National Forest Foundation
Join to apply for the Associate SCLF Officer role at National Forest Foundation
Description
National Forest Foundation (NFF)
is pleased to offer an exempt, full‑time position that will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, building a portfolio, and stewarding relationships with state agencies, local governments, community foundations, and targeted federal programs.
About the NFF : As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1993. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds, wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country. The Foundation has grown significantly in programmatic impact, revenue, and support, and organizational capacity. NFF leads with impact, deploying roughly 90 % of its expenses toward projects and programs across the country’s 193‑million‑acre National Forest System. NFF is forward‑thinking and innovative, with ambitious strategies and goals to advance and prepare forests for a new economy.
Position Function : The Associate SCLF Officer (State, Local, Community Foundation & Federal) will secure public and philanthropic funding that drives high‑impact conservation outcomes across National Forests. This position reports to the Senior Director of Institutional Giving and plays a key role within NFF’s Advancement team. Working in tight partnership with the regional Conservation Program leaders, this position translates on‑ground project needs into compelling proposals aligned with regional priorities, local politics, and funder expectations. Many opportunities involve match requirements, making this role essential in leveraging public investment with private philanthropy.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
Grant Identification & Pipeline Development
Research and track funding opportunities from state agencies, local governments, special districts, community foundations, and specific federal programs across U.S. Forest Service Regions 6/10 (Pacific Northwest and Alaska), 5 (California), and 9 (Eastern).
Build and maintain a proactive grant pipeline across multiple geographic regions where NFF operates.
Evaluate alignment between potential opportunities and NFF’s conservation strategies and project priorities.
Proposal Development & Grant Writing
Develop high‑quality, competitive grant proposals, including narratives, work plans, budgets, deliverables, and community‑benefit framing.
Collaborate closely with Conservation Program Managers to source technical details, scope project needs, and ensure proposal accuracy and feasibility.
Tailor messaging to diverse audiences—from local city councils to state resource agencies to community foundation boards—taking into account regional political dynamics.
Ensure all materials reflect NFF’s commitment to ecological integrity, community partnership, and alignment with U.S. Forest Service mission and expectations.
Relationship Management & Stewardship
Partner with Conservation Program leaders to cultivate, maintain, and strengthen relationships with program officers, state and local officials, and community foundation staff.
Serve as a communications bridge between Advancement and Conservation teams in shaping strategies for each opportunity.
Manage stewardship of awarded grants, including reporting, financial tracking, narrative updates, and donor recognition requirements in collaboration with Finance and Marketing/Communications.
Represent NFF in meetings, presentations, and site discussions with funders and civic partners.
Internal Collaboration & Grant Management
Work with Finance on budgeting, fund coding, grant compliance, match tracking, and reporting schedules.
Coordinate with Advancement staff to align public funding with private fundraising strategies and identify opportunities for match amplification.
Maintain accurate tracking of proposals, deadlines, requirements, and reporting in NFF systems.
Contribute to improving proposal workflows, templates, and institutional knowledge across regions.
Education and Qualifications Minimum qualifications for the Associate SCLF Officer include:
Minimum of 3 years of experience in grantwriting, institutional fundraising, public agency engagement, or related fields.
Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex conservation work into strong, funder‑ready narratives.
Strong understanding of state/local government funding structures, community foundations, or federal funding programs.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex proposals and deadlines simultaneously.
Knowledge of forestry, restoration, wildfire resilience, conservation, or recreation infrastructure issues at a local/regional level.
Ability to build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
Familiarity with government grant compliance, budget development, and post‑award management.
Ability to navigate local political landscapes and communicate effectively with civic leaders.
Experience with CRM or grant management tools preferred.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Abilities and Skills
Diplomatic communicator who can adjust tone and approach to suit different audiences.
Structured thinker with excellent project management and organizational skills.
Comfortable operating across regions and coordinating with multiple program teams.
Mission‑driven, collaborative, and enthusiastic about advancing NFF’s conservation impact.
Location The position is flexible throughout the lower 48 states with a preference for candidates located in Forest Service Regions 6/10 (Pacific Northwest and Alaska), Region 5 (California), and Region 9 (Eastern). This is a remote/work‑from‑home position requiring reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.
Compensation NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $68,000 to $82,750, with the ability to grow to $97,500 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually. NFF monitors mandated state minimum wage updates and honors individual state conditions during the offer process.
Benefits
Health and Wellness
Medical and dental insurance paid at 75 % by the organization for you and any dependents.
Vision insurance paid 50 % by the organization for you and any dependents.
Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878–$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.
Financial Well‑Being
403(b) retirement plan with a 5 % employer match after one year of service.
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance at no cost.
Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
Whole life insurance at a discounted rate.
Flexibility and Time Off
Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service).
Family & medical leave for up to sixteen weeks with up to four weeks paid.
Personal Development
Training & Development Programs.
Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.
Journey of a Lifetime
The opportunity to support an incredible mission and travel to/work in spectacular locations.
To Apply Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting will close on January 10th, 2026, or earlier if filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.
