Land & Water Program Director

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

📋 Description

• Formulate and execute strategies, programs, and projects that promote watershed health through the integrated management of forests, rangelands, riparian areas, wetlands, and water resources.

• Create annual work plans, budgets, performance indicators, and implementation strategies.

• Oversee grants and projects to guarantee successful program delivery.

• Recognize emerging opportunities and challenges related to watershed health and develop collaborative, landowner-driven solutions.

• Bring together landowners, producers, partners, and stakeholders to determine priorities and further watershed stewardship initiatives.

• Assist in voluntary, on-the-ground stewardship projects that enhance watershed function, ecosystem resilience, and productivity of working lands.

• Design and facilitate peer-learning opportunities, workshops, field tours, webinars, and various knowledge-exchange forums.

• Establish partnerships with agencies, conservation organizations, universities, Tribal governments, and other stakeholders.

• Identify and promote public policy and economic initiatives that further voluntary conservation, watershed stewardship, and resilient working lands.

• Collaborate with communications staff to develop educational resources, technical guidance, reports, and outreach materials.

• Represent the organization on watershed and working lands issues with partners, funders, decision-makers, and the public.

• Supervise, mentor, and manage program staff, contractors, and consultants.

• Monitor outcomes, assess program effectiveness, and prepare reports for funders and organizational leadership.

• Assist in fundraising efforts through proposal development, grant writing, and donor engagement.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience is required.

• At least five years of experience in watershed management, natural resource conservation, working lands stewardship, forestry, rangeland management, or a related area.

• Proven knowledge of watershed processes and the interconnected management of forests, rangelands, riparian systems, and working agricultural landscapes.

• Strong understanding of USDA conservation programs and other public and private conservation funding opportunities.

• Experience in working with landowners.

• Demonstrated success in collaborating with multiple stakeholders towards a unified objective.

• Experience in facilitating meetings and engaging with diverse constituencies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Detail-oriented with a strong independent work ethic and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

• Willingness and ability to maintain confidentiality and work with diverse populations.

• Strong technological literacy and adaptability, including the capability to learn and effectively utilize new software, digital tools, and collaborative platforms.

• Ability to facilitate meetings and interact professionally with the public.

• Periodic travel, including air travel and long-distance vehicle travel, is required.

• Ability to lift agency materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off.

• Parental and medical leave.

• 403b retirement savings account with a discretionary match.

• Life insurance.

• Short-term disability benefits.

• Employee assistance program.