Associate Director of Member Programs

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America’s public lands. ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners.

Job Title: Associate Director of Member Programs

Location: Fletcher, North Carolina (Asheville Area) 

Department/Division: CREW, Eastern Division

Status: Regular Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)

Schedule/Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday. Flexible hours possible, expected to be on duty during ACE Core Business Hours of 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern time. Some evening and weekend hours may be occasionally required.

Reports To: ACE Crew Program Eastern Division Director

Direct Reports: Member Manager, 2-3 Member Support Coordinators

Travel: Some domestic travel required, less than 10%

Start Date: May 26, 2026

Eastern Division Program Summary:
ACE’s Eastern Division provides young adult volunteer AmeriCorps crews to carry out a variety of environmental conservation projects on lands east of the Mississippi River, with occasional projects farther west.  The Eastern Division also supports crew projects in the US Caribbean territories.  The Crew model focuses on professional development, training, and skill development for early-career crew members through delivering high-value conservation work in partnership with the land agencies and communities where we work. 

Position Summary:
This is an office-based position responsible for overseeing the member program management team and all functions related to AmeriCorps members’ terms of service with ACE in alignment with ACE’s mission. This includes development and implementation of innovative strategies for outreach, recruitment, and onboarding/offboarding processes; ensuring compliance with ACE and AmeriCorps policies; and overseeing all training and development for members during their 3- to 12-month terms of service. This position is integral in identifying and coordinating required trainings and appropriate professional development opportunities that support both ACE staff and members, as well as working closely with the Eastern Division Director and Associate Director of Operations in managing and developing policies and procedures to support members during their time with ACE and improve the overall member experience on and off project, including any necessary corrective actions and performance improvement interventions. The Associate Director of Member Programs will frequently interact with ACE’s AmeriCorps Members, maintaining a professional demeanor, positive attitude, and willingness to act as an ambassador of ACE’s program at all times. The Associate Director will need to be flexible, adaptable, and enthusiastic while working in a fast paced office environment with occasional work outdoors in a variety of climates and weather. Leadership and forward-thinking are important assets in this position as the Eastern Division continues to grow. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Supervise and support the Eastern Division Member Program Staff (currently Member Support Coordinator, Outreach & Member Manager, and Division Support Specialist) and volunteer AmeriCorps Members (20-50 members based in NC and 5-20 Caribbean members, variable by season)
• Co-supervise Conservation Crew Leaders alongside Senior Project Manager to ensure corps members have effective leadership in the field
• Interact with Member Program Staff and AmeriCorps Members as frequently as possible to ensure clear communication between Members and ACE staff
• Perform occasional site visits and work alongside corps members to develop rapport and aid in member management in situ.
• Train and support Member Program Staff to ensure all corps members are recruited, enrolled, and exited for their ACE AmeriCorps service
• Train and support Member Program Staff to coordinate and conduct ACE orientation trainings and ensure full AmeriCorps Orientation is delivered to every new member
• Monitor corps member feedback and respond appropriately as well as providing necessary support and mentorship
• Plan and implement AmeriCorps orientation and training for Members
• Identify, coordinate, and schedule needed trainings to prepare and support staff and AmeriCorps members
• Responsible for implementing performance action contracts, suspensions, or dismissals for violations of ACE Member Policies
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Operations, Division Director, and Outreach & Member Support Coordinator to ensure required number of crew members are recruited for conservation field projects
• Assist Outreach & Member Manager in maintaining and improving current recruitment strategies and developing new strategies to increase the diversity of applicants to the program
• Assist AmeriCorps Program & Member Support Coordinator in overseeing ACE database management. Train staff to ensure all appropriate member information is being entered and confidentially maintained in each member profile
• Assist AmeriCorps Program & Member Support Coordinator in ensuring branch compliance with all AmeriCorps regulations
• Work with ACE central staff and Associate Directors of Member Programs in other regional Divisions to support ACE’s member programs cohesively across the organization
• Oversee administration of payroll for AmeriCorps Members and volunteers
• Ensure that all required Beginning of Term, Mid-Term, and End-of-Term Evaluations are conducted with every member
• Assist in grant writing and new project and program development such as AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams
• Foster an environment that is anti-bullying, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of related professional experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Practical knowledge of or experience with similar corps-oriented, non-profit organizations, land-based federal agencies such as the Department of Interior or other federal or state agencies
• General knowledge and understanding of AmeriCorps and federal grants   
• Computer skills required including intermediate knowledge of Excel, fluency in social media, and professional email etiquette; Strong data management skills
• Willingness and ability to communicate and coordinate internally within ACE and with external stakeholders and partners   
• Willingness to travel, work occasional weekends and attend community events
• Strong skills in interpersonal communication, public speaking, organization, management, conflict resolution and motivating others   
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills with the ability to maintain and effectively support a complex array of projects     
• Ability to function as an efficient, effective and adaptable team member displaying professional-level proficiencies in both technical and interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform work under pressure and meet deadlines   
• Ability to adapt to surrounding work environment and conditions that can change frequently   
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors   
• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports   
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions   
• Ability to understand and follow ACE systems and processes   
• Proven ability to work independently as well as be a positive, contributing member of a group

Other Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record
• Proficient in English
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check
• Willing to abide by ACE Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talks and hears. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard/mouse and other routine office equipment. May occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 10 lbs., occasionally lifts up to 25 pounds.
• Environmental: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.

Travel: This position requires limited domestic travel.

Compensation (Grade 4): Starting annualized salary range of $60,000-$65,000, based on experience (40 hours/week for 52-weeks), paid bi-weekly.

Benefits: ACE offers competitive medical and ancillary plans (health, mental health, dental, vision and other supplemental benefits). ACE Staff members are also eligible to participate in ACE’s retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution.

Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to accrue up to 80 hours of paid vacation time annually during your first two years of continuous employment, then it increases to 120 hours annually. ACE observes 13 paid annual holidays (floating holiday flexibility). ACE provides 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid sick time annually.

Additional Benefits: 

Outdoor Perks: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 – 50% off retail prices on 100s of established outdoor gear brands.

Phone Provided or Reimbursement Option: You have the option to select one of the following options: ACE work phone device/number provided or monthly phone reimbursement for personal device/number use.