Washington State Program Manager

Position Summary

The Student Conservation Association is utilizing AmeriCorps Planning Grant funds to develop an SCA Washington State Climate Corps. Many of the states publicly accessible lands, natural and cultural resources, and facilities need critical improvement and protection, not only for public safety and enjoyment, but also to make them more resilient to the impacts of climate change. More capacity is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change, increase climate literacy, and address ecological issues that disproportionately affect the states BIPOC communities. SCAs Washington State Climate Corps will work to improve, maintain, and protect the at-risk ecosystems and recreation resources in Washington, specifically focusing on projects that mitigate erosion, storm damage, riparian degradation, protect salmon habitat, and repair and/or protect cultural and natural resources. This is a remote position, with the ideal candidate residing in the state of Washington.

The Program Manager position is a 6-month, full-time position focused on developing the Washington State Climate Corps, building off the work of SCA and other corps in the state. This position is responsible for program design, partnership development and AmeriCorps grant management. The primary goal of this position is to create enough projects with state partners to be able to then apply for an AmeriCorps implementation grant. This position reports to the National Program Manager, Residential and will work collaboratively with other SCA staff, especially those based in Washington State.


Roles and Responsibilities

• Partnership:
  • Work closely with SCAs National Program Manager, Washington-based SCA staff, and other key stakeholders to submit an AmeriCorps program implementation grant in 2022 informed by the activities of the Planning Grant.
  • Responsible for leading partnership development of the programs funding portfolio with support from SCAs Advancement / Strategic Partnerships team.
  • Build relationships with community organizations and land partners on a local level to develop and fundraise for projects.
  • Attend all AmeriCorps required trainings and grantee meetings as SCAs representative.
  • Establish a strong working relationship with Serve Washington and attend all AmeriCorps meetings and conferences required in Washington State.
  • Represent SCA at events and meetings within Washington State.
  • Build and maintain relationships with local alumni in coordination with the Director of Alumni.
• Program Planning:
  • Work with SCA staff across the organization staff to develop program models and budgets that fit the need of local communities and meet SCAs goals.
  • Develop work plans and program year schedules in consultation with the program partners.
  • Meet regularly with potential program partners to discuss program development, and consideration of larger program structure, including recruitment strategies, member and staff training strategies, service project selection criteria, and performance measures. Visit potential work sites with partners across the state as needed.
  • Ensure that potential partner sites will meet AmeriCorps expectations and that work performed is in line with AmeriCorps protocols and the programs defined performance measures.
• Internal SCA Engagement:
  • Manage the Planning grant budget.
  • Manage the programs AmeriCorps grant for all reporting, performance measure, and compliance requirements. Assist the SCA National Program Manager-Residential with AmeriCorps grant applications.
  • Attend planning sessions as necessary with the National Program Manager-Residential and SCA Residential Program Managers to review AmeriCorps guidelines, policies, and procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, including weekly time-keeping logs and other SCA requirements.
  • Create quarterly and final reports documenting progress toward program and partner goals.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in related field preferred or relevant coursework/work experience related to the specific field preferred
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience including skills related to the position such as partnership development, program design, leadership in conservation, and grant/budget management
• Understanding of the partner landscape in Washington State related to development of a statewide climate corps, with a focus on climate justice
• Project management experience in a collaborative environment
• Experience managing an AmeriCorps or similar grant funded program preferred
• Budget management experience preferred
• Strong communication skills when working with various external and internal partners
• Entrepreneurial skills with strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience working with youth from racially and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Travel Requirements

• Must possess a valid drivers license and have a Motor Vehicle Record that meets SCA standards.
• Excellent driving record and ability to drive in a variety of conditions including city driving and/or use of four-wheel drive as well as standard transmission as needed.
• The ability to travel for extended periods of time outside and over a variety of terrain

Conditions of Employment Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.

The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

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