Agroforestry and Water Program Manager

Job Opening: Agroforestry and Water Program Manager

The Savanna Institute invites applications for an Agroforestry and Water Program Manager to manage existing efforts to promote agroforestry adoption through the lens of water quality and water management. 

We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, we are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans  to  apply.

Who We Are

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, we work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit savannainstitute.org.

Job Description

Hours:  full-time

Location: remote, Midwest strongly preferred

Start Date: April 2024

Salary: $56,000-63,000/year

• This position is eligible for the Institute’s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 30 days paid time off per year, 3 weeks of paid family leave, a health reimbursement arrangement that can be applied to insurance premiums and approved healthcare costs, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and a monthly home office stipend.
• This position reports to the Agroforestry Programs Manager

Duties/Responsibilities

This position will coordinate the implementation of programs and projects relating to the benefits of agroforestry for water quality and management. This position is part of the Agroforestry Adoption Team and will work in close collaboration with the Demonstration and On-Farm Education team, the Communications team, the rest of the Adoption team, and other Savanna Institute staff. 

Key activities of this position include: 

• Coordinate the implementation of large grant-funded projects focused on scaling up agroforestry adoption through education, outreach, and research on the benefits of agroforestry for water quality and water management (in particular, Great Lakes Protection Fund, EPA, and Daybreak funded projects) (40%)
• Work closely with the partners and Savanna Institute’s Communications team to steward the development of educational tools and opportunities to further the connections between agroforestry, perennial cropping, and water benefits and their implementation on the ground (10%)
• Manage partnerships through the various grant projects and other water specific networks to advance the direct goals of the project as well as identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to advance the mission of SI (15%)
• Long-term development of the Institute’s water quality program and coordination of activities related to water quality and management across Savanna Institute (10%)
• Grant reporting, grant budget management, and regular partner meetings (15%)
• Overhead and administration (10%)

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in grant and program management, including partner relationships, events, and budget management
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects
• Water or environmental science related education or experience
• Knowledge of agroforestry or perennial crops
• Experience in developing and managing partnerships
• Proactive, self-directed, and reliable with excellent organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to participating in a collaborative environment
• Access to personal phone/computer, transportation, and ability to lift 50+ pounds

If you’re excited about this job, we’re excited to learn about your experience! Please be sure to address each of the following qualifications in your cover letter — paint us a picture of how your unique skills, experiences, and/or education meet or exceed the qualifications. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 typed page. 

How To Apply Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to the position on our jobs page: https://www.savannainstitute.org/jobs/

Deadline All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CT on February 4th, 2024.

Questions? Email Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Operations Manager, kathleen@savannainstitute.org.

Diversity Commitment

The Savanna Institute affirms the value of diversity of staff and stakeholders, and aims to foster inclusive environments and equitable outcomes of our work. We seek individuals who are committed to these goals.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.