Program Manager - Monitoring & Research
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 Monitoring and Research program collects and analyzes scientific data and other information to track the status of native wildlife and habitat quality, human activity, and project success. This work, which is supported by academic partnerships and coordination with other stakeholders, leverages technology to inform land management decisions that support the long-term conservation of Southern California’s urban wildlands.
THE POSITION
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of the Monitoring and Research 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 to deliver outstanding results on IRC’s projects and commitments.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides overall management and oversight of all program activity including staff training and supervision, developing/controlling the budget, developing/implementing policies and procedures, participating in obtaining funds/grants, coordinating/integrating program with others in the organization. Measures and monitors program success and reports 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
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
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 Monitoring and Research program collects and analyzes scientific data and other information to track the status of native wildlife and habitat quality, human activity, and project success. This work, which is supported by academic partnerships and coordination with other stakeholders, leverages technology to inform land management decisions that support the long-term conservation of Southern California’s urban wildlands.
THE POSITION
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of the Monitoring and Research 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 to deliver outstanding results on IRC’s projects and commitments.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides overall management and oversight of all program activity including staff training and supervision, developing/controlling the budget, developing/implementing policies and procedures, participating in obtaining funds/grants, coordinating/integrating program with others in the organization. Measures and monitors program success and reports 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 and project team members.
- Represent IRC and its policies and procedures to the program team.
- 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 Monitoring and Research 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
- Strong familiarity of the local ecology.
- Strong technical skills including experimental design, data collection and management, monitoring techniques for both flora and fauna, and statistical analysis using R.
- Proposal and report writing.
- Experience managing staff, including performance management.
- Experience developing project and work plans and implementing projects with established timelines and deliverables.
- Experience participating in collaborative research.
- Experience with developing and managing project and program budgets.
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365, particularly working in the SharePoint environment, and project management software.
Skills and Abilities
- Partner/Client focus
- 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
- 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 science, ecology, or similar required. Graduate degree preferred.
- Six (6) years of experience in a related field that may include, but is not limited to, designing and carrying out monitoring projects, conducting field research, managing staff, and managing budgets. Candidates with graduate degrees: Five (5) years of experience.
CLASSIFICATION
- Regular, Full Time (40+ hours per week), Exempt (FLSA).
- Evening or weekend work may be required to complete duties, participate in events, and respond to emergencies as necessary.
SUPERVISION
- Reports to: Vice President and Chief Programs Officer or Program Director
- Supervises: state the positions this position will supervise
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.
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.