Senior Manager, Planting Partnerships

About the role

We're seeking a strategic and people-centered leader to oversee how we source, develop, and grow the Foundation's network of planting partners across reforestation and urban forestry programs. As the Senior Manager, Planting Partnerships, you will lead the Foundation's project sourcing and planting partner network development function, stewarding and growing our industry-leading network while ensuring we respond quickly and effectively to evolving funding needs with high-quality, cost-effective project opportunities.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a place where you can do work that matters with people who care. As one of the world's largest conservation organizations, we inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, using them as a nature-based solution to global challenges like air and water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger.

Responsibilities

• Operational Strategy & Functional Leadership
  • Define the strategic direction, priorities, and growth objectives for the Project Development function, ensuring a strong pipeline of high-quality, cost-effective projects aligned with funding opportunities and impact goals.
  • Evaluate portfolio composition, market trends, partner capacity, and emerging risks to proactively respond to evolving funder needs and maximize impact per dollar.
  • Grow and strengthen the Foundation’s planting partner network by identifying new opportunities and developing innovative sourcing approaches.
  • Identify and implement improvements to operating models, processes, and tools that increase scalability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  • Travel 3 to 4 times a year, international and domestic, as needed.
• Partner Network & Project Development Operations
  • Design sourcing processes, tools, and partner engagement approaches to identify and evaluate opportunities faster, scale effectively, and maintain a high-quality experience for partners.
  • Establish and continuously improve partner evaluation and onboarding standards to protect the quality of the Foundation’s network and ensure alignment with long-term impact goals.
  • Create operating mechanisms that provide visibility, accountability, and coordination to support mission delivery at scale.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Provide clear direction, coaching, and support to 3 Project Development Leads to achieve Foundation objectives and team member career goals.
  • Foster a high-performing, mission-driven team culture aligned with Foundation values.
  • Delegate responsibilities and decision-making authority effectively while maintaining appropriate oversight.
  • Assess future capability needs and implement development plans, learning opportunities, and stretch assignments to build team capacity.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
  • Build trusted relationships across the organization to maintain alignment, strengthen collaboration, and advance shared goals.
  • Partner with fundraising and program leaders to anticipate future demand and align project pipeline development with funding opportunities.
  • Translate strategic decisions into clear implications for teams, processes, and ways of working.
  • Resolve cross-functional challenges by balancing competing priorities and reinforcing shared goals.

What success looks like

• Develop and execute a cohesive project sourcing strategy that aligns the Foundation's planting partner network and project pipeline with evolving funding needs across reforestation, carbon, impact fund, and community programs.
• Ensure the project portfolio can effectively respond to demand by balancing geographic coverage, cost, scientific rigor, and partner capacity.
• Expand and strengthen the Foundation's planting partner network to increase responsiveness, resilience, and long-term mission impact.
• Develop and empower a high-performing team capable of supporting continued organizational growth and impact.

Requirements

• Passion for the Foundation’s mission, nature, environmental stewardship, and people.
• 8+ years of experience in partnership development, project development, operations, supply chain or sourcing leadership, or program strategy and operations.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, and developing external partnerships and projects.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success developing strategies, driving operational improvements, and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives and organizational change.
• Strong communication, relationship management, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mission-driven environmental, conservation, or sustainability-focused organizations.
• Experience building scalable partner networks, operating models, or project portfolios.

Schedule

In-office Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; optional remote work on Wednesday and Friday. Office hours are 8am to 5pm.

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Benefits

• Health & Insurance
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Multiple plan options, including PPO and High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance – $15,000 basic coverage, plus voluntary options available.
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability – Fully paid by the company.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential counseling and resources for you and your family.
  • Supplemental Insurance Options – Accident, Critical Illness (includes infertility coverage), and Hospital Indemnity plans available.
• Financial Wellness
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Immediate eligibility with company match up to 5%; full vesting after 5 years.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (HSA) – Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Time Off & Leave
  • Paid Holidays – Eight paid holidays, one floating holiday, and an annual companywide “Unplug Time” during the holidays.
  • Parental Leave – 12 weeks paid for birthing parents | 2 weeks paid for non-birthing parents | Available for adoption as well.
  • Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, and paid volunteer time off.
• Learning & Growth
  • Professional Development – Access to LinkedIn Learning and tuition reimbursement.
  • Learning Time – Team members are encouraged to spend 40+ hours on development.
• Wellness & Perks
  • HealthJoy App – Included with medical insurance to simplify healthcare navigation and support.
  • Wellness & Recognition – Incentives, recognition gifts awarded for work anniversaries & birthdays.
  • Exclusive Discounts & Free Admission – Tree Adventure, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, golf, and more.

Benefits and perks may vary based on position and are subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.