Conservation Program Manager or Coordinator, Habitat

The Conservation Program Manager or Coordinator at Minnesota Environmental Partnership will manage conservation efforts to protect and restore habitats, working closely with landowners and partners. Responsibilities include outreach, partnership facilitation, data tracking, grant preparation, and program evaluation. Candidates should have a background in natural resource management and a commitment to equity. This is a full-time, exempt position offering a flexible workplace, primarily hybrid.
About the position

This position will manage Clean River Partners' conservation work that increases sustainable and resilient habitat by assisting landowners to permanently protect land, support restoration efforts, and coordinate habitat corridors. This position is for someone with knowledge of natural lands management and in-stream habitat management who is passionate about protecting and restoring natural systems while connecting people to these places and inspiring others to take action. This position will work closely with the Executive Director, partners, and area landowners to foster a sustainable and resilient land ethic amongst community members. This is an exempt, full-time position with benefits including 403(b) matching, paid vacation and sick leave, 15 paid holidays, and a paid office closure from December 24-January 1. The salary role for this range is $50,000-$65,000. CRP offers a flexible workplace and most staff choose to have a hybrid work schedule, with all staff in the office on Tuesdays.

Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain relationships with diverse landowners, natural resource organizations, federal, state, and local government agencies, and college and university partners to increase protected and restored habitat in southeast Minnesota.
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• Develop relationships with groups underrecognized in CRP's current collaborators, membership, and audience, including communities of color, Indigenous communities, Spanish-speaking communities, disabled communities, LGBTQIA2S+ communities.
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• Coordinate and conduct outreach to landowners and community members that inspires habitat restoration and permanent protection of lands within the Cannon River.
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• Facilitate partnerships that build habitat corridors and provide for their ongoing restoration.
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• Maintain, track, and report on key data related to indicators of success identified in Clean River Partners's strategic plan.
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• Evaluate program activities and make recommendations to improve impacts and/or develop new programming.
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• Prepare grants and other written communications or public or small-group presentations that describe program objectives, activities, and outcomes.
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• Track deadlines, requirements, and deliverables for grants and contracts in this program.
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• Prepare contracts, invoices, and reports and maintain additional records as necessary to track resource use during project implementation.
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• Participate in annual budgeting process and monitor program and project expenditures.
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• Participate in team meetings and represent CRP on various platforms.
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• As needed, take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team, including, but not limited to, developing documentation or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team.

Requirements
• Interest in and commitment to the mission and values of Clean River Partners.
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• Commitment to equity, justice, and fostering belonging.
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• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
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• A degree in ecology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or a closely related field or comparable professional experience.
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• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and coordinate with stakeholders to meet goals.
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• Experience with grant and project management including timeline development, reporting, and budget management.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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• Proficiency with email, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
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• Proficiency with shared drives, such as Google Drive.
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• Flexible and motivated with a positive attitude.
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• Minimum three years of relevant experience.
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• A valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle to be utilized for travel to events and transporting materials and supplies.
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• Must be able to travel within the Cannon River Watershed and other locations, especially in southeast Minnesota, and provide in-person programming and meetings.

Nice-to-haves
• Knowledge/experience with Cannon River Watershed region and communities.
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• Experience in a nonprofit.
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• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
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• Experience working with rural landowners.
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• Knowledge of mechanisms to permanently or temporarily conserve land including making public lands, land trusts, and conservation easements.
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• Geospatial computer skills.
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• Advocacy or policy experience.
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• Systems change experience.
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• Grant-writing experience.
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• Grant management/administration experience.
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• Proficiency in one or more non-English languages, especially Spanish, Dakota, Somali, and/or Hmong.

Benefits
• 403(b) matching
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• Paid vacation and sick leave
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• 15 paid holidays
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• Paid office closure from December 24-January 1