Grant Manager

Overview

The Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) serves as a collective voice for conservation districts by providing leadership, advocacy, technical assistance, and education opportunities, as well as by protecting and advancing locally-led conservation programs. Learn more about MACD and the various programs we manage at: www.macdnet.org. We are looking for someone to provide leadership and management of our programs and help us build for the future. The successful applicant has a background in natural resources, proven experience in program and/or grant management, and is friendly, organized, hardworking, and motivated. If this is you, come join our team! This position has room for both growth and creativity, and MACD will provide training opportunities for candidates, both on-the-job and through external training options.

Core Responsibilities

Grant and Program Management

• Manage a portfolio of programs and grants, including a multi-year agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Water Quality Education and Outreach Mini-Grants, and the Ranching for Rivers Program. Ensure that the MACD grant and program activities comply with all relevant federal, state, and professional standards, deadlines and deliverables are met, and expenses and match are accurately recorded and reported.
• Lead program development and planning activities. Pursue and write grant funding applications and/or assist with the pursuit of additional funding opportunities via foundations and sponsorships.
• Provide added support to various staff and programs and assist in identifying and pursuing other programmatic opportunities in support of conservation districts.
• Coordinate the MACD Programs Work Group

Partnership Coordination / Liaison

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with member districts and partners, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and other federal, state, and non-governmental organizations. Coordinates regularly with these entities to ensure MACD programs are meeting the diverse set of needs Montana’s conservation districts face.
• Regularly communicate with funders and partners about current and future programs and collaborations.
• Act as a liaison for the Bridger Plant Materials Center, attend Spring and Fall meetings.

Supervision & Administrative Oversight

• Supervise AmeriCorps member assisting with environmental monitoring and provide administrative oversight for MACD field staff (Range Conservationist partner employees with NRCS). Local NRCS staff are responsible for the day-to-day supervision and work planning for the field staff. Administrative oversight will include monthly check-ins, approval of timesheets and expense reports, communication with local NRCS supervisors, and participation in mid-year and annual reviews.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources or comparable field is required

• Ability and willingness to work outside of standard office hours (i.e., 8am-5pm) when needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel to conferences, workshops, site visits; Up to 10% of the position is travel-based
• A valid motor vehicle driver’s license, which must be maintained during employment. Use of personal vehicles may be required for travel at times, and will be reimbursed for mileage at the current state rate

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be a self-starter, have a positive attitude, be teamwork and partnership-driven, and have a solution-oriented mindset. Demonstrate the highest level of professional and personal integrity.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize, define tasks and meet deadlines, providing proven ability to direct organizational efforts to accomplish objectives, programs, and projects within established time frames and budgets.
• Ability to establish working relationships with a wide variety of people from differing backgrounds.
• Sound financial and grant/contract management ability as evidenced by experience and/or education
• Knowledge of the principles of natural resource and conservation science and management, and experience with Montana natural resources and rural communities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing with conservation districts, board, office staff, landowners and partner agencies.
• Proficient in Excel and Word programming. Experience with WordPress or willingness to learn.
• Open to learning new software packages and management tools.

The requirements listed in this job announcement are guidelines, if you meet 70% or more of these qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Other job experience and skills will be considered, and some on-the-job or professional training can be provided.