The Ember Alliance is a national organization of wildland fire practitioners, researchers, analysts, and instructors dedicated to increasing the pace and scale of prescribed fire. The mission of The Ember Alliance is to restore the relationship between communities and fire on the landscape.

The Ember Alliance is a just and transparent workplace that strives for clear and kind communication. Our team is committed to centering fire practitioners from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, including those who have not worked in fire before. We are dedicated to a workplace that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, that supports work / life balance, and that supports growth. 

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to join our organization as a Director of Resilient Communities and Ecosystems. As the Director, you will oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of our programs. Our Resilient Communities and Ecosystems (RCE) Team works on projects that support Fire Adapted Communities and that build resilience along the full continuum of the Wildland Urban Interface. You will play a crucial role in driving our mission forward, ensuring that our programs are impactful, efficient, and aligned with the organization's strategic goals. This is a leadership position that requires exceptional organizational, communication, and management skills, as well as a deep commitment to our mission and vision. 

If you think you are a good fit for the job and for The Ember Alliance, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every qualification. 

Interviews will begin September 1, after which position will remain open until filled.

Key Responsibilities 

Program Development and Management 

• Lead the development and implementation of Resilient Communities and Ecosystems programs including ideation, partner and team collaboration, program evaluation, and budget management. 
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for new and existing programs. 
• Reports to funders, Board members, and other partners, providing updates on program outcomes, challenges, and future directions. 

Team Leadership 

• Supervise and mentor program staff to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, professional development, and a shared sense of purpose. 
• Identify training opportunities and implement performance evaluations to support the professional development of staff and build the knowledge of the team. 

Wildfire and Community Preparedness Subject Matter Expertise 

• Advise and assist the RCE team as a subject matter expert on wildland fire and community planning topics. 
• Facilitate productive connections with strategic partners and navigate the organizational and personal relationships and history among fire professionals around Colorado/US.  
• Contribute to on-the-ground research that benefits the wildland fire communities with an emphasis on prescribed fire and community preparedness.   

Strategic Planning 

• Serve on the Senior Strategic Team that reports to the CEO to develop and execute the organization's strategic plan and annual operating budget and to allocate resources to support program activities and staff development. 
• Provide quarterly or as needed reports at the Board of Directors meetings, including timely updates on successes and challenges. 

Partner Engagement 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations, funders, and community leaders to expand programmatic impact including formal and informal partnerships with local, state, and federal governmental agencies and contacts.  
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Team to raise awareness of our programs and impact through various channels. 
• Represent The Ember Alliance at external events, conferences, and meetings, to advocate for our programs and cultivate partnerships. 

Policy Engagement and Support 

• Coordinate with other SMEs to improve fire-related policy at local, state, and national levels. 

If you meet 70% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum:

• Degree in Ecosystem Management, Fire Science, or related field. Proven experience (5+ years) in program management within a nonprofit organization, with a track record of successfully designing, implementing, and evaluating programs.  
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. 
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey complex information to various partners. 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances. 
• Experience in budgeting, resource allocation, and financial management for programs. 
• Passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to social impact.

Preferred:

• Master’s or PhD in Wildland Fire related field, 7+ years of experience in program management and executive leadership 
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and compliance requirements for federal contracts. 

Schedule Requirements 

This is an at-will position. The average work week is 40 hours, but the schedule may vary depending on project needs. 

Pay and Benefits 

Salary: $34-36 per hour, salary annualized as $70,720 to $74,880. The Ember Alliance uses an hourly wage for all employees.

The Ember Alliance is proud to offer a competitive benefits package for permanent-full-time employees which includes health and dental insurance coverage with an employer match of 80% for the employee only, an employer sponsored $50,000 life insurance policy, paid time off, paid holidays, bereavement leave, paid sick leave, long-term disability, and benefits coverage for up to two weeks of leave-with-out-pay per year. Additionally, full time employees with 3 months of employment are entitled to participate in an immediately vested 401k tax-advantaged retirement savings plan with 4% employer match. 

Location 

100% Office + Remote (Preferred 1st Fort Collins, 2nd Colorado, 3rd Montana, 4th anywhere)  

The Ember Alliance is based out of Fort Collins, CO. The team works on projects in various states and has remote members.

The Ember Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.