Associate Director of Member Programs

SEN Associate Director of Member Programs

Position Description

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: Flexible schedule (Monday- Friday); Full-time, 40 hours/week with additional hours as needed. Some evening hours may be occasionally required.

Reports To: ACE Eastern Program Division Director

Direct Reports: 2-3 Member Support Coordinators

Travel: Some regional travel required

Start Date: May, 2024

Position Summary:

ACE’s Eastern Region program operates year-round completing trail, ecological restoration, historic preservation and conservation field projects throughout the Eastern Region of the US, from the ancient forests of the Appalachian Mountains to the barrier islands on Atlantic Coast and all other aspiring landscapes of the Eastern United States! As the Associate Director of Member Programs for the ACE Eastern Region Crew programs, you will be responsible for overseeing the member program management team to develop and implement innovative outreach, recruitment, and onboarding processes and strategies as well as ensuring branch compliance to successfully manage and support AmeriCorps and volunteer members during their service with ACE.  

This position will be an integral part in identifying and coordinating trainings and professional development opportunities that support both ACE staff and members, as well as working closely with the Eastern 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.

The Associate Director of Member Programs will frequently interact with ACE’s AmeriCorps Members and the general public and as such is expected to maintain 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. Leadership and forward-thinking are important assets in this position as the Eastern Division will continue to evolve.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and support the division member program staff (Member Support Coordinators/Managers) and AmeriCorps Members
• Interact with Member Program Staff and AmeriCorps Members as frequently as possible to ensure communication between Members and ACE staff
• Train and support member program staff to ensure all 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 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 number 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 maintained in each member profile
• Assist AmeriCorps Program & Member Support Coordinator in ensuring branch compliance with all AmeriCorps regulations
• Oversee administration of payroll for AmeriCorps Members and volunteers
• Ensure that all required Mid-Term Evaluations 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:

• 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
• 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
• Computer skills required including intermediate knowledge of Excel, fluency in social media, and professional email etiquette; Strong data management skills
• Ability to function as an efficient, effective and adaptable team member displaying professional-level proficiencies in both technical and interpersonal skills
• General knowledge and understanding of AmeriCorps and federal grants
• 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

Individuals who identify with groups typically under-represented in the conservation industry, including women, non-binary individuals, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color are particularly encouraged to apply.

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: Starting annualized salary range of $50,000.00-$57,000.00, based on experience (40 hours/week for 52-weeks), paid bi-weekly.