Conservation Communities Manager

About the Open Space Institute  

The Open Space Institute (OSI) is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. and Canada. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats climate change, while curbing its devastating effects. OSI has an operating budget of $66 million, of which $36 million is derived through philanthropy, and is engaged in several multi-year campaigns and initiatives to support its mission.   

The Open Space Institute is deeply committed to equity in our field and our organization. We are working to address systemic inequities that exclude people from the many benefits that land provides. And we’re building a team and culture within OSI that reflects the true diversity of the communities we aim to serve.  

Position Summary 

The Conservation Communities Manager plays a key role in supporting the Vice President of Conservation Communities by overseeing the daily operations of OSI’s Citizen Action Program, administering community grants, and leading the Conservation Diversity Fellowship. This two-year, full-time paid fellowship promotes diversity in conservation by providing hands-on experience to college graduates across various conservation disciplines within the organization’s programmatic reach. The Conservation Communities Manager oversees fiscal sponsorship, back-office support, and mentorship for Citizen Action groups and fellows, ensuring projects are following program guidelines.  

• Position Title: Conservation Communities Manager   
• Reports To: Vice President of Conservation Communities   
• Department: Conservation Communities   
• Location: OSI’s NYC Office – Midtown   
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid: in office 3 - 4 days per week, and in accordance with business needs 
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 
• FLSA Status: Exempt   

Responsibilities and Duties 

Fiscal Sponsorship and Citizen Action Support 

• Manage the sponsored projects' files, including organizing records and requests. 
• Assist Citizen Action groups with funding proposals and ensure compliance with regulations for public grants. 
• Oversee financial reporting processes, including tracking financial activities and coordinating with the finance department. 
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping in the Raiser’s Edge database for CitAc donors. 
• Review and approve payment and reimbursement requests and manage compliance with OSI’s policies. 

Community Grants Administration 

• Administer McHenry Award and Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund grants, including outreach, reporting, and compliance. 
• Coordinate networking events, cohort development, and technical assistance for Citizen Action project leaders. 
• Conduct site visits and check-ins with sponsored groups to ensure ongoing compliance and project development. 

Conservation Diversity Fellowship 

• Hire, mentor, and guide Conservation Fellows, providing support for their work plan development and leveraging professional networks to advance their careers. 
• Support Fellows and alumni with career growth opportunities and mentorship programs. 

Equity and Inclusion Efforts 

• Amplify efforts to promote socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic diversity in conservation, identifying new funding opportunities. 
• Serve as a model for OSI’s equity competencies and manage staff to embody these principles. 
• Contribute narratives for fundraising reports related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

General Administrative Support 

• Prepare materials and assist in planning Conservation Communities Committee and Board meetings. 
• Collaborate with other departments, including Development, to support fundraising efforts. 

Qualifications and Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• Five years of experience in fiscal sponsorship or non-profit business management. 
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in various situations. 
• Strong program development and assessment skills. 
• Proven experience managing entry-level employees. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Exemplary organizational and planning skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines. 

Physical Requirements 

• Frequently sits for extended periods. 
• Frequently engages in speaking, reading, writing, and typing. 
• May occasionally need to stand, walk, lift, stoop, bend, and move files. 

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. 

Please note: If you do not wholly meet the above qualifications but believe you are otherwise well-suited to meet the needs of this position, we encourage you to apply.   

Application 

Apply at https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/careers. Please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through November 1, 2024, with earlier submissions receiving priority consideration. You will receive an acknowledgment once your application has been submitted, and we will contact you if we would like to schedule an interview. 

OSI is committed to providing a competitive compensation package. The salary for this role ranges from $75,000 - $85,000 depending on the candidate’s skill level and experience in relation to this role. The recruiting team is committed to sharing details regarding compensation based on the candidate's qualifications during the interview process. OSI provides a benefits package that exceeds market standards, including comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, generous paid time off, life and disability insurances, retirement plan, professional development assistance, and other resources designed to support the passion, commitment and energy that is vital to our team members. 

OSI is an equal opportunity employer and is actively recruiting a diverse workforce. Land conservation benefits all people.  Our mission is best advanced by the contributions and leadership of people across varying identities, including racial, gender, spiritual, and cultural. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment that fosters belonging and we look for future team members who share that same value. We encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement.    

We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, height, weight, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  We will consider qualified applicants with arrest/conviction records for employment.