Seniority Level : Mid‑Senior level Employment Type : Full‑time Job Function : Management and Manufacturing
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Description
National Forest Foundation (NFF)
is pleased to offer an exempt, full‑time position that will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, building a portfolio, and stewarding relationships with state agencies, local governments, community foundations, and targeted federal programs.
About the NFF : As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1993. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds, wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country. The Foundation has grown significantly in programmatic impact, revenue, and support, and organizational capacity. NFF leads with impact, deploying roughly 90 % of its expenses toward projects and programs across the country’s 193‑million‑acre National Forest System. NFF is forward‑thinking and innovative, with ambitious strategies and goals to advance and prepare forests for a new economy.
Position Function : The Associate SCLF Officer (State, Local, Community Foundation & Federal) will secure public and philanthropic funding that drives high‑impact conservation outcomes across National Forests. This position reports to the Senior Director of Institutional Giving and plays a key role within NFF’s Advancement team. Working in tight partnership with the regional Conservation Program leaders, this position translates on‑ground project needs into compelling proposals aligned with regional priorities, local politics, and funder expectations. Many opportunities involve match requirements, making this role essential in leveraging public investment with private philanthropy.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
Grant Identification & Pipeline Development
Research and track funding opportunities from state agencies, local governments, special districts, community foundations, and specific federal programs across U.S. Forest Service Regions 6/10 (Pacific Northwest and Alaska), 5 (California), and 9 (Eastern).
Build and maintain a proactive grant pipeline across multiple geographic regions where NFF operates.
Evaluate alignment between potential opportunities and NFF’s conservation strategies and project priorities.
Proposal Development & Grant Writing
Develop high‑quality, competitive grant proposals, including narratives, work plans, budgets, deliverables, and community‑benefit framing.
Collaborate closely with Conservation Program Managers to source technical details, scope project needs, and ensure proposal accuracy and feasibility.
Tailor messaging to diverse audiences—from local city councils to state resource agencies to community foundation boards—taking into account regional political dynamics.
Ensure all materials reflect NFF’s commitment to ecological integrity, community partnership, and alignment with U.S. Forest Service mission and expectations.
Relationship Management & Stewardship
Partner with Conservation Program leaders to cultivate, maintain, and strengthen relationships with program officers, state and local officials, and community foundation staff.
Serve as a communications bridge between Advancement and Conservation teams in shaping strategies for each opportunity.
Manage stewardship of awarded grants, including reporting, financial tracking, narrative updates, and donor recognition requirements in collaboration with Finance and Marketing/Communications.
Represent NFF in meetings, presentations, and site discussions with funders and civic partners.
Internal Collaboration & Grant Management
Work with Finance on budgeting, fund coding, grant compliance, match tracking, and reporting schedules.
Coordinate with Advancement staff to align public funding with private fundraising strategies and identify opportunities for match amplification.
Maintain accurate tracking of proposals, deadlines, requirements, and reporting in NFF systems.
Contribute to improving proposal workflows, templates, and institutional knowledge across regions.
Education and Qualifications Minimum qualifications for the Associate SCLF Officer include:
Minimum of 3 years of experience in grantwriting, institutional fundraising, public agency engagement, or related fields.
Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex conservation work into strong, funder‑ready narratives.
Strong understanding of state/local government funding structures, community foundations, or federal funding programs.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex proposals and deadlines simultaneously.
Knowledge of forestry, restoration, wildfire resilience, conservation, or recreation infrastructure issues at a local/regional level.
Ability to build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
Familiarity with government grant compliance, budget development, and post‑award management.
Ability to navigate local political landscapes and communicate effectively with civic leaders.
Experience with CRM or grant management tools preferred.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Abilities and Skills
Diplomatic communicator who can adjust tone and approach to suit different audiences.
Structured thinker with excellent project management and organizational skills.
Comfortable operating across regions and coordinating with multiple program teams.
Mission‑driven, collaborative, and enthusiastic about advancing NFF’s conservation impact.
Location The position is flexible throughout the lower 48 states with a preference for candidates located in Forest Service Regions 6/10 (Pacific Northwest and Alaska), Region 5 (California), and Region 9 (Eastern). This is a remote/work‑from‑home position requiring reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.
Compensation NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $68,000 to $82,750, with the ability to grow to $97,500 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually. NFF monitors mandated state minimum wage updates and honors individual state conditions during the offer process.
Benefits
Health and Wellness
Medical and dental insurance paid at 75 % by the organization for you and any dependents.
Vision insurance paid 50 % by the organization for you and any dependents.
Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878–$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.
Financial Well‑Being
403(b) retirement plan with a 5 % employer match after one year of service.
Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance at no cost.
Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
Whole life insurance at a discounted rate.
Flexibility and Time Off
Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service).
Family & medical leave for up to sixteen weeks with up to four weeks paid.
Personal Development
Training & Development Programs.
Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.
Journey of a Lifetime
The opportunity to support an incredible mission and travel to/work in spectacular locations.
To Apply Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting will close on January 10th, 2026, or earlier if filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.
Seniority Level : Mid‑Senior level Employment Type : Full‑time Job Function : Management and Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr