Conservation Awards Operations Manager

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time, and exempt position that provides leadership and direction to oversee its systems and processes for grantmaking, acquisition and contracting, and related information systems.

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across the 193-million-acre National Forest System. The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Function: The Conservation Awards Operations Manager reports directly to the Conservation Awards Director, and works closely with Conservation Awards, Finance, Programs, and other NFF staff. The position is responsible for managing and coordinating systems and optimizing processes to ensure seamless execution of the NFF procurement, contracting, and grantmaking activities, which supports the achievement of ambitious organizational goals and objectives. These goals and objectives include the management of a portfolio of hundreds of existing single- and multi -year conservation agreements that benefit National Forests and the communities that depend on them, in addition to the commitment of approx. $100M in new related agreements in FY24.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Conservation Awards Operations Manager is responsible for the following:

• Serve as key team leader focused on all Conservation Awards data systems, solutions, and processes, and support process automation and integration to ensure the smooth functioning of grantmaking, procurement, and invoice screening within the organization.
• Implement and streamline procedures and policies, contributing to the advancement and stability of Conservation Awards programs.
• Manage scheduled processes and oversee development and implementation of internal and external reporting and internal dashboarding tools to ensure data health and hygiene.
• Participate as an active member of NFF information systems and data governance leadership to enhance operational systems.
• Support internal compliance with procurement, contracting, and grant management policy and regulatory requirements.
• Manage development, upkeep, and delivery of staff training and resources to ensure proficiency in key processes.
• Act as a liaison within and across teams, facilitating efficient collaboration and information exchange.
• Collaborate with the Conservation Awards Director and other staff to develop and implement strategies aligned with the NFF strategic plan.
• Oversee review of vendor and grantee invoices to ensure they are submitted on time, accurately reflect the work, and are consistent with requirements.
• Support and contribute to the advancement of NFF and Conservation Awards efforts to advance inclusive outreach initiatives focusing on underserved conservation communities and marginalized regions.
• Supervise and mentor assigned team operations staff to optimize their performance and foster professional growth.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation and benefits and has recently implemented a new compensation program as part of our commitment to transparency The salary range for this position is $64,100 to $99,000 and may be eligible for locality adjustment in many geographies. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position. Most new staff generally start at the 35th percentile of the range percentile to ensure internal salary equity.

Related Positions: This position is advertised concurrently with a posting for a Conservation Awards Operations Coordinator. Please note that only one of these positions will be filled based on the qualifications and experience of the applicants. We encourage applicants to apply if they meet the criteria for either role.

To Apply: ?Applicants must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. The position is open until filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. For more information about the National Forest Foundation, visit the website at: www.nationalforests.org.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Conservation Awards Operations Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in operations, management, business analytics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in operations management, technical data systems, or related fields.
• High proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Experience with business intelligence tools with a preference for Power BI. Experience with Azure analytics services a plus.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Dynamics Fundraising & Engagement or Dynamics Sales Enterprise strongly preferred.
• Experience with theory of change and impact measurement methodologies a plus.
• Extensive experience leading the development of training resources for end users of all skill levels.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Conservation Awards Operations Manager to possess the following skills and abilities:

• A growth mindset, rampant curiosity, and love of problem solving.
• Ability to quickly synthesize or translate technical requirements into lay terminology.
• Ability to balance multiple competing priorities and prioritize effectively.
• An ability to work well and remain flexible in a fast paced, team-oriented environment.
• A strong customer service and solutions orientation.
• An ability to represent the NFF in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven success as a supervisor, coach, and mentor.

Location: The location for this position is flexible throughout the US. This position is a remote/work from home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.