Sr. Program Manager, REC - National Assoc of Counties

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only organization that supports our nations’ counties’ elected officials through policy and advocacy work. NACo seeks a Senior Program Manager for Resilient Economies & Communities to join our Counties Futures Lab.

The position is dependent on the availability of project-based outside funding

Position Responsibilities and Activities:

• Leads NACo’s environmental disaster activities through providing strategic and content expertise pertaining to threats and opportunities for counties related to the environment, including climate action planning, disaster mitigation, access to and use of federal funds and intergovernmental partnerships.
• Build partnerships with federal, regional and philanthropic partners to strengthen county government understanding, resources and response to extreme weather conditions and events.
• Develop, disseminate and promote NACo initiatives for Resilient Economies and Communities in written materials, partner meetings, national webinars, small group convenings and national events.
• Manage the timely delivery and quality of deliverables for project activities related to resilience, including disaster mitigation, land-use and resiliency planning, emergency response and recovery, and other initiatives relevant to county needs and interests.
• Manage research, funder and intergovernmental partnerships to support peer learning for local leaders, facilitate coaching for under-resourced communities and develop storytelling materials for a national audience.
• Advise NACo partners on county roles and authorities in, perspectives on and opportunities for community planning and the natural and built environment.
• Serve as NACo liaison to multiple networks of county leaders focused on resiliency topics, including disaster resiliency planning, emergency response, and improving relationships to the federal grantmaking process with a focus on conservation and disaster mitigation projects.
• Research best practices and develop educational resources such as webinars, workshops, case studies, toolkits and issue briefs.
• Develop, forecast, monitor and ensure adherence to program budgets; work well across departments to ensure timely completion of financial and narrative reports to program funders.
• Maintain productive ongoing relationships with NACo members, foundation and corporate funders, federal partners and other NACo departments.
• Identify funding opportunities and lead proposal development for future projects related to environment and resiliency.
• Supervise up to two (2) program or research intern(s).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in environmental resilience-related work. Highly qualified candidates will have at least 6 years of program or project management experience in nonprofit, consultancy, academia, public policy, government or foundation sector. Experience working with or for local government a plus but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of and/or experience in key areas of resilience, including disaster mitigation and/or recovery, emergency management systems, community sustainability, urban/regional planning.
• Federal grants management experience is a plus but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including in public speaking and in conducting formal meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong Project management and organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects without compromising quality or timely delivery. Strong project management experience preferred.
• Brings collaboration, innovative ideas and creativity to the position and work products;works well as part of a team and with external partners.
• Ability to work well in a political environment while maintaining non-partisan perspective.
• Ability to work well with external partners, including communities and stakeholders from ideologically, racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

Working Conditions:

• Some travel is required, estimated at four to six trips per year.
• In office work schedule minimum 2 days a week

Application Procedures

Persons interested in this position should submit a resume with cover letter and salary requirements to: resumes@naco.org.

Why Work at NACo

Our vision is healthy, safe and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral part of the intergovernmental responsibilities. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

NACo is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Teammates of NACo enjoy a fun and challenging environment with a wide range of competitive benefits. Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision and dental insurance; generous paid leave and federal holidays; transportation subsidy; tuition assistance; 401(k) match, pension plans, group life insurance, voluntary payroll deductions for pet insurance, and credit union membership pet insurance, credit union membership and short/long term disability coverage including applicable parental leave and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

At NACo, we embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage and perspectives, embedding these principles into our daily routine. We lead with empathy, savor learning opportunities, and embrace our collective experiences for a deeper understanding of different viewpoints from our members, teammates, and partners so we can grow collectively and individually. We value our varied backgrounds and experiences as we pursue an equitable and inclusive workplace that upholds respect and civility and fosters a sense of belonging.

Join us as we advance excellence in public service to help people and places thrive.