I. PROGRAM SUMMARY

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.

Sonoran Institute has over 30 years of experience working on the Santa Cruz River in the U.S. and Mexico. The new and increasing releases of highly treated effluent to the river not only restore the natural river ecosystem but offer much needed community and economic benefits that are equally integral to our vision. We see restoring the river as a means to fulfill our collective goals of instilling community pride, creating a lasting connection with our rare desert environment, and as an economic asset.

II. GENERAL ROLE OF POSITION

The Program Manager (PM) is primarily responsible for managing projects within the Santa Cruz River program from design to implementation to reporting. They work closely with the existing Santa Cruz River team to develop and execute a variety of duties. The PM carries out duties primarily, but not exclusively, in Santa Cruz County focused on data collection, data analysis, community engagement, and grant management.

The Program Manager participates in and presents at various meetings, conferences and other public venues and will be expected to contribute content to the Santa Cruz River program’s Living River report, including writing, English–Spanish translation, and data analysis. This PM is tasked with monitoring Sonoran Institute’s litter traps, the first of which is installed in Nogales, AZ. This position is best suited for a person who can: perform data analyses, convey these analyses to a lay audience, and represent Sonoran Institute’s Santa Cruz River program on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border.

III. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management - 70% of time

•  Leads collection, management, and interpretation of data related to project work (both computer research and in-field monitoring).
•  Is the lead staff on the Nogales Living River report, working in coordination with Santa Cruz River program staff.
•  Ensures data security, reliability, and quality.
•  With oversight from Director, SCR, shares/exchanges information with state, county, and local governments; federal and private agencies; and nonprofit partners to facilitate the optimum and most efficient use of data.
•  Stays current on relevant research, literature, and events pertaining to program work.
•  Collaborates with staff on relevant projects.
•  Submits routine grant and budget updates to funders.

Communications and Outreach - 20% of time

•  Supports Director, SCR with a variety of partner and stakeholder meetings related to program work.
•  Prepares materials for meetings and workshops and provides logistical support for workshops and conferences.
•  Serves as a representative at partner, public, and stakeholder engagements.

Other - 10% of time

•  Respond to internal information requests from Executives, Development and Marketing, and Finance staff.
•  Communicate program activities to SI's Board of Directors.
•  Other duties as assigned, relevant to the position.

IV. 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 direction and feedback from the Program Director on a weekly basis. In addition, the Program Manager may receive additional guidance from the Senior Director of Programs and Senior Advisor at the Sonoran Institute. Formal performance reviews will be conducted 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. They will deliver public presentations to represent work in which they are engaged, as well as the mission, vision, and overall work of the organization.

V. QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or water resource management, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental policy, sustainability, climate science, or related field.
• Three or more years of work experience in a related field with increasing levels of responsibility.

Required Skills

•  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 reading, writing, and speaking Spanish (bilingual preferred).
•  Basic knowledge of ArcGIS software.
•  Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and/or publication design and layout.
•  Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 suite.
•  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 and passport.
•  Ability to work independently.
•  Ability to travel by car and plane in the United States and in Mexico.
•  Ability to occasionally travel overnight and work evenings or weekends, as needed.

Desired Skills

• Graduate degree in natural or water resource management, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental policy, sustainability, climate science, or related field.
• Knowledge of the Santa Cruz River region and its stakeholders, water issues, restoration, and green infrastructure.
• Experience in facilitation and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with designing education or training programs.
• Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Extensive knowledge of ArcGIS software and spatial analyses.
• Basic knowledge for R statistical suite.

VI: PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

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.

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

Salary: $50,253 - $62,816 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.