The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment seeks a full-time Rural Community Development Program Manager to help lead the organization’s work with rural communities and collaboratives. The position is based in the rural northern Sierra town of Taylorsville and involves periodic travel to rural communities in forested mountain regions and elsewhere in California to work with disadvantaged and underserved communities, and to build community capacity. The position involves the development, implementation, and oversight of grant-funded projects and the management of staff. Review of applications will begin March 24th, 2020   Job Duties The Rural Community Development Program Manager (“Program Manager”) is expected to manage research and implementation projects, and to coordinate with numerous local government, community, and Tribal partners throughout the Sierra Nevada and the State of California. The manager may also be involved in work beyond California. This is a highly communicative position, with daily email and phone contact with partners ranging from state and federal agency personnel to underserved rural community members. The Program Manager will be involved in a variety of projects, including but not limited to the assessment of rural socioeconomic well-being, community capacity enhancement, and community economic development. Projects typically span natural resource management – especially water and forests – and socioeconomic issues, so a background in both natural and social sciences is helpful. The position involves work with leading collaborative groups in the State of California advancing all-lands management working in partnership with state and federal agencies, including the California Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Forest Service, among others. Responsibilities also include capacity building for NGOs, tribes, and local governments. Specific projects include collaborative water management, development of woody biomass utilization facilities (e.g., lumber mills, electricity generating stations), forest workforce development, and assessment of rural community vulnerability to climate change. Much of this work involves coordinating diverse partners to establish novel processes and community functions, requiring creativity, perseverance, and comfort with uncertainty. Qualifications a Ph.D. or Masters degree with experience in social science and/or economics, natural resources, or rural development; experience managing research teams and projects; the ability to work with a team/diverse people, and work independently; experience developing and writing grant proposals; experience working with underserved communities; excellent quantitative and/or qualitative research skills; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------   About the Sierra Institute The Sierra Institute promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work is grounded by the concept of triple bottom line values, supporting initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape. The organization is more than 20 years old, has experienced significant recent growth, and continues to evolve in its projects and partners. Location Sierra Institute is located in Taylorsville, CA (population 154), and lies within a large mountain meadow referred to as “Indian Valley,” which includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Indian Valley offers uniquely rural community events and is surrounded by many outdoor recreation opportunities within nearby public lands including Plumas and Lassen National Forests, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Compensation The anticipated salary range is $55,000-$63,000 per year. The Sierra Institute maintains an extensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits. Retirement benefits will accrue after the first year. The incumbent is also eligible for paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave consistent with Sierra Institute’s organizational policies.   How to Apply Please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as one PDF to jobs@sierrainstitute.us with “Rural Community Development Program Manager” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on March 24th, 2020 , but the position is open until filled. Please call (530) 284-1022 with questions.