Dir, Pacific Northwest Urban Forestry
About the role
The Director, Pacific Northwest Urban Forestry will lead American Forests' strategy to advance tree equity across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. This is a field-facing leadership role focusing on delivering resources, technical assistance, and partnerships to disadvantaged and historically under-resourced communities in cities across the region.
Responsibilities
Build and maintain city, state, and regional partnerships to advance tree equity across the Pacific Northwest.
Support municipalities and partners in adopting American Forests' tools and resources through outreach, learning opportunities, and hands-on technical assistance.
Identify and pursue public and private funding opportunities to advance regional tree equity strategies.
Maintain current awareness of urban forestry issues, cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national leaders, and direct resources strategically within the region.
Serve as American Forests' regional expert on urban forestry, tree species, community dynamics, and related topics.
Qualifications
5-7 years of professional urban forestry experience in the Pacific Northwest, with established relationships with municipal and state agencies, state urban and community forestry councils, and regional coordinators.
ISA Certified Arborist and/or Certified Urban Forest Professional preferred, with a degree in urban forestry, urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental science, or a related field.
Advanced knowledge of American Forests' tree equity tools and resources, with a preference for candidates who can translate technical knowledge for diverse audiences.
Experience working with diverse stakeholders and informing and leading partnerships, particularly in the context of local or statewide cross-sector coalitions.
Experience growing and managing complex projects in a remote environment, including developing and driving forward KPIs.
Demonstrated ability to proactively pursue revenue generation opportunities to scale impact towards advancing tree equity at various scales.
Ability to navigate municipal systems and priorities, including understanding city-wide tree management practices, budget structures, and administrative processes, while fostering equitable planning, community engagement, and partnerships with local organizations and city champions.
Experience either directly managing or being accountable for diverse and complex budgets and grants, including both private and public funding; strong acumen in research and grant writing; ease of working with Marketing and Communications and Philanthropy.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to confidently and persuasively sustain productive partnerships.
Quick learner with exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and take initiative to develop systems that enhance team efficiency.
Demonstrated commitment to American Forests values, which include advancing the interests of all people, embracing all perspectives, prioritizing work not by popularity but by what is needed most, and empowering people to take action, and a commitment to social and environmental justice.