Job Description

About City Forest Credits

City Forest Credits (CFC) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit carbon registry that seeks to make American cities greener, healthier, and more equitable. We are engaged in the exciting and challenging work of registering our forests and trees in cities across the U.S. to produce urban forest carbon credits. We offer two important tools to contribute to local climate action and enrich our communities. We issue verified carbon offsets for urban forest projects, and we certify  planting projects with health, equity, and environmental impacts.

With rapid urbanization of the country, growth and development of our cities are causing tree loss every year. Public funding for urban forestry is falling far short as cities struggle with pressing human needs, and trees are inequitably distributed across neighborhoods. Our work enables nonprofits and government entities that lead tree planting and preservation projects in metro areas to earn and sell carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market, thus generating a new and much-needed revenue source to support the health and well-being of people and the environment.

Our small team is Seattle-based, but we work with projects in cities and towns across the country. The CFC values are:

• Innovation – we create new financing pathways
• Integrity – we are credible and trustworthy
• Connect– we unite communities, trees, and funding
• Science-based – we employ technical data from subject matter experts
• Ambition – we think boldly and act directly to drive change

For more information about us, please visit www.cityforestcredits.org.

Job Title: Program Manager

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Seattle, WA

Start Date: Immediately

Reports To: Executive Director

Annual Compensation: $70,000 – $80,000 USD

The Opportunity

CFC is growing our team to include a Program Manager to support the Carbon+ Credit Program and emerging program development. This position offers growth potential through pioneering work to address the challenge of how to pay for city forests.

Through the Carbon+ Credits Program, we issue third-party verified carbon credits from tree planting or preservation projects. Carbon+ Credits improve air quality, stormwater runoff, and energy costs, while delivering social equity and human health impacts. Through the Impact Certification Program, we certify the design and reporting of high-value tree planting projects in cities. Companies can provide funds for projects that align with corporate social responsibility goals and advance environmental justice.

The primary goal for this position is to contribute to the capacity of the team leading the Carbon+ Credits Program and grow aggregated carbon programs that increase efficiencies and allow opportunities for smaller cities, towns, and nonprofits to participate in carbon projects. A typical day in this role may include presenting a webinar on CFC and Carbon+ Credits, collecting and reviewing project monitoring reports, educating new Project Operators on the carbon crediting process, and/or implementing a Program of Aggregation in new markets.

Functions after training include:

• Carbon Program (80%)
  • Assist Executive Director and Director in day-to-day management of carbon planting and preservation project portfolio of over 30 projects, including providing support for Project Operators from recruitment to credit issuance
  • Manage Programs of Aggregation in Illinois and Iowa, with future expansion into new areas
  • Conduct initial vetting and introductory conversations for all carbon projects
  • Provide technical advice to Project Operators
  • Oversee tracking, receipt, and evaluation of carbon project monitoring reports
  • Complete validation reports
  • Host presentations and webinars on CFC Carbon+ Credits
• Impact Certification Program (10%)
  • Assist Executive Director and Director in new product development tools focused on human health and social equity
• Operations (10%)
  • Assist Administrative Manager in improvements in carbon project processes and recruitment tools

Skill Set

• At least seven years experience managing multiple concurrent or complex project in for-profit, non-profit, or government organizations
• Technical background such as forestry, carbon, land use, or ecosystem services preferred but not required
• Ability to learn carbon crediting and the voluntary carbon market
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, and quantitative problem-solving talents
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork
• Cultural awareness and ability to work with partners from different backgrounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including external-facing customer support and presentation skills
• Strong project and program management skills including the ability to prioritize and work efficiently and effectively under deadlines
• Self-starter with an ability to excel in a professional environment
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office Suite

Successful Candidates

• Will expand their expertise by working on innovative urban forest carbon programs
• Will deepen their knowledge through interactions with a dynamic, committed, and focused team of professionals
• Will learn quickly
• Will be seen as a reliable and capable team member by peers and manager
• Will receive positive feedback from stakeholders regarding ability to collaborate and find practical solutions to challenges
• Will be rewarded by the satisfaction of helping projects and fostering green, healthy, and equitable cities

Milestones

• Colleague Training and Support Time: 70% with Executive Director, 20% with Director, and 10% with Administrative Manager
• Within one month:
  • General CFC onboarding with Executive Director, Director, and Administrative Manager
  • Study and learn planting and preservation protocols for basic understanding of concepts
  • Learn about Carbon+ Credits Program
  • Shadow Director and Administrative Manager on initial carbon project vetting
  • Join Executive Director and Director on introductory conversations for carbon projects to learn processes and frequently asked questions

• Within three months:
  • Shadow Executive Director and Director on understanding carbon planting and preservation projects
  • Shadow Executive Director on all work related to carbon Programs of Aggregation
  • Meet Project Operators leading carbon projects
  • Learn carbon quantification methods
  • Lead initial carbon project vetting

• Within six months:
  • Assist with management of carbon projects and support Project Operators
  • Complete carbon quantification for both planting and preservation projects
  • Identify improvements needed to project education and recruitment tools

• Within one year:
  • Lead carbon Programs of Aggregation in Illinois and Iowa
  • Manage carbon projects
  • Lead Impact Certification product development
  • Manage carbon monitoring reports and evaluation of responses

Additional Requirements for Final Candidates

• Background check
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or negative PCR tests submitted at least weekly (reasonable accommodations will be considered)

Hours and Work Environment

Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. CFC employs a hybrid work environment with weekly in-person team meetings at our Seattle office and flexible remote work schedules. Additional hours may be required at times.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting annual salary range is $70,000 – $80,000 USD (monthly pay frequency)
• Salary increases and/or promotions based on outstanding performance
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO), holidays, sabbatical, and other leave allowances
• Employer contributions to each employee’s SIMPLE IRA retirement plan / up to 3% per month
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plan / 90% employer-funded
• Commuter benefits reimbursement of up to $100 per month
• Funds to support professional development and job training resources

Equal Opportunity

City Forest Credits is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, including the diversity of thought and experience. We are committed to building an open and inclusive culture for all employees. We consider all applicants without regard to education, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, skills, level of experience, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local law. We strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply

Resumes accepted through March 11, 2022. Please email cover letter (not to exceed one page) and resume (not to exceed two pages) to [email protected]. Please reference the job title in the subject line. Successful candidates will be contacted via email for an initial interview. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Job Categories: CO2 / GHG Emissions. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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