Program Manager - Community, Engagement & Education
IRVINE RANCH CONSERVANCY
Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) restores, protects, and enhances our closest connection to nature – our local wildlands. As an innovator in the management of Southern California’s urban wildlands, IRC works in partnership with landowners, community leaders, and residents in Orange County and beyond to engage, educate, and foster a shared vision for responsible, long-term care and protection of the natural resources we all share.
THE PROGRAM AREA
The Community Engagement and Education program works to build an understanding and appreciation for Southern California’s urban wildlands by providing educational, interpretive, and recreational experiences to the community.
THE POSITION
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of the Community Engagement and Education program’s projects and activities, contributes to the strategic development of the program, and is responsible for developing and managing a diverse team of professionals and volunteers to deliver outstanding results on IRC’s projects and commitments.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide overall management and oversight of one program including staff and volunteer training and supervision, developing/controlling the budget, developing/implementing policies and procedures, participating in obtaining funds/grants, and coordinating/integrating program with others in the organization. Measure and monitor program success and report on program outcomes. Other duties as assigned. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership and Staff Management
Program and Project Management
Program Development
COMPETENCIES
Knowledge and Experience
Skills and Abilities
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
CLASSIFICATION
SUPERVISION
WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) restores, protects, and enhances our closest connection to nature – our local wildlands. As an innovator in the management of Southern California’s urban wildlands, IRC works in partnership with landowners, community leaders, and residents in Orange County and beyond to engage, educate, and foster a shared vision for responsible, long-term care and protection of the natural resources we all share.
THE PROGRAM AREA
The Community Engagement and Education program works to build an understanding and appreciation for Southern California’s urban wildlands by providing educational, interpretive, and recreational experiences to the community.
THE POSITION
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of the Community Engagement and Education program’s projects and activities, contributes to the strategic development of the program, and is responsible for developing and managing a diverse team of professionals and volunteers to deliver outstanding results on IRC’s projects and commitments.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide overall management and oversight of one program including staff and volunteer training and supervision, developing/controlling the budget, developing/implementing policies and procedures, participating in obtaining funds/grants, and coordinating/integrating program with others in the organization. Measure and monitor program success and report on program outcomes. Other duties as assigned. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership and Staff Management
- Build and manage a diverse team that brings a variety of strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the program and organization.
- Motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage the performance of direct reports and program team members.
- Provide mentoring, guidance, and training in technical skills to direct reports, program team members, and volunteers.
- Represent IRC and its policies and procedures to the program team and volunteers. Represent partner policies where appropriate.
- Facilitate team meetings and ensure effective communication between team members.
- Effectively manage relationships and intentionally cultivate diverse partnerships with key stakeholders, including local and state agencies, decision makers, academics, and partner conservation and community organizations.
- Develop, facilitate, and contribute to communications products such as reports, publications, presentations, articles, tours, and meetings.
- Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
- Coordinate with leadership in other areas of the organization.
- Participate in professional development opportunities such as relevant conferences, workshops, etc.
Program and Project Management
- Measure/monitor program success and report on program outcomes.
- Facilitate the development of annual work plans and program budget.
- Monitor program budget and workplans.
- Coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, and partners.
- Facilitate contract development.
- Secure project permits and clearances.
- Develop project plans.
Program Development
- In collaboration with IRC leadership, establish clear program goals and objectives.
- Develop new strategies and programmatic elements to deepen the impact and raise the visibility of the Community Engagement and Education program, including identifying opportunities for geographic expansion.
- Develop systems, processes, and techniques aimed at improving program outcomes.
- Participate in obtaining funds/grants/new business.
- Participate in the development of program related research projects.
- Lead or participate in special projects and on operational teams based on connection to position as well as additional skills and strengths.
COMPETENCIES
Knowledge and Experience
- Demonstrated understanding of informal learning and inquiry-based approaches to learning, including project-based learning and STEAM.
- Experience creating and implementing environmental education or other interpretation activities.
- Experience with environmental or other interpretation and communication.
- Experience communicating scientific concepts to a general audience preferred, not required.
- Familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards preferred, not required.
- Experience providing exceptional customer service.
- Experience managing staff, including performance management.
- Experience developing project and work plans and implementing projects with established timelines and deliverables.
- Experience with developing and managing project and program budgets.
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365, particularly working in the SharePoint environment, and project management software.
- Proposal and report writing.
- Strong familiarity of the local ecology preferred, not required.
Skills and Abilities
- Interdisciplinary mindset
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration skills
- Communication proficiency, both verbal and written
- Learning orientation
- Teamwork orientation
- Make sound decisions based on knowledge and experience
- Identify problems and implement solutions
- Partner/Client focus
- Work in and ensure a safety-aware environment
- Time management
- Thoroughness
- Ethical conduct
- Personal effectiveness/credibility
- Initiative
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental education and interpretation, environmental science, ecology, social sciences, or similar required. Graduate degree preferred.
- Six (6) years of experience in a related field managing staff, developing project plans and work plans, managing budgets, and implementing projects with established timelines and deliverables. Candidates with graduate degrees: Five (5) years of experience.
CLASSIFICATION
- Regular, Full Time (40 hours per week), Non-Exempt (Hourly) (FLSA).
- Evening or weekend work may be required to complete duties, participate in events, and respond to emergencies as necessary.
SUPERVISION
- Reports to: Senior Vice President/Chief Programs Officer
- Supervises: Program Coordinator(s)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Primarily office-based with an outdoor component. Occasional work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, direct sun, wind, rain, and cold.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Work in a seated position 90% of the time, while operating office equipment such as computers and printers.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.