Forest Stewardship Program Director

Position DetailsTitle: Forest Stewardship Program DirectorTeam: Forest ProgramsReports To: Director of Forest ProgramsSupervises: No direct reportsEmployment Type: Full-time; exempt. 40 hours/week.Location: Flexible within Northern Forest region, with hybrid option available at our Concord, NH office About the Northern Forest CenterFounded in 1997, the Northern Forest Center works across the 30-million-acre Northern Forest region of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. We advance community economic development and forest stewardship by providing collaborative leadership, innovative ideas, and expertise in program delivery, investment, project management, and public policy. Our work is grounded in strong partnerships with rural communities and a deep commitment to the region’s people, land, and future. Learn more at www.northernforest.org. Position Summary: The Forest Stewardship Program Director leads the Center's regional Forest Stewardship programming, advancing the Center’s vision of healthy forests, thriving rural communities, and a resilient forest economy by strengthening forest stewardship across the Northern Forest Region. Drawing on professional experience in forestry, forest management and partnership development, this role:Supports programs, education and demonstration projects, communications, and advocacy that engage diverse perspectives and deepen forest stewardship across multiple scales and audiences;Leads the Center’s community forest programming through community-level partnership, multi-town collaboratives, and regional leadership; Grounds the Center’s forest products market and business development work in the current and evolving realities of regional forest health and supply chains; and Represents the Center's work and perspective in state and regional forestry and forest industry circles. Reporting to the Director of Forest Programs, they work closely with the Center's Forest Programs team as well as with state-based Program Directors and external partners. This role is well-suited for an adaptable individual with professional experience in forestry or closely related fields, the ability to engage stakeholders at multiple levels, and a motivation to contribute regionally to a holistic vision for a vibrant forest economy grounded in sustainable forest stewardship. ResponsibilitiesPromote & Deepen Applications of Ecological Forestry at Local & Regional Levels (90%)In collaboration with Center colleagues and external partners, develop and deliver programs that advance a shared, holistic vision for the stewardship of the Northern Forest at both the community and regional levels: Community Level (30%):Support local partners in the establishment, stewardship, and/or activation of community forests to advance community conservation, forestry and recreation priorities;Convene and facilitate several Center-led community forest collaboratives;Develop and implement community-level programming to activate and steward local forests in collaboration with Center and community-based staff Regional Level (60%):Serve as an in-house advisor on forest management and forest health to inform and contribute to Center programs across the Northern Forest region, including:Maintain a working quantitative and qualitative knowledge of the status of regional forest health and supply chain, elevating and addressing issues or opportunities for program development, implementation, and/or advocacy;Cultivate, build, and maintain relationships with external partners including those in forestry, forest stewardship and management, and conservationRepresent the Center’s forest stewardship ethic in relevant meetings, presentations, professional organizations, and public forums Expand the Center’s regional community forest programming and leadership, identifying challenges, gaps, and opportunities;Develop and deliver programming that engages, connects, and educates diverse constituencies on regional forest stewardship, e.g. through landowner and recreation collaboratives, communications initiatives, and new programs;Contribute forestry and supply chain expertise to strategically align the Center’s business support, market development initiatives, and investment activities with regional supply chain needs and opportunities. General Program Duties (10%)Contribute regular program updates, stories, opinion pieces, and other written work as part of the Center’s overall communications strategyWrite, manage, and report on public and private grants Participate in regular organizational development activities, e.g. staff meetings, annual retreat, occasional board meetings Note: These responsibilities describe the general nature of the role and are not an exhaustive list. Other duties may be required as organizational needs evolve. Required QualificationsCommitment to the mission and values of the Northern Forest Center. Grounded knowledge, relationships, and experience in the Northern Forest region (ME, NH, VT, &/or NY)5-10 years of experience in forestry, forest industry, natural resource management, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, licensed forester strongly preferred. Participation in related professional associations a plus.Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs from ideation through to deliveryDemonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships across organizations, sectors and communitiesExperience facilitating peer networks, groups and professional gatheringsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail, and to adapt with evolving programsWillingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the Northern Forest region Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, SharePoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams) Preferred QualificationsForestry License in one of the Northern Forest statesExperience working in forestry and/or forestry supply chain; existing sector relationshipsFamiliarity with tools such as Asana, or similar project management platformsExperience with on-line mapping tools like ArcGISExperience collaborating with boards, funders, or cross-sector partners Competencies & Workstyle Collaborative and relationship-orientedHighly organized and reliableAdaptable and comfortable with evolving prioritiesResults-oriented with a learning mindsetCommitted to equity, inclusion, and respectful teamwork Compensation & BenefitsSalary Range: $70,000–$80,000, commensurate with experienceComprehensive benefits package, including:Employer-sponsored health insurance options with premiums covered 85%-90%20 PTO days, 12 sick days and 12 holidays annuallyShort- and long-term disability coverage with premiums covered 100%Flexible spending and dependent care accountsSIMPLE IRA with 3% employer matchVoluntary life and dental insuranceFlexible and supportive work environment Work Environment & TravelRegular travel and overnight travel within the Northern Forest regionOccasional evening or weekend programsCombination of office-based, remote, and field-based work How To Apply. Please submit a PDF resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to resume@northernforest.org with the subject line: “Forest Stewardship Program Director Application.” Application review will begin on November 16, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. The Northern Forest Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political beliefs, or veteran status.