Do you want to be part of advancing urban conservation in Phoenix! If so, this may be the perfect opportunity for you! The Healty Cities Program The Healthy Cities Program Manager works directly with the business unit’s Director of Special Projects to advance the Healthy Cities Program’s long-term vision in urban conservation in Greater Phoenix. The Program is focused on making cities healthier and more resilient for people and nature. The goal is to reduce temperatures and improve air quality for human health, nature and the economy. The Healthy Cities Program Manager will lead the development and implementation of strategies and projects that have the highest potential for catalyzing transformational change and creating the enabling conditions to mainstream the use of nature-based solutions that reduce heat and improve air quality. They will build new partnerships and foster existing relationships to broaden the constituency of supporters for urban conservation. This position will also serve as the principal contact to community based organizations, academia, government agencies, conservation partners, donors, media outlets and the general public.
- Establish The Nature Conservancy as a solid conservation partner in urban conservation locally and nationally.
- Refine and lead implementation of the business unit’s urban conservation priorities and strategies and ensure alignment with the Conservancy’s Shared Conservation Agenda, as well as business unit priorities.
- Develop and implement projects and innovative nature-based solutions that reduce heat and improve air quality in partnership with community based organizations, academia, government agencies, conservation partners, consultants, and others.
- Oversee day-to-day program management activities including coordinating multiple projects, developing and tracking project work plans, contracts, partner grant agreements, as well as managing budgets, expenditures and timelines.
- Develop, steward and advance key partnerships with academia, government agencies, and community based organizations and others.
- In collaboration with the Development team, help raise funds for projects including developing proposals, reports, presentations and cultivating donors.
- In collaboration with the Marketing team, develop and implement a marketing and communication plan for the Healthy Cities Program to raise awareness about nature-based solutions and best practices that reduce heat and improve air quality.
- Represent the Conservancy in public forums and serve as the Conservancy’s principal contact to the academic community, community based organizations, government agencies, donors, and the general public.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- In collaboration with the position's direct supervisor, the Director of Special Projects, manages the healthy cities Program in Greater Phoenix.
- Identify opportunities to develop cross-functional teams and projects within the business unit and North America region to best utilize staff resources and best align with the Conservancy's Shared Conservation Agenda.
- Reruit and manage high quality and effective multi-disciplinary consultants and interns, with possibility of hiring and supervising staff members as the Program grows.
- Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the Healthy cities Program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
- Build cooperation with government agencies, community-based organizations, academia, conservation partners, and others to accomplish program goals.
- Serve as an integral team member of the Conservancy’s North America Cities Program Network and other related teams; collaborate with the Center for Whole Communities and other related groups to exchange best practices and learning in urban conservation.
- Resolve routine problems independently; consult supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
- May require frequent local travel and evening and weekend hours.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
- Ensures that The Nature Conservancy’s Youth Safety policy is adhered to when there are any activities that may include youth
- Experience working in or with community-based organizations, academia, conservation partners, non-profit partners, donors, and/or government agencies.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience negotiating.
- Experience with current technology such as the full suite of Microsoft applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and databases.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Youth qualified.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in related field (such as sustainability, urban planning) and 7-10 years of relevant experience.
- Fluency in Spanish to facilitate reaching key stakeholders.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing urban conservation policy and plans.
- Knowledge of current trends in urban resilience/sustainability policy, practice, and projects.
- Knowledge of current trends, practices, methods and standards of urban conservation, including urban forestry, green infrastructure, stormwater management, urban planning, etc.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and Spanish.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
- Politically savvy.