WHO WE ARE
At Parks California, our vision is for vibrant, healthy parks that welcome, engage, and inspire. As the official statutory, nonprofit partner to California State Parks, working statewide, we’re uniquely positioned to innovate and work hand-in-hand with communities and experts to bring resources together — ensuring that everyone can experience healthy and thriving parks for generations to come. As a team, each of us at Parks California strives to:
- Be a valued and trusted partner organization.
- Serve as catalysts for the future of parks.
- Cultivate a culture of philanthropy.
- Model emotional and cultural intelligence in our work every day.
- Embody the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Parks California was created to be a new model of public, private, and non-profit partnership. We’re a proud partner of 1% for the Planet, a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental organizations working together to support people and the planet. We currently operate over 30 projects, which are funded by government, public-private partnership agreements as well as the generous support of private donations.
Want to learn more? Check out our website.
OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENT
One of Parks California’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people develop talent and skills outside traditional job scopes, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Programs, Access & Belonging oversees a portfolio of projects designed to increase equitable access to parks and create welcoming, inclusive and climate resilient spaces where all people throughout California truly feel at home. This role will be responsible for forming partnerships with communities to deepen relationships with nature and become future stewards and advocates. This position will also work collaboratively with park managers, community nonprofits, universities and consultants, leading projects to create meaningful park experiences that foster long term connections to nature and a sense of belonging.
The Director of Programs is responsible for budget oversight, strategic planning, and the development, implementation, and evaluation of essential program areas, including direct management of program staff and managing relationships with key park partners. The Director leads a statewide strategy to increase equitable access at California State Parks and oversees multiple statewide grant programs that foster local community partnerships with parks.
The ideal candidate may come from a variety of career pathways. Critical to success will be a passion for the mission of the organization and a dedication to partnering with and advancing the interests of diverse local communities. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and an active and empathetic listener who is able to build strong and enduring relationships. They must be collaborative, creative, and flexible. Experience managing multi-year complex projects with diverse community groups and a deeply-rooted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management:
- Oversee Access and Belonging programmatic activities, budgets, and multi-year projects
- Serve as subject matter expert within Parks California. Participate in important decision-making processes related to Parks California’s efforts.
- Manage Parks California’s efforts, relationships, and reputation across statewide communities.
- Actively contribute to the development and implementation of the organizational strategic plan, and capture of program metrics and impact.
- Support organizational fundraising and communications efforts through content creation and event participation.
- Participate in board meetings when necessary.
Project Implementation:
- Manage relationships with California State Parks and other partners, identifying opportunities to advance mission priorities and then collaboratively designing project scopes to address identified challenges.
- Serve as the primary liaison with community organizations, education/nonprofit partners, and government agencies. Work to align partners on purpose and develop multi-stakeholder projects that support shared missions.
- Effectively manage third-party contractors including contract negotiations, relationship management and accountability to and ensure all contracts are completed successfully.
- Manage budgets at the project and program level, ensuring that financial goals are met, and resources are effectively managed to support program excellence.
- Design and oversee grant programs to provide funding to local community partners aligned with Parks California’s mission.
Staff Management & Development:
- Supervise full-time and part-time staff and oversee the work of contractors, interns, and partners assigned to projects.
- Provide ongoing professional development opportunities and conduct annual staff performance evaluations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep commitment to our values, mission and core values; and dedication to continuous listening and learning to increase cultural competency on a personal and organizational level.
- At least nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in program management and partnership coordination. Public sector/nonprofit experience preferred.
- Proven program leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Demonstrated experience managing contractors and mentoring and supervising staff.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce high quality written reports and presentations and comfort with public speaking.
- Experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders at the local community level to co-create solutions.
- Strong cultural competence, interpersonal skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts and find common ground.
- Advanced partnership skills demonstrated by an ability to collaborate with both community and government partners and build consensus across a diverse set of stakeholders and work towards collective impact.
- Robust project management skills, including multi-year project design and implementation, writing and managing consulting contracts, and overseeing project budgets.
- Excellent organizational skills and an ability to work concurrently on multiple projects and manage deadlines independently.
- Proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Ability to use project management software such as Monday.com and grant management software such as Foundant.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This role reports to the Vice President of Programs and will work cross-functionally with Communications, Development and Operations/Finance to achieve goals and desired outcomes.
OFFICE LOCATION
We are a remote-first organization, which allows us to work from anywhere in California virtually, including in some of the most beautiful natural spaces across the state. The person who fills this role must reside in California. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS
The successful candidate must be able to travel within California approximately 20% – 30% of the year. Approved expenses will be covered.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Full-time annual salaried position of $115,000 – $130,000, DOE.
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- 401K plan with employer match up to 5% and no waiting period
- $150 per month reimbursement for home Internet and mobile phone service
- 20 days paid vacation, increasing to 23 days after 2 years
- 10 paid sick days
- 13 paid holidays
- flexible, family-friendly schedule
- medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, group and voluntary life insurance, EAP
- training and development resources
- California Annual Park Pass
APPLY
Please submit a current resume and cover letter.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter by Sunday, May 4, 2025.
START DATE
Anticipated start date is mid-June 2025.
