Program Manager

The position of Program Manager plays a critical role supporting program implementation from river restoration projects to outreach events and securing funding through grants and corporate sponsorships. This position is responsible for the implementation of our entry-level engagement and outreach programming, including river clean ups, riparian restoration projects, outreach tabling, and other events as required. Additionally, this position manages grants and corporate sponsorships that provide funding for our entry-level engagement and outreach programs. This position gathers essential data, impact metrics, and programmatic details for proposals, submits funding proposals to a range of funding sources, and conducts research for new funding opportunities. With a strong emphasis on organization and communication, the manager will ensure that all event-, project-, and funding-related materials are meticulously documented and maintained. This position will collaborate closely with the Director of Development and under the supervision of the Director of Community Engagement to plan and implement all aspects of the position, in alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. This position reports to the Director of Community Engagement.   

Responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to:  

Program Implementation and Oversight (60%)  

• Manage and implement grant/proposal-funded programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and achieving desired outcomes
• Coordinate and implement regular weekday and weekend volunteering opportunities – including river clean ups, streambank restoration projects, youth service days, and corporate volunteer days – with key partners and in key watersheds
• Coordinate and implement outreach efforts – including tabling at events and festivals, distributing promotional materials to local businesses, etc. – to raise awareness and promote our mission and programs
• Incorporate educational opportunities in all programs to raise awareness and build capacity for watershed stewardship and community leadership
• Develop and maintain relationships with partners and community organizations
• Assist with communications as needed, including digital content creation related to grant programs in collaboration with the Communications Manager
• Assist with development as needed, including providing outreach and event logistics support for fundraising events such as Songwriters for Streams, Patron Party, and River Swing

Funding Research and Proposal Development (20%)  

• Research and track new funding opportunities, including grants and corporate sponsorships
• Manage proposal development and submission, including drafting applications, work plans and budgets, preparing narratives, and supporting documentation
• Assist with the gathering of key impact metrics and data to aid in program development

Grant Lifecycle Management (20%)  

• Administer the full lifecycle of grants, including assisting with applications, managing compliance, execution, and closeout
• Prepare and submit grant reports and any necessary correspondence or compliance measures
• Ensure that reports, financial statements, and documentation meet all requirements and deadlines
• Strengthen relationships with funders
• Assist with internal grant tracking processes

Ideal Qualifications:      

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, conservation, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field
• Two or more years of experience in grant writing, nonprofit program management, or other related field
• Strong writing, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to develop compelling grant narratives
• Experience managing multiple grant applications and deadlines simultaneously

Successful candidates will demonstrate:  

• Comfort working in a diverse team
• Skill in working under pressure and adhering to deadlines
• Talent in their ability to plan, prioritize, manage, control and execute tasks on timely matters
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Have high levels of motivation, self-reliance, and independence

Requirements:  

• Ability to transport 40+ lbs, lift and carry items such as pop-up tents, tables, project equipment, and navigate a cart full of materials
• Ability to work outdoors, occasionally on the water, in various weather conditions for four to eight hours at a time
• Must have genuine love for the outdoors and commitment to protecting our streams, rivers, and wetland resources
• Outgoing and comfortable speaking to, and following up with, community members with various backgrounds
• Comfortable interacting professionally with all levels of donors, supporters, and volunteers
• Confidentiality concerning donors, clients, and interoffice communication
• Responsiveness to the requests of donors, clients, and volunteers
• Strong written and oral English proficiency
• Willing and available to work non-traditional hours regularly, such as nights and one to two weekends/month
• Familiarity with DonorPerfect, Microsoft 365, Outlook, Dropbox, Monday.com, Slack, etc.
• Commitment to live and work in the Nashville, Tennessee area
• Knowledge of and interest in environmental issues and scientific concepts to aid in explanation of our work to a broad variety of audiences
• Commitment to the mission of Harpeth Conservancy
• Valid Driver’s License in the State of Tennessee and adequate transportation and proof of insurance
• Must be able to work legally in the United States

Salary, Benefits, and Work Environment:  

The salary base is $55,000 with a range above based on experience. The position is based at our office in Brentwood, TN. A flexible work schedule is expected to accommodate evenings and weekends, travel and traffic. Harpeth Conservancy benefits include paid-time-off, Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN cafeteria health insurance plan, and a Simple IRA retirement plan. 

About Harpeth Conservancy:   

Harpeth Conservancy is a science-based conservation organization dedicated to clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers across Tennessee. Founded in 1999, our mission is to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships to develop, promote, and support broad community stewardship and action. Harpeth Conservancy works with landowners, businesses, community, local, state, and federal decision-makers and members to foster solutions that reduce pollution and maintain healthy areas. The rivers in Tennessee, including the Harpeth, are part of the unique freshwater river systems of the Southeast which contain some of the greatest variety of aquatic life in the world. 

By seeking water quality solutions developed with diverse stakeholders, Harpeth Conservancy builds broad stewardship and shared responsibility for streams and rivers that are vital for the state’s economic well-being and quality of life. Harpeth Conservancy’s vision is clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee, championed by the people who live here. Please follow these hyperlinks to learn more about the Harpeth Conservancy’s successes in its first 25 years, our vision and approach in our new 6 minute video, and some of our current campaigns.