Program Manager, Fire Prevention & Managment

 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 
Too-frequent catastrophic wildfires threaten the well-being of both wildlands and adjacent human communities in Southern California. The goal of IRC’s Fire Prevention and Management program is to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires on urban wildlands, including more than 30,000 acres that we manage on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. We focus on a multi-faceted approach, working with a broad regional network of partners, that is based in science and extensive field experience. Program priorities include coalition building, engaging the community (including Orange County Fire Watch), and developing projects that prevent wildfire ignitions and facilitate resilient communities. 

 THE POSITION 
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of the Fire Prevention and Management Program’s projects and activities, contributes significantly to the strategic development of the program, and is responsible for creating and leading a diverse team of professionals and external partners to deliver outstanding results on IRC’s projects and commitments. 

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 
Provides overall management and oversight of one or more programs including staff training and supervision, developing/controlling the budget, developing/implementing policies and procedures, developing innovative projects and partnerships, negotiating and overseeing subcontracts, participating in obtaining funds/grants, and coordinating/integrating program with other programs in the organization. Measures and monitors program success and reports on program outcomes to funders, partners and others. Other duties as assigned. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

 Leadership and Staff Management ​
  • Build, lead, and manage a diverse team of staff and partners that brings diverse strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the program and organization. 
  • Effectively cultivate, facilitate, and activate a broad regional network of public and private partners including fire agencies, landowners, local governments, infrastructure agencies, utilities, land managers, researchers and community organizations.  
  • 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. 
  • 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 
  • Develop/measure/monitor program strategies and success and report on outcomes. 
  • Facilitate the development of annual work plans and program budget. 
  • Implement and monitor program budgets and workplans. 
  • Coordinate actively with clients, funders, regulatory agencies, and partners, including ensuring timely and effective financial and program reporting. 
  • Develop and oversee subcontracts and sub grants. 
  • Facilitate project permits and clearances if needed. 
  • Develop project strategies, priorities, and 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 Fire Prevention and Management program, including identifying opportunities for regional coordination and expansion. 
  • Responsible for implementation of IRC’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program 3-year grant. 
  • Develop systems, processes, and techniques aimed at improving program outcomes. 
  • Ensure outstanding implementation of existing program funds. Participate in obtaining funds/grants/new business. 
  • Participate in the development of program-related research projects and partnerships. 
 
COMPETENCIES 
 Knowledge and Experience 
  • Outstanding program and project development skills, including developing projects and workplans from concept to implementation with timelines and deliverables. 
  • Exceptional partnership and collaboration skills, including high-level interactions with public and private organizations.  
  • Knowledge of ecological/conservation principles and familiarity with the local environment. 
  • Experience managing staff, including performance management. 
  • Experience fundraising, including public and foundation grant proposal development, compliance, and report writing. 
  • Experience with developing and managing project and program budgets. 
  • Experience developing, negotiating, and overseeing subcontracts and grants.  
  • Solid technical competency and ability to learn and deploy technical concepts rapidly. Extensive experience in wildfire management or fire ecology not required.  
  • Experience with Microsoft Office 365, particularly working in the SharePoint environment, and project management software. 
 
Skills and Abilities 
  • Partner/Client focus 
  • Collaboration skills 
  • Innovation and problem-solving skills including multi-faceted challenges 
  • Communication proficiency, both verbal and written; ability to communicate complex issues simply and effectively 
  • Learning orientation 
  • Teamwork orientation 
  • Make sound decisions based on knowledge and experience; consult experts as needed 
  • Identify problems and implement solutions 
  • Work in and ensure a safety-aware environment 
  • Time management 
  • Thoroughness and attention to detail 
  • Ethical conduct 
  • Personal effectiveness/credibility 
  • Personal Initiative 
 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 
  • Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree preferred. 
  • Six (6) years of experience with related skills and responsibilities managing staff, developing project plans and work plans, managing budgets, developing and managing successful grant programs, building partnerships and developing 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), 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: Project Manager, OC Fire Watch. Other employees as hired. 
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT 
  • Primarily office-based with an outdoor component. Occasional work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, direct sun, wind, rain, and cold. 
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 PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
  • Work in a seated position up to 50% of the time, while operating office equipment such as computers and printers. 
  • Travel within the local area, in Southern California, and elsewhere in California as necessary. 
  • 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.