District Manager

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to anchorageswcd@gmail.com. The position will remain open until it is filled, with the first review of applications beginning on or about August 1, 2025. Short listed applicants will be asked to provide references. 

Who We Are: Conservation Districts are organizations that work with landowners and a variety of other partners and funding agencies to conserve and promote healthy soils, water, forests and wildlife. The Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD) is one of 11 conservation districts in Alaska and is focused on the largest urban area in the state. Our mission is ‘helping people care for our forest, land, and water’. Thanks to the hard work of our Board and staff, we have grown into a vibrant organization with five employees and four programs. Our programs include Urban Agriculture, Invasive Species, Native Plants, and Cooperative Work on Joint Base Elmendorf/Richardson with opportunity for program expansion. We aspire to strategically add programs as we identify conservation needs and funding. We are a flexible, fun, and caring organization dedicated to making Anchorage a healthier, more sustainable place to live, work, and play. 

Duties: 

• Lead a team of five staff to meet program goals and provide mentoring and opportunities for professional growth. Due to turnover, the new District Manager may have the opportunity to hire two new program staff.
• Collaborate with the Board to set vision, policy, and strategy for the organization.
• Organize monthly Board Meetings and prepare financial and program reports each month.
• Oversee District finances, working closely with the Administrative Assistant and Treasurer.
• Continue developing this young organization’s systems and practices so it runs efficiently.
• Maintain a culture of transparency, trust, inclusivity, equity, and empowerment.
• Maintain relations of trust with funding agencies and partner organizations; work collaboratively to accomplish shared goals.
• Review all grant reports, outreach materials, and proposals for alignment with mission and program goals, realistic budgets, and achievable objectives.
• Work with the Board and Program Leaders to identify new conservation initiatives and bring in diverse funding.
• Liaise with other Alaska Districts, the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts (umbrella organization for all Conservation Districts in Alaska), and the National Association of Conservation Districts.

Minimum qualifications: 

• Five years supervisory experience and two years as the director, assistant director or program director of an organization.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a natural resource, science, business or related field.
• Understanding of grant management, nonprofit accounting, and financial management practices.
• Competency with Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel.
• Skill collaborating with diverse groups and maintaining harmonious relationships with funders, cooperators, and the public.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to think strategically.
• Skill troubleshooting issues and willingness to ask for help when needed.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, and to adapt as circumstances change.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, and to self-motivate.
• Experience in writing for a variety of audiences and editing the work of others.
• Experience in grant writing and fund raising.

Hours, Wages, and Benefits: This is a permanent, full-time position with a pay scale ranging from $34-$45 per hour depending upon experience. We also offer a flexible work-from-home policy and Paid Time Off and Holidays. Our office is located at 911 West 8th Avenue, in downtown Anchorage.