Conservation Programs - Special Projects Lead

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a part-time (no more than 30 hrs./week) position that supports Conservation Program leadership with strategic operations and high-priority special projects.

About the NFF: As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1990. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds and wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country.

Position Function: The Special Projects Lead for Conservation Programs serves as a strategic and operational partner to the Chief Conservation Officer and conservation leadership team at the National Forest Foundation. This role leads high-priority special projects that advance conservation goals, supports cross-functional execution, and helps ensure that complex initiatives move from concept to completion.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:
- Partner with the Chief Conservation Officer and conservation leadership team to identify, prioritize, and advance high-impact special projects and strategic initiatives.
- Develop and manage systems that improve communication, accountability, and decision-making across the Conservation team.
- Prepare briefing materials, presentations, agendas, and talking points for internal meetings, board interactions, partner engagements, and external events.
- Facilitate project planning and leadership coordination meetings by shaping agendas, documenting action items, monitoring progress, and surfacing risks or bottlenecks early.
- Lead and manage special projects that support organizational growth, conservation impact, and operational excellence.
- Facilitate the development of systems and processes that capture qualitative and quantitative metrics of NFF's conservation impacts.
- Collaborate with advancement and program staff to cultivate corporate relationships and shape partnership concepts and proposals.
- Represent conservation leadership in selected meetings and partnerships with public agencies, nonprofit partners, funders, and community stakeholders.
- Support preparation for strategic planning, annual budgeting, team retreats, and other organizational planning processes.

Education and Qualifications:
- Commitment to conservation, public lands, and the mission of the National Forest Foundation.
- Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, public administration, nonprofit management, business, natural resources, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit leadership, conservation programs, strategy, operations, project management, or a related field.
- Experience in conservation, forestry, land management, watershed restoration, wildfire resilience, outdoor recreation, or closely related fields.
- Experience working with federal or state agencies, especially in partnership-oriented environments.
- Demonstrated success leading complex special projects and managing cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution.
- Strong understanding of organizational strategy, operational systems, and performance management in a mission-driven environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Exceptional project management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
- Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive or confidential information.
- Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising, grants management, donor reporting, or public-private partnerships.

Job Type: Part-time (no more than 30 hrs./week)

Travel: This position requires occasional domestic travel to attend meetings, trainings, convenings, and related events, up to 10% per year.

Location: Flexible throughout the lower 48 states; requires candidates to be in close proximity to a major airport. This is a remote/work-from-home position requiring reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: The starting salary range for this position is $90,000 to $101,250, with the ability to grow based on performance outcomes over time.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; HSA and FSA options; EAP; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; generous annual leave; paid family & medical leave; and professional development reimbursement.

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting will close on September 28, 2026, or earlier if filled.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.