TITLE: Neighborhood Trees Program Manager (NT Manager)

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Exempt from overtime. Full-time (40 hours per week).

HOURS: Monday to Friday schedule, with occasional Saturdays. Some evenings as needed. 35 hours per week between Memorial Day and Labor Day (while maintaining a 40 hour per week salary).

SUPERVISED BY: Deputy Director

SUPERVISES: 12-member Neighborhood Trees (NT) team

PAY RATE: Annual salary set at $72,000. Eligible for full benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement match up to 2%, paid time off starting at 3 weeks’ vacation, 11 holidays, and sick time. The organization will be closed during the final week of December.

LOCATION: Friends of Trees Portland office at 3117 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212. Stairs required to access office. Travel throughout the Portland Metro area with FOT provided vehicles. Work a combination of in-office, outdoor, and hybrid/remote.

EXPECTED START DATE: July 2025

ABOUT FRIENDS OF TREES

Since 1989, Friends of Trees (FOT) has planted nearly a million trees and native shrubs in 120+ neighborhoods in six counties across two states. We’ve done this through engaging tens of thousands of community members, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. We plant trees, and so much more. Learn more about The Friends of Trees Way, about Our Commitment to Equity, and about Our Community Partnerships.

JOB SUMMARY

The NT Manager is responsible for managing the Neighborhood Trees (NT) program activities and staff, including project and program planning, budget oversight, grant and contract management, and supervising a dedicated team of Specialists, Coordinators, and Field Technicians. The NT program hosts 45+ community-based volunteer planting, pruning, and tree-related education events and activities each year that engage thousands of volunteers and community members. Specialists and Coordinators lead the events. The Manager provides strategic direction and support for the team in coordinating and implementing their events and the program. This role works in partnership with the NT team, fellow FOT programs, community and non-profit partners, public agencies, residents, volunteers, and interns to foster community and environmental stewardship of our urban forest throughout the Portland-Vancouver and Salem metro.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Team Management:

• Supervise and support the NT team (currently 12 staff): offer guidance, resources, and training to ensure effective implementation of NT team work while fostering a commitment to professional development and encouraging cross-program growth opportunities
• Meet regularly with NT team members: provide support and direction; ensure effective prioritizing of tasks and progress on project deliverables and annual work plans; and connect around team dynamics and feedback
• Facilitate weekly team meetings and annual team retreats; lead annual NT performance reviews
• Lead NT staff recruitment, hiring, on-boarding, and training
• Ensure NT team accurately tracks and enters work hours, overtime, and leave through FOT’s timekeeping system. Manage overtime and time-off requests, approve timesheets, and collaborate with team to balance staffing needs and maintain smooth operations during high-demand periods.
• Resolve challenges, including capacity issues, programmatic needs, and interpersonal dynamics

Budget & Contract Management:

• Co-develop and oversee annual NT budget, tracking program expenses and revenue
• Approve NT staff project and individual expenses, ensuring timely expense submission and team understanding of program budgets
• Manage and administer government grants and contracts that support NT program activities, negotiating new contracts and renewing existing contracts in partnership with Deputy Director
• Lead administration and submission of project invoices and reports for 20+ government grants and contracts annually; organize and track contractual deliverables, goals, expenses, and revenue
• Manage and track projects with subcontractors, community partners, and vendors
• Coordinate with staff, community and municipal partners to ensure programming meets shared goals, objectives, municipal guidelines, and strengthens partnerships
• Support grant writing and administration

Program Administration & Oversight:

• Oversee NT team implementation of planting and tree care program and events throughout the Portland-Vancouver and Salem metro regions,
  • Support NT staff with customer inquiries, providing assistance in resolving complex situations
  • Attend and support NT events monthly or as needed. During the first year, lead/co-lead event(s) to deepen program understanding. In subsequent years, lead events when necessary.
• Document and develop NT protocols and processes in collaboration with NT team, updating and creating training documents, program materials, and shared team and program resources
• Regularly evaluate program effectiveness through a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion lens
• Work with NT team to manage and track inventory of municipal-approved large-stock street and yard trees sourced from local nurseries as well as program supplies and materials
• Develop and manage annual programmatic event calendar and staff work plans to ensure annual program deliverables are tracked and met and there is appropriate staffing
• Oversee regional outreach strategy and implementation, working with NT, Volunteer & Outreach Program (VOP), and Development/Communications staff to co-develop multi-faceted outreach strategies to engage diverse communities and ensure equitable access and engagement with program services
• Represent FOT in the community via public speaking, partner events, media interviews, etc
• Assure NT program quality control and compliance in coordination with NT Team
  • Co-manage Tree Store, tree inventory, and tree database (Salesforce) with NT and Systems team
  • Work with the NT team to ensure tree quality control at community events, including proper planting and pruning
  • Ensure necessary permits and licenses are secured and regulations accurately followed for program activities
• Support development of new project proposals and new partner collaborations
  • Build and maintain authentic relationships with community partners, nonprofits, government agencies, and volunteers to engage communities in tree planting efforts and initiatives
  • Oversee subcontractors, partners, and vendors to ensure effective collaboration, project completion, and meaningful community engagement
• Assist NT and VOP teams with effective recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers, ensuring a dynamic approach accommodating various learning styles and engagement methods
  • Support annual NT volunteer trainings and workforce development initiatives and partnerships

Other Duties:

• Submit program updates for staff and board meetings, annual reports, and as needed
• Actively participate in FOT’s Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, while fostering involvement and commitment to these efforts across the NT team
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, training, program improvement discussions, and other related work events; support efforts to improve program and organizational effectiveness
• Ensure NT team is adhering to FOT’s safety protocols and upholds a safe working environment
• Participate in cross-program committees and subcommittees to fulfill FOT’s mission
• Participate in organizational fundraising efforts, other organizational activities, and Strategic Planning
• And other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• People & Project Management Experience: Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor a team, providing thoughtful guidance, constructive feedback, and fostering professional growth through teaching rather than doing. Experienced in overseeing multiple projects with competing priorities and navigating stressful situations while effectively delegating tasks and providing clear direction.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong ability to flex communication styles in order to effectively connect with and support a diverse range of staff, volunteers, and community members. Skilled in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, talking on the phone, emailing, and in-person interactions. Values feedback and is committed to continuous learning and growth.
• Budget Development & Tracking: Experience developing and managing project budgets; ability to organize and track expenses, revenue, and contractual deliverables to ensure budget adherence.
• Project Funding & Management Experience: Skilled managing project funding, engaging with funders, and drafting proposals and project scopes.
• Organization & Time Management: Highly organized with strong time management skills, able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, track project progress, and collaborate effectively.
• System Management: Strong attention to detail and experience in developing, implementing, and managing systems to track program goals and deliverables.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Volunteer & Partnership Development: Passionate about creating meaningful volunteer and intern opportunities and fostering strong relationships with community partners.
• Environmental & Community Engagement: Knowledgeable in environmental programming and community engagement initiatives, with a commitment to working with diverse communities and ensuring the program is inclusive and equitable.
• First Aid Certification: Current certification or willingness to obtain.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience securing and administering government contracts, grants, and complex program budgets.
• Skilled in using tools like ArcGIS, Salesforce, e-commerce systems, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, InDesign, or Photoshop.
• Familiarity with tree identification, planting, pruning, establishment, and care.
• Fluent or proficient in any language(s) in addition to English.