Planning and Implementation Program Manager

The Ember Alliance (TEA) is a national nonprofit organization of wildland fire practitioners, planners, researchers, analysts, and instructors. The mission of TEA is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape. TEA is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports work/life balance, and encourages growth. Learn more about TEA at https://emberalliance.org

The Planning and Implementation Program Manager reports to the Director of Fire Management.

The Planning and Implementation Program Manager is a senior leadership role within The Ember Alliance's Fire Management Department. This role leads departmental planning efforts, shapes organizational policy, and drives cross-functional strategy in coordination with Fire Management leadership. The Planning and Implementation Program Manager primarily serves as a working lead on several active projects, bringing subject matter expertise, relationship management, and hands-on coordination to those efforts.

The Planning and Implementation Program Manager is expected to be a practitioner: managing relationships, executing deliverables, driving programs forward, and contributing field and technical expertise where relevant.

_Duties & Responsibilities_ ****

The Planning and Implementation Program Manager holds program management responsibility within the Planning and Implementation Program. This includes:

• Implementation and/or development of a Program area, including identifying and pursuing strategic funding opportunities, overseeing complex budget and contract management, invoicing, and programmatic reporting
• Work with Department Director to align Program goals with department strategy
• Mentor employees within Fire Management with an emphasis on advancing team cohesion, leadership development, and cross-cutting collaboration
• Represent the Program in external forums, meetings, and strategic conversations to promote visibility and collaboration.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen, relationships with partners relevant to Program area to expand the reach and impact of the Program
• Provide subject matter expertise and project management on complex projects within Program area
• Programmatic development to create new program areas and/ or expand existing areas that fulfill TEA’s mission, in conjunction with Department Director. This encompasses identifying emerging needs, designing innovation, scalable strategies, and ensuring Programs deliver measurable and sustainable impact.
• Work independently and with support of Department Director to secure funding to support and expand projects within Program (via writing project proposals, applying for large scale or multi-year grants, etc.)
• Support Fire Duty Officer (FDO) processes for department staff as assigned.
• Manage MOA/MOU development with partner organizations, ensuring agreements reflect current scope, organizational capacity, and strategic intent.
• Other duties as assigned
• Employee may be required to travel based on departmental needs.
• Employee may be required to participate in prescribed fire implementation, suppression, or training up to level of current qualification, on as needed basis as determined by supervisor.

_Pay and Benefits_

Pay: $34/hour

Overtime will be based on operational needs. Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer-sponsored health and dental care coverage is available upon employment. Employer-matched retirement plan is available 3 months after hire.

_Minimum Qualifications_ __

• Bachelors degree or demonstrates written and verbal communication skills as deemed sufficient by hiring team
• At least 4 years managing multiple ongoing projects or high complexity projects.
• Currently or previously qualified as Single Resource of either ENGB or CRWB or RXB2
• Independent success in securing and administering large scale or multi-year funding (e.g., grants) to support the Program.
• 2 or more years of experience working collaboratively with other organizations on projects.
• Success in generating new business leads (e.g., networking, relationship-building, leveraging existing client connections, etc.)
• Grant Writing for complex projects
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to create and manage complex budgets
• Contract review and management
• Competent in using Microsoft Suite products including Excel, Word, etc.
• Subject matter expertise for the respective position
• Passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to social impact.

_Desired Qualifications_

• Currently or previously qualified as TFLD or DIVS
• Masters, or PhD in Wildland Fire-related field, or 15+ years combination of education and experience.
• Five or more years in department management and executive leadership within a nonprofit, state, or federal wildland fire agency, including a track record of successfully designing, implementing, and evaluating programs.
• Event organization and fundraising.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance requirements for federal contracts.

_Schedule Requirements_

This is an at-will position. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary depending on project needs.

_Work Location_

Remote

85% Office + Remote/15% Travel (approximately)

_How to Apply_

Interested applicants should review The Ember Alliance website and submit a __resume, cover letter, NWCG qualification records, and three professional references through the Smart Recruiters website. This position will close on 9/28. Please specify your earliest available start date.