Mission Programs Manager

Mission Programs Manager Description

We are hiring a full-time Mission Programs Manager for our dedicated team based in Viroqua, Wisconsin. We seek a leader who is goal-oriented, eager to serve, supportive of the mission of The Prairie Enthusiasts, and energized by the challenge of scaling our model to increase our impact and grow. This position is part of a Leadership Team working together to deliver on the vision of our Board of Directors for the organization. The salary range will be $53,000-$63,000 depending on qualifications, plus benefits.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and coordinate strategies that ignite relationships with the land and further our work of protecting and restoring fire-dependent ecosystems across the Upper Midwest.
• Design new approaches and implement improvements to our land protection, stewardship and education programs.
• Oversee and deliver programs in collaboration Chapters and volunteers.
• Build infrastructure and provide support to grow our volunteer program.
• Launch AmeriCorps pilot program in 2025.
• Lead, manage and hold team members accountable for results.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Strategic thinking and project management skills
• Motivated by results; able to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Time management and organizational skills
• Good verbal and written communication
• Proven ability to work on a team
• Education and/or experience with ecological restoration
• Experience as burn boss or crew for prescribed burns preferred
• Experience with a land trust preferred
• Technology competence: Microsoft Office, data management tools, GIS
• High school diploma or equivalent required, college degree preferred
• Reliable transportation and ability to work from our office in Viroqua, WI

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

These demands must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: The employee will be frequently required to stand/sit; talk/hear; walk/navigate steep and uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; occasional reaching with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodation may be made for those with disabilities to perform these functions.

ABOUT US

For thousands of years, the Upper Midwest was abundant with prairies and oak savannas that evolved to depend on fires, most of which were ignited by Indigenous Peoples. With the arrival of Europeans, this once vast landscape was almost entirely lost to the plow, lack of fire, introduction of nonnative species and development pressures. Today, only a tiny fraction remains. Threats to biodiversity globally have made these imperiled places, with the rare plants and wildlife they sustain, even more vital for our future. Yet few prairie remnants have been protected, and more continue to slip away.

The Prairie Enthusiasts seek out, protect and restore fire-dependent ecosystems across the Upper Midwest. We celebrate their beauty and complexity and actively steward them by returning fire to the land. Our regional Chapters are restoring prairie and contributing to landscape-scale conservation by working with landowners and collaborating with partners. We are a grassroots community of learners, sharing insights, practices and inspiration.

CORE VALUES

Our core values define our culture. We hire, fire, review, reward and recognize employees based on these values:

Reverence for the Land

All that we are, and everything we do is deeply rooted in our love and respect for the Land – the communities of soils, water, plants, animals, and other living things, of which we are all a part.

Long View

The origins of the land are ancient. We are stewards of the present – the legacy entrusted to our care. Our actions will shape what is possible for future generations.

Working Together

We are responsible for caring for the land. Everyone has a unique ability to contribute. By working together, we form bonds that make our community stronger than ourselves.

Sharing Knowledge

We honor wisdom and experience, science, and the arts. We are seekers and teachers, sharing what we have learned and encouraging others to build on it.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your cover letter and resume to Debra Behrens, Executive Director, at DBehrens@ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org. In your cover letter, tell us why you are interested in working with The Prairie Enthusiasts and how your experience has prepared you for this role.

The Prairie Enthusiasts is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Viroqua, WI 54665 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Viroqua, WI 54665: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $53,000 - $63,000