Foundation for America's Public Lands - Program Officer, Restoration

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands is a pioneering startup on a mission to safeguard the sustainability of our public lands and waters. Chartered by Congress, we are the official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management with a pivotal mission: to connect us to our public lands and waters and sustain these special places for the benefit of present and future generations.

Standing on the cusp on an exciting chapter, we are set to become a cornerstone institution, working in close partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and a strong network of local to national stakeholders who share our vision. Our work is ambitious, impactful, and essential – and we are building the inaugural team who will be critical to shaping the Foundation’s future.

With co-headquarters in Grand Junction, CO, and Washington, DC, the Foundation is poised for growth and to have a substantial impact on the future of our nation’s public lands and waters. Discover more about our mission and how you can contribute to this groundbreaking journey at

What We’re Looking For:

The Program Officer for Restoration serves as a critical connector for our foundation, bridging geographical and organizational gaps to enhance drought resilience across the Colorado River Basin, the Program’s initial area of geographic focus. This role involves initiating our first series of grantmaking efforts, fostering relationships with Tribes, conservation non-profit organizations, philanthropic entities, and other partners to align our activities with strategic conservation goals.

Resourceful and collaborative, you thrive in developing new relationships, aim for innovative progress and you’ll maintain a broad vision while managing detailed operations.

What You’ll Do:

Grantmaking Leadership: Spearhead the management and oversight of inaugural multi-year federal grants for enhancing the drought resilience of BLM-managed lands and waters in the Colorado River Basin, ensuring they align with our strategic objectives and comply with all federal regulations.

Strategic Partnerships and Networking: Serve as the foundational link across different entities and geographies, enhancing partnerships and networking to secure additional funding and guide grantmaking effectively.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Work across departments to integrate efforts, embodying the role of a fundraiser with respect to conservation program activities to amplify our project's impact.

Foundation Establishment: Navigate the challenges of implementing new grantmaking processes in a fast-paced environment, maintaining focus and strategic alignment in our inaugural year.

Adaptability and Problem Solving: Manage the complexities of a new foundation's dynamics, requiring quick adaptation and hands-on problem-solving to prevent and address emerging issues.

What Makes This Role Exciting:

We are building a culture of bipartisanship and solutions-oriented action. Our team is dedicated to finding common ground and practical solutions to support our public land and waters. In this role you will have:

Impact and Influence: Contribute in a pivotal role to foundational projects that aim to significantly enhance drought resilience in a critical geographic area, the Colorado River Basin, as the program’s initial area of focus.

Strategic Role: Shape the foundation’s approach to grantmaking and partnership development from its inception.

Growth and Leadership: Lead foundational strategies from the ground up, offering a unique opportunity to shape and direct conservation efforts on a large scale.

Requirements

What you’ll bring:

Expertise in resource management, science, or related fields.

Previous grantmaking experience a plus.

Significant experience in managing large-scale projects or grants, preferably in conservation or a related field.

Demonstrated ability to manage the grant review process, including letters of intent, researching and evaluating proposals, managing a volunteer review committee, tracking progress and grantee needs, and conducting site visits and regular phone calls with grantees, potential grantees, and stakeholders.

Manage the grant review process, including letters of intent, researching and evaluating proposals, managing a volunteer review committee, tracking progress and grantee needs, and conducting site visits and regular phone calls with grantees, potential grantees, and stakeholders.

Experience in supporting new and emerging work in the field through capacity-building programming and technical support.

Demonstrated success as a builder and operator in a startup environment.

Strong strategic planning, project management, and communication skills.

Visionary leadership, adaptability, and strong problem-solving capabilities.

A passion for conservation and resilience building.

Deep familiarity with the Colorado River Basin and experience in managing partnerships.

Strong capability to motivate and integrate diverse efforts towards common goals.

Water-centric scientific or policy background is preferred but not required.

Familiarity with the mission, lands, and operation of the BLM or other federal resource agency.

Travel 10-20%

Why Join Us?

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands offer an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to preserving and enhancing America’s public lands and waters. You’ll be stepping into a role where you can truly make a difference, setting the direction for a foundation that will leave a lasting legacy. If you’re ready to build something groundbreaking and leave your mark on conservation, we’d love to hear from you!

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands is an equal opportunity employer. The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Benefits

Group medical/vision/dental benefits with 100% employer contribution for employees and 75% contribution for dependents; life insurance; 401k retirement savings plan; and generous holiday and paid time off policies.