Deputy Director of Fire Management

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Colorado.

📋 Description

• Assist the Director of Fire Management with departmental planning, organizational policies, and cross-functional strategies.

• Create and execute programs and initiatives that align with the organization’s mission and vision.

• Design, plan, and carry out projects in collaboration with staff and external partners.

• Monitor and assess departmental outcomes, facilitating improvements based on data-driven insights.

• Oversee the implementation of programs, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, KPIs, and objectives.

• Identify potential grants and funding opportunities while preparing reports for funders, Board members, and partners.

• Develop and review policies, SOPs, procedures, templates, contracts, landowner agreements, and MOUs.

• Lead initiatives for wildfire resilience and prescribed fire policy recommendations, engaging stakeholders effectively.

• Analyze legislative, regulatory, and administrative challenges, formulating actionable policy solutions.

• Supervise, mentor, evaluate, and provide support to Program Managers and other staff members.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and psychologically safe work environment.

• Offer expertise in wildland fire and support safe fire operations.

• Assist with the implementation of prescribed fire, including burn plans, consequence analysis, complexity ratings, and training.

• Participate in Incident Command Teams and support Fire Duty Officer processes as assigned.

• Build and sustain partnerships with communities, agencies, NGOs, funders, and other stakeholders.

• Represent The Ember Alliance at external events, conferences, and meetings.

• Engage in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to current qualification levels as required.

⛳️ Requirements

• Currently or previously qualified as RXB2 (minimum requirement).

• Currently or previously qualified as ICT4, DIVS, or TFLD (preferred).

• A minimum of 2 years of experience supervising staff and/or managing complex, multifaceted programs.

• Proven success in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs.

• A strong passion for the organization’s mission and a commitment to social impact.

• Excellent leadership and management capabilities.

• Ability to inspire, lead, and motivate a diverse team.

• Demonstrated strategic thinking, innovative problem-solving skills, and adaptability.

• Experience collaborating with senior leadership on department-level strategy and policy (preferred).

• A degree in Ecosystem Management or a related field, or 8+ years of combined education and experience in wildland fire management.

• Proficiency in budgeting, resource allocation, and financial management for programs.

• Experience in developing and negotiating agreements and contracts.

• Exceptional communication skills for conveying complex information to various partners and navigating challenging conversations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite products, including Excel and Word.

• A resume, cover letter, NWCG qualification records, and three professional references are required for application.

• The earliest available start date must be specified.

🏝️ Benefits

• Support for work/life balance.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Remote work arrangement (approximately 85% remote).

• Occasional travel for fire assignments, training sessions, and partner or Board meetings.

• Average workweek of 40 hours.

• Employee participation in training and professional development opportunities.