Position Description
Department: Conservation Programs
Title:
Conservation Connect Associate
About the National Forest Foundation
Chartered by Congress in 1991, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) serves a unique role in restoring
America’s National Forests as the partner of the U.S. Forest Service. NFF mission is: “To engage
Americans in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the
193-million-acre National Forest System (NFS), and administers private gifts of funds and land for the
benefit of the National Forests.”
The NFF seeks to leverage public and private support to deliver measurable improvements in ecosystem
vitality and resilience of key sites within the 193-million acre NFS at a meaningful scale. The NFF grounds
its work in site-based conservation, and then leverages its resources, learning, and nationwide network of
partners to create a much broader, large-scale impact on NFS lands. NFF serves as a bridge between the
Forest Service and communities, community-based nonprofit groups, the private sector, and collaborative
organizations. NFF is a national organization that works directly on site-based conservation across NFS
lands, and also supports partner organizations that achieve on-the-ground results across the nation. This
national scope and wide breadth of site-based conservation work gives NFF an opportunity to identify
lessons learned and best practices locally and share them across projects, forests, states, regions, and the
nation, and educate Americans about their National Forests.
The NFF believes that communities should play a leading role in determining the future of our National
Forests and Grasslands we focus on connecting communities, and the people who comprise them, to the
tools, knowledge, and funding to become active and devoted stewards of the National Forest System. The
challenges facing our National Forests and Grasslands are significant and complicated, but the NFF believes
that the power of diverse community interests collaborating can, and will, prove capable of meeting these
challenges.
NFF’s strategic plan and legacy of work is built on the conviction that vibrant, healthy National Forests and
Grasslands across America serve to sustain natural systems, provide resources, and enhance public
enjoyment for generations to come.
For more information about the National Forest Foundation, please visit www.nationalforests.org.
Position Function: The Conservation Connect Associate reports directly to the Director, Conservation
Connect. Conservation Connect is a technical assistance delivery program for collaborative, communitybased conservation efforts working on National Forests & Grasslands. The Conservation Connect Associate
is responsible for assisting in the operation of the Conservation Connect program, which includes building
the capacity of partner organizations and sharing knowledge through peer learning sessions, workshops, and
sharing of tools and best practices. The Conservation Connect Associate will also post information on the
NFF Web site, assist with facilitating collaborative processes and coordinating project implementation.
This position is located in the NFF Missoula, Montana office.
Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Conservation Connect Associate is responsible for:
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Managing peer learning sessions and other learning opportunities such as workshops, including:
creating announcements, identifying speakers, developing surveys and agendas, coordinating with the
Forest Service, facilitating sessions, and follow-up communications.
Assisting with, facilitating and coordinating collaborative processes.
Managing online registration systems and web-based technologies.
Developing communications for the NFF blog, Facebook, and quarterly conservation e-newsletter.
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Coordinating a variety of projects, such as conducting interviews for collaborative assessments,
organizing committees, and managing peer mentorships.
Developing and maintaining collaborative resources on the NFF Web site.
Researching and drafting “best practices” and lessons learned through collaborative conservation
efforts.
Assisting in communications with the U.S. Forest Service and partners and coordinating
implementation for NFF strategic initiatives such as the Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable
Experiences campaign.
Building and sustaining partnerships with NFF staff teams and collaborating to align Conservation
Connect efforts with the mission and strategic plan of NFF conservation programs.
Maintaining a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and
innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF’s strategic effectiveness and
the understanding of NFF Board and staff members.
Assisting with work plans and overseeing projects for NFF interns.
Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the incumbent to possess the following educational and
experiential qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in conservation and related community-development issues (or equivalent
experience).
A minimum of three years’ experience with proven results in conservation programming and related
collaborative community-based conservation to include a strong knowledge of and experience in public
sector policies, procedures and regulations.
Strong web and technical skills.
A strong understanding of natural resources issues affecting National Forests & Grasslands.
A demonstrated commitment to the environment.
Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the incumbent to possess the following proven abilities and skills:
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Ability to represent the NFF with diverse constituents in a clear and professional manner through
excellent written and oral communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to coordinate and facilitate collaborative processes in a neutral, professional manner.
Ability to collaboratively manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures
of success.
Ability to effectively set priorities, while managing a variety of projects and tasks to successful
completion.
Ability to work well, and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
Excellent research and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
Conflict management skills.
Ability to develop positive, productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to travel for projects if needed and work effectively from remote locations.
COMPENSATION
The National Forest Foundation offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. To apply, please
send a cover letter and resume in confidence to: Search, National Forest Foundation, Building 27, Suite 3,
Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804, [email protected]
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 Web site at:
http://www.nationalforests.org