Foundation for America's Public Lands - Program Operations Manager

This is a remote position.

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands is a pioneering startup on a mission to support the sustainability of our public lands and waters. Chartered by Congress, we are the official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management with a pivotal mission: to connect us to our public lands and waters and sustain these special places for the benefit of present and future generations.

Standing on the cusp on an exciting chapter, we are set to become a cornerstone institution, working in close partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and a strong network of local to national stakeholders who share our vision. Our work is ambitious, impactful, and essential – and we are building the inaugural team that will be critical to shaping the Foundation’s future. 

With co-headquarters in Grand Junction, CO, and Washington, DC, the Foundation is poised for growth and to have a substantial impact on the future of our nation’s public lands and waters. Discover more about our mission and how you can contribute to this groundbreaking journey at www.americaslands.org.

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking a highly organized, solutions-oriented, and resourceful Program Operations Manager to advance our mission and strengthen the internal operations of our growing program team. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, you will play a key role in supporting grantmaking processes, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, refining systems, and managing stakeholder engagement activities.

You will thrive in a startup environment where building infrastructure and streamlining operations are critical to success. You are energized by bringing order to complexity—tracking details, implementing tools and workflows, and supporting internal and external coordination to ensure programs are delivered efficiently and effectively.

If you are passionate about public lands, excel at project coordination and internal operations, and enjoy building systems that help teams do their best work, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to an organization with national impact.

What You’ll Do:

• Administrative, Operations, and Project Support: Provide high-level support to the Program Team, including calendar management, stakeholder correspondence, cross-functional coordination, and report preparation. Design and refine foundational internal processes and tools to support the smooth delivery of cross-program activities.
  

• Grantmaking Support: Support the program team and work closely with the Grants Administrator to administer grantmaking workflows, including due diligence, grant application guidance, review dockets, award processing, and compliance tracking. Provide direct support to Program Officers in managing and monitoring grants, ensuring data accuracy and timely execution. 
  

• Database Management: Develop and manage a comprehensive stakeholder and grants management database and implement founding systems and processes to ensure data accuracy and accessibility. Leverage data insights to inform continuous learning and improvement of stakeholder relations and program operations.
  

• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a liaison with stakeholders across diverse sectors, including outdoor recreation, conservation, tourism, ranching, energy, and hunting/fishing communities, to advance the Foundation’s priorities.
  

• Collaborative Teamwork: Work closely with internal team members, including the Program, Finance, and Communications Teams, to enhance coordination of cross-functional workflows, manage program timelines, and support the delivery of high-quality outcomes across program initiatives. 
  

• Event Management and Logistics: Plan and coordinate community meetings, site visits, public outreach events, and track related stakeholder correspondence, ensuring seamless execution of logistics and schedules. 
  

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Operations, Grant Administration, Public Relations, Public Policy, Project Management) or equivalent professional experience.
  

• Professional Experience: 3–5 years of experience in project management, administrative support, and operations management in a related role. At least one year of grant management experience a plus.
  

• Organizational Skills: Proven ability to effectively track, manage, and prioritize tasks while balancing multiple projects and deadlines.
  

• Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage complex logistics, particularly within government or NGO contexts.
  

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build and sustain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including elected officials and community members.
  

• Technical Proficiency: Competence in using databases and contact management systems (Salesforce is a plus), and project management tools to organize, track, and report on program activities and stakeholder engagement.
  

• Passion and Pragmatism: A deep commitment to public lands, recreation, and conservation, with a grounded and practical approach to advancing these priorities.
  

• Teamwork and Independence: A collaborative mindset combined with the ability to work independently, bringing a proactive and solution-oriented approach to every task.
  

What Success Looks Like:

• Operational Efficiency: Proactive contributions to the operational needs of the Program Team, including streamlined workflows, well-maintained systems, and effective coordination that enable the team to achieve its goals.
  

• Seamless Grant Administration: Efficient and accurate management of grantmaking administrative activities that support advancement of the Foundation’s priorities and maintain compliance with established protocols.
  

• Event Excellence: High-quality planning and execution of events, meetings, and logistics that strengthen stakeholder engagement and foster meaningful public outreach.
  

• Data Management: Well-organized and accessible systems for managing stakeholder data and community engagement efforts, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
  

• Strong Relationships: Productive and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including the BLM, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and local communities, built on trust and mutual alignment with the Foundation’s mission. 
  

Benefits

What Makes This Role Exciting:

• Impact & Influence: Play a pivotal role in shaping the programmatic initiatives of the Foundation, ensuring the sustainability of public lands and waters for generations to come.
  

• Startup Innovation: Be part of building an organization from the ground up, applying best practices and creating impactful processes.
  

• Professional Growth: Contribute to operational excellence, see the tangible outcomes of your work, and grow with a collaborative and supportive team.
  

• Meaningful Mission: Join a culture dedicated to finding bipartisan, solutions-oriented pathways for public lands stewardship.
  

Why Join Us?

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to preserving and enhancing America’s public lands and waters. You’ll be stepping into a role where you can truly make a difference, setting the direction for a foundation that will leave a lasting legacy. If you’re ready to build something groundbreaking and leave your mark on conservation, we’d love to hear from you!