National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a Exempt, full-time position that will build partnerships and connections to support the development and implementation of conservation projects and programs across New Mexico’s National Forests, the centerpiece of the State’s public lands.

About the NFF: As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1990. 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 Southern New Mexico Associate Program Manager reports to the New Mexico Program Manager. The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and managing conservation programs with the USDA Forest Service, local communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners to support NFF strategic initiatives and long-term goals across New Mexico. 

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Southern NM Associate Program Manager is responsible for:

• Building and developing close and mutually beneficial relationships between the USDA Forest Service (FS), the NFF, and New Mexico field partners to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships.
• Strengthening the NFF’s ability to support on-the-ground restoration, recreation and community engagement work that benefits communities, conserves natural systems and expands outdoor experiences by developing new partnerships, finding opportunities to share resources, and leveraging support.
• Supporting the NFF program of work in southern New Mexico, which includes operation and management of programs, projects, funds, and teams across the Lincoln and Gila National Forests
• Working with the USDA Forest Service and the SW Field Team to develop scopes of work and budgets for implementation of projects and programs across Southern NM
• Conducting required procurement, contracting, and granting processes for hiring contractors and making grantee selections to implement projects.
• Working with and supporting staff in oversight of contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and the U.S. Forest Service to manage implementation of existing and new conservation, watershed improvement, ecosystem restoration, and recreation enhancement projects.
• Ensuring all project implementation meets USDA Forest Service criteria and needs, communicate with USDA Forest Service during project implementation, and work with USDA Forest Service to provide final project evaluation.
• Directly supervising employees on the Southwest team 
• Supporting use of methodologies, metrics, and opportunities to measure and communicate benefits of project implementation.
• Working to expand the base of private and public-sector supporters and partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities and creating new partnership and funding opportunities.
• Effectively communicating with and engaging the public in caring for their National Forests and Grasslands through community-based conservation initiatives and outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Maintaining a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance NFF strategic efficacy.
• Serving as a point of contact in the NFF for conservation and development activities in Southern New Mexico.
• Assisting as necessary with the NFF program of work across which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects across a broader geography
• Developing material that supports and communicates accomplishments, successes and needs for annual reports, newsletters, regional updates, social media posts, grants, and more.
• Maintaining and managing administrative processes, including the management and tracking of program and project budgets.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Southern NM Associate Program Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in natural resources-related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience with proven results in conservation programming and related community-based collaborative conservation to include a strong knowledge of and experience in USDA Forest Service policies, procedures and regulations.
• A foundation of career experience in natural resource management, restoration, or program management 
• A strong understanding of New Mexico’s cultural history and natural resource issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to the environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Southern NM Associate Program Manager 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 and work in outdoor environments.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Have a valid U.S. Driver’s License. 

Location: The location for this position is in Silver City, Alamogordo, or Las Cruces, New Mexico. Applications must be able to travel regularly within Lincoln and Gila National Forests. 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 $88,000 to $100,000, with the ability to grow to $112,000 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually. NFF monitors mandated state minimum wage updates. Individual state conditions will be honored during the offer process. 

Benefits: NFF is proud to offer our staff: 

Health and Wellness:

• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents. 
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization 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 travel to / work in spectacular locations.

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 September 5th, or earlier if filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning 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.