forest management or natural resource issues.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Strong writing skills and public-speaking experience.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Director of Grant and Contract Administration to possess the following skills and abilities:

• A growth mindset, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Inspire teams through clarity, empathy, transparency, and trust-building.
• Navigate complex grantmaking, contracting, and procurement environments with confidence and creativity.
• Translate detailed federal requirements (including 2 CFR 200, FAR, and related regulations) into clear, accessible staff and partner guidance.
• Approach challenges with a service-oriented mindset, balancing accountability and flexibility.
• Apply strong analytical skills and a detail-driven approach to decision-making.
• Communicate clearly and purposefully across written, verbal, and external-facing formats.
• Build meaningful cross-team relationships that foster collaboration and strengthen organizational systems.
• Create environments where staff feel equipped, supported, and encouraged to do their best work.
• Thrive in evolving operational contexts with resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Travel: This position requires occasional domestic travel to attend meetings, trainings, convenings, and related events. The travel estimate for this position is up to 5% per year.

Location: The location for this position is flexible throughout the lower 48 states. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $103,750 to $128,000, with the ability to grow to $142,000 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually.

Benefits: NFF is proud to offer our staff: 

• Health and Wellness:
• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by NFF for you and any dependents. 
• Vision insurance paid 50% by NFF for you and any dependents. 
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type. 
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). 
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost. 
• Financial wellbeing:
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service. 
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost. 
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options. 
• Whole life insurance at a discounted rate. 
• Flexibility and time off:
• Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service)
• Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid. 
• Personal Development:
• Training & Development Programs 
• Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year. 
• Journey of a Lifetime:
• The opportunity to support an incredible mission and advance work that creates generational benefits improving the health of our National Forests and Grasslands, ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them. 

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting will close on February 7th, or earlier if filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, we prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.