Chief of Program Operations

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands. ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners.

Position Summary:  The Chief of Program Operations (CPO) is responsible for the leadership, development and management of ACE's Crew, Intern (EPIC) and Youth programs. Under supervision of the CEO/President, the CPO will lead recruiting, hiring and supporting, a team of talented and savvy program leads, develop and support the implementation of natural resource management project opportunities, and create and successfully manage  annual budgets for each program. With the leadership team, the CPO will develop an overall programmatic vision and strategy for ACE. The CPO is ultimately responsible for ensuring that ACE programs are compliant with financial, safety and legal requirements while pursuing strategic and sustainable growth.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Advance ACE strategic vision through program excellence to ensure that ACE is the program and partner of choice.
• With program leads, develop and manage annual budgets for Crews, Interns (EPIC) and Youth Programs.      
• Meet/exceed annual revenue goals while managing expenses to budget.
• Ensure that ACE programs operate with one voice, leverage resources and talent and, foster a culture of excellence.
• Provide effective staff management, support and mentoring to program leads to ensure smooth operation for each program.
• Support Program Risk Management to develop and implement field training programs and safety protocols that are consistent across all programs.
• Work collaboratively to identify new revenue opportunities, develop business plans and determine ROI for feasibility.
• Represent ACE at a national level at conferences, meetings and with partners.
• Provide strategic input to CEO for new business models and program opportunities.
• Attend quarterly Board of Director meetings.
• Serve as member of ACE Leadership Team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or extensive experience both administrative and field based required.
• 10+ years of experience with demonstrated increased responsibility working in the outdoor, youth development or conservation corps industry.
• Experience working with federal, state and non governmental partners.
• Ability to direct and oversee major projects and departments achieving objectives and keeping within budget guidelines.
• Natural resource management or project field experience a plus.
• Excellent business interpersonal communication and analytical skills.
• Strong background with risk management and safety policies & procedures.
• Strong computer skills and high competence in using a variety of software programs.
• Ability to supervise, lead and mentor employees in multiple locations
• Effective team player and collaboration skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects and initiatives.
• Self-motivated, and can work remotely and independently.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Must be willing to submit to and pass requirements of a criminal background check.
• Legally able to work in the United States.

Location:

Primarily located at a current ACE office (Flagstaff, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; Corpus Christi, TX; Santa Cruz, CA; Lake Tahoe, CA; Dulzura, CA; Ashville, NC; or Hurricane, UT) with frequent travel to other offices and field sites.

Compensation:

Competitive package with benefits that include paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, 401K, and health, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance.

American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.  In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Chief of Program Operations Jobs at American Conservation Experience - Staff