Green Space Program Manager w/Friends of Trees (pdx)

Friends of Trees is searching for our next Green Space Program Manager to help achieve our mission of bringing people together to plant and care for trees in neighborhoods and urban natural areas across the Portland-Metro and Salem regions.

This individual is responsible for the management and delegation of our Green Space program–from program funding, to project partner development, to managing and mentoring Friends of Trees staff and volunteers–the Green Space Manager will cover a lot of ground. Ideal candidates will be personable, creative, and adaptable. A strong understanding of native plant restoration projects is also highly recommended.

Friends of Trees is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. We recognize that not everyone has equal access to the benefits of trees and healthy green spaces. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Role and Responsibilities:
Our Green Space program is a well-recognized program in the region and it takes some work to keep that up! Here are some key program responsibilities:

• Collaborate with external project partners and internal program staff to build and maintain an annual calendar of volunteer restoration projects, maintenance schedules, and outreach strategies 
• Implement restoration projects to support the equitable access to healthy green spaces for all communities
• Build and manage the active portfolio of GS program grants and contracts
• Track budgets and invoicing for completed work across multiple projects
• Collaborates with staff to maintain planting and survival rate data and prepares appropriate reports for partners and grants
• Supports the planting staff in maintaining and ordering all tree planting supplies 
• Plans and attends 1-2 volunteer trainings per calendar year
• Plans and implements multiple K-12 education projects with the support of other GS team members

As a Manager at Friends of Trees, you’ll also be part of a stellar leadership team that:

• Actively participates in Strategic Planning and Organizational Operations discussions
• Attends staff meetings and retreats and reports on the status of GS program 
• Designs and implements a plan to meet annual planting goals as stated in the organizational strategic plan
• Establishes infrastructure (systems and processes) for the Green Space program and documents these in writing 

To accomplish these things, we will be looking for someone who has the following skills and background (or something comparable):

Technical Background:

• Experience with writing and managing grants that sustainably fund an established-yet-growing program
• Trained in current restoration techniques and very familiar with native plant communities of  the Pacific Northwest 
• Have an academic background in natural resources management 
• Skilled in using MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel and Access) and Google Suite; and open to learning new software programs as-needed

Personnel and Soft Skills

• Passionate about looking at the program through an equity and diversity lens  
• Committed to working effectively with diverse community populations, and expected to  strengthen such capacity if hired 
• Demonstrated time and project management skills
• Skilled in collaboration and teamwork 
• Proven capacity to meet goals and deadlines
• Positive, flexible attitude during times of success as well as stress
• Strong interpersonal skills, experienced in supervision and the ability to flex communication  styles to work with a diverse staff team 
• Have self-motivation and the ability to tap into what motivates others
• Experience with implementation of environmental education 

Physical and Logistical Requirements: 

• Loads and drives trucks to sites throughout the Portland and Salem Metro areas 
• Must be willing and capable of moving large trees and tree planting tools 
• Must be willing and capable of doing physical work outside in a variety of weather  conditions throughout the year 
• Have a desire to work both outdoors and in an office environment 
• Able to work on Saturdays
• Helps keep the office workspace, tools and tool room and work vehicles in good condition. 
• Have a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record 
• Submits accurate record of time and expenses at month end 
• Participates in fundraising for FOT general funds (events etc.) 
• And other duties as assigned 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience working with complex budgets 
• Experience working with governmental contracts and drafting proposals 
• Experience using ArcGIS 
• Experience using Salesforce 
• Able to speak a second language other than English
• Experience conducting interviews, onboarding staff and navigating HR related  conversations

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday during planting season (Oct-May); Monday – Friday rest of year (June-Sept).  Fairly flexible within that framework, establishes schedule and makes changes known

Office Location: 3117 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97212.  Close to TriMet Bus #6, we have a secured bike area, and we provide transportation to work field sites. Stairs are required to access the office. While COVID regulations are in effect, this position will partially work remotely with weekly visits to the office (the office building  follows COVID safety protocols and is minimally occupied). Travel to planting sites to lead outdoor, field-based events with  volunteers will also be involved.

Compensation:  This will be a salaried position of $48,000 – $56,000 annual salary with full health care coverage and a competitive sick time, holiday and vacation policy

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to j[email protected] with Green Space Program  Manager in the subject line. 

​Applications will be accepted through 5pm on Wednesday 12/30/20. 
Friend of Trees provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for  employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification,  national origin, age, disability or genetics.