Based in the Phoenix, AZ area, the Healthy Cities Program Manager works directly with the business unit’s Healthy Cities Program Director to advance the Healthy Cities Program’s long-term vision and innovative, high impact strategies that equitably build cool, healthy, and climate-resilient cities in Arizona, with a focus across the Phoenix Metro Area. The Healthy Cities Program Manager will focus on advancing the Conservancy’s work to make a strong economic case for public and private investment nature-based solutions that mitigate heat to benefit people, nature and the economy. They will lead the implementation of key strategies and projects that will create the enabling conditions to mainstream the use of nature-based solutions that reduce heat such as urban tree canopy cover and green stormwater infrastructure. The Healthy Cities Program Manager will focus on removing implementation barriers and making a strong economic case for private sector investment in nature-based solutions. The goal is to increase tree canopy cover in frontline communities in the 10 large municipalities in the Phoenix Metro Area.

The Healthy Cities Program Manager will establish the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in the Phoenix Metro Area with key stakeholders in the private sector, academia, community-based organizations, municipal and county government. The Healthy Cities Program Manager will build new partnerships and foster existing relationships to broaden the constituency of supporters for increasing urban tree canopy cover in frontline communities. They will oversee the implementation strategies to increase public and private investment in nature-based solutions that mitigate heat across the Phoenix Metro Area. May supervise other staff member, volunteer, vendor and/or contractor. Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

1. Strategy Development and Implementation (approximately 25%)
   1. Lead implementation of strategies identified in Healthy Cities Program Strategic Plan, particularly those strategies focused on engaging the private sector (e.g. real estate developers)
   2. In collaboration with the Healthy Cities Program Director, develop detailed Healthy Cities 3-year business plan
   3. Track and report progress toward Healthy Cities Program targets, learn, and rapidly evolve and adapt, as needed.
2. Building and Sustaining Relationships (approximately 25%)
   1. Develop, steward and advance key strategic partnerships, particularly with the private sector
   2. Play a leading role in building strategic partnerships with academia and scientific community to fill science gaps and make a strong economic case for increasing public and private investment in nature-based solutions
3. Project Management (approximately 35%)
   1. Oversee day-to-day project management activities including coordinating multiple projects, developing and tracking project work plans, partner grant agreements, as well as tracking project expenditures and timelines.
   2. Develop and manage vendor contracts, including reviewing and tracking deliverables
   3. Develop and implement projects and innovative nature-based solutions that reduce heat and improve air quality in partnership with the private sector, academia, government agencies, conservation partners, consultants, and others.
4. Other (15%)
   1. In collaboration with the Healthy Cities Program Director, work with the Development team to raise funds for projects including developing proposals, reports, presentations and cultivating donors.
   2. Represent the Conservancy in public forums and represent the Conservancy with the private sector, academic community, government agencies, media outlets and the general public.
   3. In collaboration with the Marketing team and Healthy Cities Program Director, develop marketing and communication materials to raise awareness about nature-based solutions and best practices that mitigate heat.
   4. Other duties as required.

• Foster existing partnerships and build new ones, particularly with the business community
• Identify opportunities to collaborate across functions within the business unit and North America region to best utilize staff resources and best align with the Conservancy’s Shared Conservation Agenda.
• Recruit and manage high quality and effective multi-disciplinary contractors and interns, with possibility of hiring and supervising staff members as the Program grows.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for projects while controlling costs and tracking project expenditures
• Collaborate closely and provide support to Healthy Cities Program Director and Development team to ensure public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.
• Build cooperation with the private sector, government agencies, academia, conservation partners, and others to accomplish program goals.
• Actively participate in the Conservancy’s North America Cities Program Network and other related teams; collaborate with other cities’ leads in the network to exchange best practices and learning in urban conservation.
• Resolve routine problems independently; consult supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
• May require frequent local travel and evening and weekend hours.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Ensures that The Nature Conservancy’s Youth Safety policy is adhered to when there are any activities that may include youth.
• Be willing to travel, work overtime, and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Travel will include around the Phoenix area on a regular basis; occasionally other locations in Arizona and in U.S. (retreats, training, etc.).
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Lift, move, push, pull 20 pounds on a regular basis.