Program Manager, Urban & Community Forestry

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

📋 Description

• Provide technical assistance and engage partners for American Forests throughout California, initially focusing on Los Angeles County and established community partners.

• Manage and nurture a dynamic portfolio of Catalyst Fund grantees and city partners through regular check-ins, collaborative sessions, and in-person meetings within California.

• Offer direct technical support on urban forestry planning, analysis of canopy equity, policy formulation, community involvement, and the development of tree planting and care programs.

• Conduct structured needs assessments and inform the Director about gaps and potential opportunities.

• Design and facilitate peer learning events, workshops, and technical assistance sessions for city personnel, community-based organizations (CBOs), and state agency partners.

• Educate partners on American Forests' tools and resources, and create case studies and resource materials.

• Provide continuous technical assistance to recipients of the Catalyst Fund subawards.

• Assist in organizing American Forests' events and corporate tree planting initiatives in the area.

• Identify California portfolio partners who are prepared to enhance engagement and communicate opportunities to the Director.

• Foster relationships with state agencies, urban and community forestry coordinators, USFS regional program managers, and funding organizations.

• Contribute to grant proposals, funder reports, and communications with donors.

• Manage project data using Airtable and Microsoft Office tools, including activity logs, timelines, and budget tracking.

• Assist with regional project narratives and budget updates for grants and subawards.

• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and organization-wide activities.

• Report to the Director of Urban & Community Forestry in the Pacific Northwest and collaborate with specialists in the Urban Forestry Department, Resilient Forests, Philanthropy, and Marketing & Communications.

• Currently, there are no direct reports.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in arboriculture, landscape architecture, forestry, urban planning, environmental science, or a related discipline.

• Any combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is acceptable.

• 3-5 years of professional experience in urban forestry, urban planning, or the management of environmental programs.

• 3-5 years of professional experience in California, specifically with direct involvement alongside municipal and state agencies, as well as community-based organizations.

• ISA Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forest Professional is strongly preferred, or the ability to obtain certification within three months.

• Familiarity with urban ecology, arboricultural standards, canopy assessments, and community-driven approaches to tree planting and care.

• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of relationships with government or nonprofit entities, meet expectations, and guide partners toward tangible outcomes.

• Proficiency in facilitating workshops, designing collaborative sessions, and clearly conveying technical concepts to partners from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to present information credibly to city staff, CBOs, funders, and community members.

• Understanding of federal and state funding programs pertinent to urban forestry in California, including IRA urban forestry programs, CDBG, EPA EJ grants, and CAL FIRE urban forestry programs.

• Experience in managing a portfolio of projects remotely, including tracking deliverables, overseeing timelines, and contributing to collective performance objectives.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A demonstrated commitment to American Forests' values: promoting equity, centering the most affected communities, and prioritizing impact over organizational visibility.

• Capability to remain stationary for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Full-time, salaried exempt position.

• Remote work based in California.

• Up to 15% travel across the U.S., including trips to American Forests' headquarters in Washington D.C.

• Reasonable accommodations may be available to support individuals with a wide range of abilities and experiences.

• One-year position with potential for extension based on future funding availability.