Job Title: Programs Manager

Reports to: Chief Mission Officer 

Position Status: Full Time, Exempt 

Date available: February 2024

About Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. A non-profit established in 1992, APF fills the city’s funding and resource gap needed to develop, maintain and enhance the area’s nearly 300 parks, trails and green spaces. 

About the Position

APF operates a portfolio of programs that support people and parks: The Adopt-A-Park Program, the ACL Music Festival Grants Program, the Volunteer Program and the Sponsored Fund Account Program. These programs facilitate the use and enjoyment of parks by making parks active, well-cared for, accessible and safe. While the programs are distinct, there is much overlap in the stakeholders served throughout the programs. This position will be one of two Program Managers who will work in tandem to provide oversight, direction and leadership to the team. 

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced program manager who is a strategic thinker that is adept at navigating multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously. This role works very closely with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and partner organizations to best achieve APF’s mission. A passion for parks, people and the outdoors is essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Essential Functions 

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with a variety of stakeholders and deadlines
• Organize and execute trainings, workshops and orientations for program participants, including the annual Parks Summit 
• Foster collaboration and communication among program team members
• Create yearly operational work plans and measure outcomes toward their success
• Communicate project updates to relevant internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with grant writer on grant proposals and reports
• Manage programmatic budgets and metrics
• Assist park steward groups in supporting their park projects, including the administration of grants
• Collaborate interdepartmentally in order to achieve shared goals 
• Connect Park Adopters and community stakeholders with resources, and when needed, proactively create trainings and resources to fill gaps
• Provide direction, support, and prioritization guidance in mentorship to direct reports
• Delegate tasks as needed to to achieve goals
• Maintain a strong relationship with City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with partner organizations
• Represent APF and participate in relevant external meetings, including internal and external speaking/presentations
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements/Qualifications

• 5 years of program management experience, preferably in the non-profit or public sectors
• 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate and/or lead
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable speaking publicly on behalf of APF
• Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a variety of audiences, including staff, volunteers, community leaders, partner organizations, and city staff
• Passion for the APF mission with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Proficiency in Google Suite and CRM database
• Knowledge of Austin community and public park system 
• Excel proficiency and strong data/evaluation skills preferred but not require
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred but not required
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or related field, but 8 years of relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

Physical Demand & Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment; partially remote with frequent in-person meetings (both internal and external); occasional night and weekend hours
• Occasional time spent outdoors to visit park projects and engage with stakeholders

Benefits

APF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental, vision, disability, 401K match program, and generous PTO.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities Commitment

We value collaboration, innovation, dependability and inclusiveness. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Salary Range Transparency

$70,000 - $80,000 USD per year

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, certifications and credentials. The range listed is just one component of APF total compensation package for employees.

How to Apply