Program Manager, Urban Conservation

JOB HIGHLIGHTS

The Conservation Fund’s Urban Conservation and Community program works to create, enhance, and connect neighborhood-scale green spaces in under-resourced urban communities, with a strong emphasis on local leadership and community guidance. The program is currently active in several cities across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic and is expanding into the Midwest.

The Urban Conservation and Community Program Manager will be part of a multidisciplinary team advancing land conservation, community engagement, and open space stewardship in selected urban areas nationwide. This role serves as a key representative of The Conservation Fund in urban communities—attending meetings, conferences, and public forums; leading outreach and education efforts; supporting conservation initiatives; and identifying funding opportunities. The ideal candidate is a creative and resourceful professional who can champion authentic community engagement and promote innovative land conservation strategies in urban settings.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Outreach and Engagement

• In collaboration with and under the direction of the Urban Conservation Director, lead community engagement, outreach, and program development and implementation across all locations.
• Serve as a primary representative of The Conservation Fund in urban communities where the Urban Conservation and Community program operates.
• Participate in local and regional opportunities to represent the organization and its mission.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other conservation organizations, funders, community groups, and other stakeholders through tabling and presenting opportunities as well as at meetings, conferences, roundtables, and/or other outreach opportunities.

Urban Conservation Projects and Programs

• Lead the implementation of The Conservation Fund’s Urban Conservation and Community Fellowship Program, including program design and execution, and management of external Advisory Council.
• Develop and implement effective education and engagement opportunities that engage urban conservation partners, including the annual urban conservation peer exchange event.
• Collaborate with Program Director and project consultants on project design, development, and site construction including preliminary analyses, funding and cost analysis, work plan development, project execution and results.
• Coordinate design, development, and project construction with various regional, state, and federal agencies; key stakeholders; and neighborhood associations and partner organizations.
• Work with project partners and design consultants to oversee development of cost estimates and design, permitting and construction schedules.

Internal Coordination

• Work closely with TCF State Directors, Conservation Acquisition staff, and teams in fundraising, finance, and marketing to support budgeting, impact reporting, and grant compliance.
• Maintain program files and regularly update project records for use in funder and partner reports.
• Collaborate with Development staff to draft proposals, concept papers, budgets, and related materials to secure funding aligned with program priorities.
• Work with the Director to establish project goals and with the Director and the Marketing and Communications department to establish internal and external communication strategies for ongoing projects.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE

• At least five years of experience with and strong familiarity with urban conservation and land conservation, particularly in historically under-resourced communities.
• Demonstrated affinity for working with diverse populations, specifically in urban communities, on the issues of environmental and climate protection, economic advancement, and personal commitment to working to achieve greater equity and respect for all.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Teams.

WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, maintain own schedule in coordination with other staff, demonstrate flexibility and an ability to shift priorities quickly, and dedication to teamwork.
• Familiarity with maps and mapping, and ability to read and understand deeds, conservation easements, and related legal documents
• Ability to learn and understand land use guidelines and regulations.
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends.
• Ability to travel extensively; valid driver’s license required. Use of personal vehicle or coordinating the use of a rental vehicle for property visits is expected.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Work is performed in an office or home-office setting and on project locations.
• The position requires sporadically working long hours and/or weekends.
• Overnight travel is required.
• Estimated travel – roughly 50%.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $89,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation. Please note: Salary range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. The final salary offer will be determined accordingly.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.

The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.