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.