The North America (NA) Agroforestry Program Manager position will develop and implement scaling strategies on behalf of the NA Agriculture Program and the NA Science Team to accelerate the widespread, market-driven adoption of agroforestry in the U.S. This position will manage a newly awarded $55M USDA Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant (“Expanding Agroforestry Production & Markets”) designed to promote regenerative agroforestry practices by incentivizing farmers; developing markets; conducting Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV); and otherwise creating the enabling conditions for the rapid growth of agroforestry practices. Leveraging existing North American Agriculture Program strategies and partnerships, the Program Manager will ensure the success of the project by developing and implementing strategies to serve and diversify the partners, funders, agencies, and other priority audiences needed to scale agroforestry in the United States. The Program Manager will oversee the main components of the project, including the Farmer Incentive Payments program; the agroforestry product label initiative; contract and sub-award management; and federal compliance and reporting.

This position often serves as the principal contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, corporations, and the academic community. The Program Manager will engage the agricultural community across the supply chain to advance agroforestry; negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and private sector partners; and identify and cultivate fundraising opportunities to bring additional resources to the NA Agriculture Program team, as well as align and contribute to TNC business units and partners. The Program Manager will increase and enhance the role of TNC as a major partner in the agroforestry industry by supporting and developing TNC’s strategic, scientific, and technical capacity to achieve impact. Listed below are major roles expected of this position.

Agroforestry Program Development & Management:

• Lead, in close collaboration with strategic partners, the development and implementation of long-term, big-picture, innovative and disruptive U.S. agroforestry scaling plans and strategies.

• Seek and manage additional public and private funding opportunities for continued support of our agroforestry efforts.

• Cultivate strategic participation with a diverse array of farmers; landowners; conservation groups; federal and state agency staff; philanthropies; impact investors; ag lenders; and other priority entities to support U.S. agroforestry scaling efforts.

• Collaborate with Government Affairs staff on opportunities to engage and educate decision makers on agroforestry efforts and policy opportunities.

• Develop collaboration opportunities with multiple TNC business units and with existing strategies and programs advancing regenerative agriculture in crop systems and grazing lands.

Expanding Agroforestry Markets & Products Project Management:

• Lead all aspects of the project’s implementation efforts and collaborate with all internal and external project partners for execution of grant deliverables. Manage the Project Manager supporting the grant.

• Act as the main point of contact between TNC/the project and USDA. Lead tracking and reporting efforts of MRV activities, deliverables, and other project performance metrics.

• Coordinate the implementation of outreach and education events on demonstration farms with regional partners and activities that engage TNC membership, volunteers, and donors. Manage the development of agroforestry education and outreach assets.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Geographic size and scope is that of a larger, complex business unit and/or a program that requires cross-boundary work and relationships.

• Supervises staff at remote locations.

• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.

• Writes requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for program.

• Frequently makes independent strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and context.

• Negotiates complex agreements, in a political environment.

• May be responsible for leading or co-leading a whole system program.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Travel expectations are no more than 25% of the time and may vary from external conferences, team retreats, and strategy planning with state chapters.

• Work hours may vary to coordinate with staff and partners in multiple time zones.

This is a remote position based at a home office within the continental United States, with Minneapolis, Minnesota being a preferred location. Currently, the funding for this position will end on March 31, 2028; however, an extension may be possible as more funding becomes available.

The NA Agriculture Program at TNC employs science-based, solutions-focused approaches to drive actionable, systems-change strategies that aim to increase the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices across working lands in the United States. The team works together with public and private sector decision-makers to co-create solutions, drawing on TNC’s practical experience and expertise working with local partners on the ground. If you have a passion for conserving and protecting the natural world, addressing climate change and enhancing the sustainability of our food system, and believe in TNC’s mission and values, please apply for this position and learn more about the Conservancy.

• BA/BS degree in agronomy, natural resources management, conservation, business, or other related field of study and 7 years’ experience in agroforestry and/or other conservation practice or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.

• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.

• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.

• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, and/or government agencies.

• Experience presenting and communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $80,000 to $110,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.