National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time position that will support community engagement and implementation of prairie and grassland restoration, watershed restoration, and recreation improvements at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Midewin).

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across our 193-million-acre National Forest System. The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work. For over ten years, the NFF has worked with the Forest Service and partner organizations to bring bison back and restore prairies, engage youth through the Midewin Youth Corps, and coordinate partner efforts to benefit Midewin.

Position Function: The Midewin Program Coordinator reports to the Vice President of Collaboration and Community Partnerships. The Midewin Program Coordinator will conduct community engagement, fundraising, and project management for restoration and recreation improvement activities at Midewin. The NFF expects the Midewin Program Coordinator to build strong relationships with the US Forest Service, local government, and community leaders; develop new partnerships; and work with contractors and partners to support all aspects of project planning and implementation.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Midewin Program Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

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  Project Planning & Management:
  • Build strong relationships with U.S. Forest Service staff and developing processes for proactive, seamless coordination between the US Forest Service and NFF.
  • Work closely with other NFF staff, the Forest Service, and partners to coordinate project planning and implementation, including procurement, contracting, and grant-making processes.
  • Oversee on-the-ground project implementation by contractors and partners in coordination with Midewin.
  • Conduct ongoing communication with partners on the status of project planning, implementation, and project successes.
  • Work with the Conservation Connect and Field teams to identify opportunities for strategic program growth.
  • Stay abreast of emerging conservation and recreation improvement efforts and ways the NFF can engage and build capacity.

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  Community Engagement:
  • Effectively communicate with and engage the public in caring for their public lands, including National Forests and Grasslands, through community-based conservation initiatives.
  • Work with the U.S. Forest Service, community partners, local government, and other entities to identify priority projects at Midewin.
  • Network with organizations, agencies, and others in the Chicagoland area and communities surrounding Midewin to advance the activities on local National Forests.
  • Coordinate the Midewin Stakeholders and work with the group expand its membership to be more inclusive and representative.

• Fundraising and Communications:
  • Expand the base of private sector and local government supporters by actively pursuing funding opportunities and creating new development and project opportunities that enhance strategic goals.
  • Work with NFF staff to solicit funds, including grant writing, from government sources, foundations, corporations, and individuals to support all aspects of project preparation, implementation, and oversight.
  • Work with NFF staff to prepare grant and funding reports and conduct donor stewardship activities.
  • Work with NFF staff to communicate project needs and accomplishments.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Midewin Program Coordinator to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources conservation or related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience with proven results in project management, facilitation, and partnership development.
• A strong knowledge of and experience in federal land management policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of Midewin and Chicagoland natural resource issues – or a willingness to build a working knowledge quickly – is preferred but not required.
• Experience as a neutral facilitator working effectively in collaborative efforts with individuals or groups that have conflicting views of resource management.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Midewin Program Coordinator to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Ability to work independently, attend meetings (virtual or in person), and manage projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability and willingness to work in outdoor conditions and maintain a flexible work schedule including participation in occasional weekend and evening events.
• Ability to represent the NFF with diverse constituents in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage programs collaboratively, evaluate outcomes against quantifiable measures of success, develop reports, and clearly communicate program outcomes.
• Ability and willingness to learn NFF’s processes and procedures quickly.
• Ability to manage a variety of projects and tasks, effectively, to successful completion.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to Midewin and surrounding communities as required by position duties.

Location: The position location is flexible, but a location in a community near Midewin or possibly the Chicago area is preferred. Applicants must be able to travel regularly to Midewin and be in a location with reliable and strong internet service.

Compensation: The NFF offers compensation commensurate with location, skills, and experience and includes a competitive benefits package. The starting salary for this position will be in the $47,460 to $54,240 range.

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Position is open until Friday, August 12, 2022. Please visit our careers site and click "Apply Now" 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: http://www.nationalforests.org