Are you passionate about helping communities in the West become resilient to existing and future water challenges? Sonoran Institute is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Program Manager to join our Growing Water Smart team. Sonoran Institute’s “Growing Water Smart” (GWS) program trains and assists communities in ensuring that land-use planning, which largely determines future water demand related to urban growth and development, is sensitive to future water conditions and makes the most strategic and equitable use of that water. The Program Manager is responsible for building and managing projects such as our multi-day Growing Water Smart workshop and community implementation projects, our Peer-to-Peer Network of land use planners and water resource managers, and the creation of additional cutting-edge resources to support local governments and water providers in achieving water-smart growth. This includes organizing, marketing, attending, and/or facilitating events that encourage communities to use less water and approach water holistically. The Program Manager is supervised by the Director of the Growing Water Smart program. The Program Manager supports the Director in the management of contracts, funding proposals, and grant reporting.

Come join an organization whose mission is to connect people and communities with the natural resources that nourish and sustain them. We envision resilient and sustainable communities living in harmony with the natural world, where flowing rivers and healthy landscapes enable all people and nature to thrive. Our work transcends borders, bringing together diverse communities to promote civil dialogue about complex conservation issues that know no boundaries. All aspects of our work are guided by inclusivity and collaboration to create positive environmental change in the western United States and northwestern Mexico.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as project manager for Growing Water Smart projects, as assigned, including managing project tasks and timelines, coordinating and leading project management meetings, and tracking grantor deliverables
• Organize, attend, present, moderate or facilitate meetings, conference sessions, and workshop sessions
• Research and author reports, publications, articles, and presentations
• Assist in the curriculum design of trainings and workshops
• Develop and/or manage relationships with prospective, current, and past workshop attendees; outside agencies; consultants; partners; and funders
• Oversee vendor and consultant contracts and payments
• Manage online platforms such as websites, discussion forums, and Google Drive
• Assist in the preparation of program/project budgets and funding proposals

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in natural or water resource management, public policy, environmental policy, sustainability, climate science, urban and regional planning, or related field
• Three or more years of increasingly responsible experience in a related field

Required Skills and Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, such as the ability to communicate complex ideas and information to a broad range of audiences
• Excellent program management skills, including ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficient in the principles of land use planning or water resource management
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 programs
• Experience with website/digital/graphic design/video or other media tools
• Energetic, outgoing, flexible, creative, and a proactive problem solver
• Current valid driver’s license
• Ability to work independently and remotely unless within commuting distance from Tucson, AZ.
• Ability to travel by car and plane in the United States
• Ability to occasionally travel overnight and work evenings or weekends, as needed

Desired Skills and Experience

• Graduate degree in natural or water resource management, public policy, environmental policy, sustainability, climate science, urban and regional planning, or related field
• Experience in facilitation and stakeholder engagement
• Experience with designing education or training programs
• Proficient in Spanish language
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
• Knowledge of GIS

Geographic Location: Fully remote position physically located in Colorado or Arizona and the ability to travel for meetings and workshops.

Salary: $50,000-$55,000 (based on qualifications and experience)

Benefits Offered:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance - Employer Paid
• Long Term Disability - Employer Paid
• 401K participation with employer match
• Generous paid time off, starting at 20 days per year

 Sonoran Institute will begin reviewing applications on February 25, 2022. This posting will remain open until position is filled.